“When I heard footsteps, I jumped out the window and hid behind a tree. Rylee came into the room, screaming at the top of her lungs. The next-door neighbor came running to her house. I watched as both of them called the police, then I got out of there and ran three blocks and I called Logan to pick me up and he drove me to his house. He burned all my bloody clothes and told me to wash myself three times. He asked me if I was sure there weren’t any witnesses. When I nodded my head, we made a pact not to speak about that night. Logan told me that he didn’t want to risk me going to prison for a crime I didn’t do. If they found gun residue on me and if they couldn’t prove that it was an accident, they would pin it on me.” Even when he’s tormented, he’s so gorgeous, he looks like a tragic Greek god that’s about to unleash his wrath.

I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders and kiss his cheek. “That’s why you have PTSD.”

He nods.

“I’m sorry, Gunner, that you had to witness that. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.” My heart bleeds for him.

“I’m taking my therapy sessions seriously now, and I’m on a low dosage of Prozac. I have a sponsor I meet with on Mondays, and I go to AA meetings regularly.”

“Good. I’m happy for you,” I say, rubbing his back. “I’m glad you told me.”

“Do you forgive me for choosing the bottle over you?” His azure eyes match my whiskey-colored eyes.

“Of course,” I say. “I forgave you before you even asked.”

He smiles at my words as he strokes my cheek and I lean in; I missed his touch.

I feel like I’m about to have a heart attack and my arms break out in goosebumps.

“You went to my graduation party?” His voice is low.

“Huh?” I ask, lifting my eyebrow.

“Ryan told me you went to my graduation party to see me.” His tone is smooth and velvety.

“He told you that?” I whisper.

Gunner nods. “What happened at the party?”