Chapter 42
Daniela
I feel Dex’s arm still around me as I wake in his bed. Thank goodness he has thick curtains, because I could not handle that morning light right now. My eyes are sore as it is.
Somehow, I slept incredibly well last night. And I feel…lighter today. Like I’ve been carrying around a heavy load that’s suddenly been lifted, and I’m free to just be again.
Telling him was hard at first, but by the end of it, it was much easier.
It’s no secret that I’m not the best at sharing, but I needed to tell him.
He deserved to know. It just became harder and harder the longer I waited.
But now, I’m so glad I finally shared it with him.
I feel closer to him. I’ll eventually let him know the rest—things about my past that shaped me—but not right now. A little bit at a time.
He stirs behind me, and I feel his strong arm pull me even closer. He breathes in my hair, letting out a quiet exhale.
“Morning,” he mutters.
And I’ll be damned if his extra-gravelly morning voice didn’t just give me all kinds of butterflies. I don’t even know if he still wants me after everything that happened last night, but I’ll enjoy this moment while I can.
“Good morning.”
He kisses the back of my head, then shifts to get even closer.
I’m screwed.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice still heavy with sleep.
“Better than I’ve been in a long time, actually.” I reply honestly.
“Good. Then go on a real date with me tonight.”
My heart skips.
“I was supposed to go home today…”
“When do you have to be back for work?”
“Two weeks.”
“Then you can stay a little longer. ”
“Okay.” I smile. I’m not going to make this man chase me again. I think I actually trust him, and I’m realizing how much I want him. How much I’ve always wanted him.
When did that happen?
We lay in bed a while longer, laughing and reminiscing about the reception, swapping stories. We both wonder if Jackson ever got that dance, if he ever got the guts to ask.
“I’m going to make you breakfast,” I announce, finally rising.
“Absolutely not.” He sits up. “I’m taking care of you, not the other way around.”
“Dex, please lay back down and let me do this,” I laugh. “You took care of me, now it’s my turn. I’m making it.”
And just like that, we’re back to being us again. I can’t hold back my smile.
“You’re going to be the death of me,” he groans, running a hand down his face. But I see the smile underneath it.
We take our time eating breakfast, then Dex gives me a ride to Layla and Liam’s. They already headed off to the airport this morning after spending a night at the hotel. Liam’s mom, dad, and Jackson are there still, and I need to grab all of my things.
Now that I’m sober, I take in Dex’s house in the daylight as he backs out of the driveway.
It’s cute, picturesque. Of course it’s the standard log cabin style that’s popular here, and it sits on a hill with a gorgeous view of the lake, only a few scattered trees blocking the vista.
Trees line the other sides. If it were located elsewhere, it might be considered almost modest, but I know it’s insanely pricey to live anywhere around Lake Tahoe, as Layla informed me.
It's a short drive to the house, and we’re greeted by an elated Jackson on the front porch.
“I told you guys you’d have fun hanging out together!”
We both laugh.
“You were right, dude,” Dex replies.
Sandy flashes me a knowing grin as I head to grab everything. She and Dex start chatting in the kitchen while I head to my old room to pack.
It’s been a long summer, with me practically living here. There’s a lot to gather.
Dex eventually peeks his head in, offering to help, and we knock it out quickly.
It feels weird to be leaving at last, especially without saying goodbye to Layla, but I’m not sad. Dex and I are finally on a good path, and I have a feeling I’ll be back here sooner rather than later.
We hug Sandy and Gary, Liam’s dad goodbye, saving Jackson for last. He wants to come with us, and I fight back the tears welling in my eyes as I say goodbye.
I grew close to the little guy over the last several weeks, but I know I’ll see him again.
Sandy distracts him with promises of ice cream later and his attention instantly shifts.
Dex packs my bags in my car and I follow him back to his house again.