So instead of torturing him with moments when I forget important things, when I cry my heart out for no reason, or when I get frustrated and angry, moments when I don’t want to speak with anyone, when I can’t even get a word out, I choose to let him free.

He doesn’t need me as a burden. I shouldn’t have let things get where they are now. To us being close, to him being the first person I speak to in the mornings, to me growing attached to him and his family.

And I have no way out.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

ELIAS

I look down at Indigo as she dips the brush into the paint can.

Yesterday we brought the majority of my stuff here. It was exhausting for both of us. We finished late last night and started early this morning, and Indigo, who isn’t a morning person, didn’t even complain.

Actually, she talked less than usual.

I can’t always tell what’s happening in that head of hers, but one thing I know is that she’s lost in her thoughts, and as much as I try to get her out of them, she keeps dragging herself right back.

It must be about the kiss that almost happened. What excuse could I possibly give her? Sorry, I got too excited and carried away? Oh, that wasn’t even my intention.

Because that means lying. I mean, yes, I was thrilled, but the excitement will never dictate my feelings. Especially toward her.

“Hey,” I raise my chin at her, along with my cup of coffee, trying to get her attention.

She’s gotten really into painting the tree on the wall. I didn’t know she was this talented, but apparently she used to do it a lot in her high school years.

“Yeah?” She moves her gaze to me. She’s kneeling, brush still dipped in paint.

“Can we…?” I scratch the back of my head, avoiding eye contact. “Can we talk?”

Surprise flashes in her eyes, and she blinks it away before nodding. She gets up and follows me into the lounge area, where we both sit on the couch.

I sigh, not wanting to make this awkward. “I don’t want things to be weird between us.”

And it’s true. Things were amazing. She started speaking more, making jokes, and having fun. She’s gradually learning to trust people, which is a significant improvement in how she was on the day we met.

“Me neither,” she shakes her head, clearly weighed down by something.