I refuse to let that be a deterrent. Instead, I square my shoulders and stand tall as I stride toward him, pasting a smile on my face. “Hey,” I greet.

“Hey,” he says, his voice faint as he comes to a stop. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” Again, I’m not going to play around or come up with excuses. I’m all about being one hundred percent straightforward with Isaac.

“Really?” He settles his hands into his front pockets instead of reaching for me and giving me a hug, and I try not to let that disturb me either.

Can’t help but wonder if something is truly bothering him, though. It’s fairly obvious something must be.

“Yes, really.” I study him, my hands literally aching to reach out and touch him. It’s the first time I’ve been face to face with him since he slipped out of my bed a few nights ago, and my feelings for him haven’t changed. If anything, they’ve intensified. “Is something wrong?”

He studies me, his expression so serious. No smile on his face, no easygoing, ready to help Isaac in front of me right now. “Why would anything be wrong?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” I take another step, close enough that our bodies briefly brush against each other. This sends a fresh wave of sparks washing over me, making me hyperalert that he’s within touching distance. “Pretty sure you’ve been avoiding me.”

“Nah. Just been real busy with work,” he mumbles as he looks away.

As if he’s having a hard time looking at me.

Giving in to my urge, I rest my hands on his wide chest, sending him an imploring look. “Be real with me, Isaac. If you don’t want to see me anymore, just say it. Please don’t string me along. I don’t want to play games with you.”

He gazes down at me, his blue eyes as bright as the sky above us. “I have a question for you.”

I frown at his change of subject. “What is it?”

“Do you actually want to be with me? Like…really be with me?” His expression is thunderous, but I see the caution in his eyes. There’s a hint of worry there too.

As if he’s afraid I might reject him.

“Why else do you think I’m here right now?” I curl my hands into the fabric of his shirt, holding onto him. “I came for you and no one else, Isaac.”

He studies me for a moment, a war happening within him. I can feel the tension vibrating in his big body, and I’m so attuned with him, I can also note the moment where he gives in. A ragged exhale leaves him and he shakes his head, just as he mutters, “Fuck it.”

And pulls me into his arms.

Twenty

Isaac

I stayed away from her because I told myself I was doing the right thing. Amelia Lee isn’t for me. I was just lucky enough to have a tiny piece of her for a short time in my life. Otherwise, this is going nowhere. Dave basically said so, and damn it, I believed him. I always knew she was too good for me. Too pretty, too smart, too much. Our timing is off.