I glanced over to Grace. She looked so pretty, staring at me with deep, caring eyes that pulled me in. “Grace, you shouldn’t be here. I…”
“What do you mean?” She looked away from me, running her hands over her thighs, smoothing her dress. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You were pretty upset, and you said you’ve always had a hard time dealing…”
“I know,” I sighed heavily. She was referring to my drug problem. “I’m okay now.” My arms fell to my sides and I took Grace in with my eyes.
She really shouldn’t be here.
And as if she read my mind, she said words that warmed my heart. “I want to be here, Jake.” Her voice was low, soft and sweet. She shook her head. “I know I shouldn’t be here either, but I want to be here…right now, I want to be here.” She sat up straight. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I have a plan, but I don’t really want to talk about it right now.” I reached over to her and took her hand. I wanted to, I needed to hold her. I needed her to hold me back.
She scooted closer to me, then hesitated and took my chin in her other hand. “Just for now.” Then she covered her lips with her fingers, as if shocked at hearing her own words. I pulled her to me.
“Yeah,” I agreed. She curled up next to me, resting her head in the crook of my neck. Her warmth sent a comforting sensation through me, spreading like fire, melting away the cold emptiness I’d been feeling.
Just for now, this felt right.
Higher Octave (Heavy Influence #2.5) Page 9