“Thanks for getting me wet,” I tell her, and she licks my nose.
There’s a knock at the door and the dogs go crazy, barking so loud it rings in my ears. I push my way through them and close the foyer door so they can’t attack whoever’s at the door. I answer it. It’s a deliveryman holding up a glass vase with beautiful white calla lilies and yellow roses. Vincent. My heart swells. I’m so happy. He knows exactly how to cheer me up.
“These are for Megan Devereux,” he says. He smiles when he sees my eyes widen.
“Thank you!” I take the vase and close the door.
I inhale the floral scents and grab the card, eager to read what Vincent wrote. But when I read it, I almost drop the vase.
Thought these would cheer you up since you can’t go outside. – Casper.
I can’t believe he did this. I’m absolutely floored. It’s such a generous gesture. I’m disappointed that it wasn’t Vincent, yet a strange excitement rushes through me knowing Casper sent them. How did he know these were my favorite flowers? Why did he send them? He knows Vincent and I are still together. We had a fight. That’s all.
But my dreams are so against Vincent, like he’s the one who killed Casper. Is my subconscious trying to tell me something?
I shake my head. How could I ever think something like that? Vincent would never shoot anyone.
Maybe I should visit Vincent? I can go to his house and wait for him to come home from school.
Hopefully, I can make it back in time, so my parents won’t know I left. I slowly dress in a lot of layers and slide into the freezing cold car. My teeth chatter and my body aches, begging me to return to bed. I back out of the drive and go to Vincent’s. I leave the heat on in my car and wait for him to arrive. I curl my legs against my chest and close my eyes.
I jump when I hear a knock at my window. Vincent opens my door and I step out. I’m so happy to see him. I missed him so much.
“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Concern fills his dark blue eyes, and I feel relieved that at least he still cares about me.
“I had to come see you. I hated that fight. Please tell me it’s not over between us. Please.”
“No, Megan. It’s not over.” His eyes soften and I relax. “I had to leave that night because I don’t want to be around you when I’m angry.”
I take his hands in mine. “I never meant to hurt you. I know you and Casper have some weird hatred toward each other.” I can’t believe I’m about to say this. “But I’ll stop talking to him.”
He raises his eyebrows and looks at me as though I’ve given him the greatest gift ever. “What? You would do that?”
“Yes. I love you. Only you. And I would do anything for you.”
Vincent’s eyes darken with desire. He lowers his lips to mine, but I stop him.
“I’m still sick.”
He rolls his eyes and presses his lips to mine with fervor, his hands cradling my face and my heart beats so fast. He slows his lips and pulls away. “I love you so much Megan. I never want to be away from you, and I’ve missed you.”
I swallow my guilt. “I’m sorry. How is your mom?”
His eyes turn sad. “Cancer’s spread. She has breast cancer. She had a mastectomy. That’s why I haven’t called. But they found more cancerous cells in her lungs.”
I feel tears burn at the back of my eyes. “I’m so sorry.” I don’t know what to say. He draws me into an embrace, and I fold into him. I feel him kiss the top of my head.
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault. But thank you.” He unburies my face and holds it between his hands, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “You are mine. And I am yours.”
He kisses me and his tongue grazes mine making my heart workout. I feel as though I’m running out of breath, but I don’t want to stop. I love the feel of his velvet lips against mine. His kisses always leave me wanting more and I feel his love. He never holds back.
When we part, he grins. “Should we wait until you’re better?”
“It wears me out,” I admit. “And I don’t want to get you sick. But I have missed you.”
“Me, too.”
“Will you come see me tonight?”
A sweet grin stretches on his lips. “I’ll come see you every night if you desire.”
“I don’t wanna fight anymore.”
His eyes hold mine and there seems to be something in them that hesitates.
“What is it?”
He holds me at arm’s length. After a moment, he breathes a sigh. “I’m so scared of losing you again. I wish I knew what to do to not lose you.”
“Vincent, you didn’t lose me, and you never will.”
He nods slowly, but there is still pain and doubt in his eyes. He pulls me into his chest. “You should probably get home. I don’t want you to get worse.” When I draw back, he lifts my chin and kisses me.
When I get home, I crawl into bed and pull the blankets over me. I’m glad we patched things up, but I wonder what makes him hesitant. Does he not believe that I can stop talking to Casper? I can do it. Can’t I?
I stare at the beautiful flowers on my dresser.
