I lifted my head, intent flashing in my eyes. “If you don’t, I’ll be on my knees in front of you.”

He paused, holding my gaze, and I tried not to flinch at the wall I saw in him. But then he shuddered. He took my hips and brought both of us to climax.

We erupted together.

I fell against the counter, too weak to move, as we both trembled from the aftermath.

“If you’re going to go, why wait till Friday?”

I winced. His voice was devoid of anything humane.

“I’ll take you to the airport today.”

Then he pulled out, and walked out, leaving me lying there. Alone.

Chapter Forty-Five

I don’t know what I did after Reese walked away from me.

I don’t know how I got to the airport, or even packed the few items I had with me.

I don’t remember the flight back to Minneapolis.

For the next two weeks, I wouldn’t remember hardly anything.

I texted Grant when I landed.

Me: I’m at the airport. Can you pick me up?

Grant: What?! I’m at camp.

Me: Okay.

Grant: I’m coming. Are you okay?

Me: No.

Grant: Don’t go home. I have no clue what’s going on, but my gut is telling me not to let you be alone. I’m sending Janet.

I didn’t argue. That said everything. I do remember that.

Me: Okay.

I sat on a bench near the curb, my suitcase beside me, staring at nothing.

A car rolled to a stop before me. The window went down and I heard, “Charlie?”

I looked up.

It was Janet.

A little while later, we were at her house. I followed her inside, and she put her purse and keys on the counter by the door.

She took off her coat, watching me. “Do you need anything? A drink maybe?”

I almost laughed at that. “God, yes.”

Her husband was in the living room, and he paused the television. ESPN was on, and I froze, a numb feeling spreading through me as I forced myself to look at the screen. But they weren’t talking about Reese. His name wasn’t in the captions. They weren’t playing highlights of his game.

They had remembered there were other sports and teams out there.

• • •

“She hasn’t said much?”

“No. What’s wrong with her? She’s freaking me out.”

Grant had arrived and was talking to Janet in the entryway. They were using hushed tones, but they still carried to the kitchen and even the living room.

Janet’s husband gave me a pitying smile. “She’s not the greatest on tact,” he said quietly.

I shrugged. I’d known her longer than he had. It was understood.

“I want to help, but I have no idea what to say to her. Did she break up with Damian again? Why am I always in the dark?” Janet hissed.

• • •