Fixing Fate

I don’t remember what it’s like not to be scared. And then I meet him. My brother’s friend and ex-partner is everything I’ll never be. Sexy, confident, and perfect. He calls me sunshine and tells me I’m beautiful. He asks me to stay.

When my past comes back with a vengeance, he proves just how much he’d risk to shield me from the demons that were never supposed to resurface.

“Stop lookin’ at me like that, Mellie.”

“Like what?”

“The same way I’m lookin’ at you. Like I wanna climb in that bed with you. Like I’m dying to feel and taste every single part of you. Like I want you to help me remember who I’m supposed to be.”

My breathing slows, but my heart still drums a rhythm so fast and loud I can hear it. “Who are you supposed to be?”

He takes a purposeful step toward me; he’s so close I can smell the bodywash he just used. Soap and man. All man. I lean closer to him as he reaches out and cups my face with his hand. “Yours.”