Chapter 64

• She can’t walk knowingly into heartbreak. She’s been devastated once. She doesn’t think she can survive another one. And she knows without a doubt that loving Nicholas and not getting love in return would devastate her. “I guess we’re at an impasse.” Her voice is gruff, and she stuffs her hands in her pockets. The weight of her hands causes her jeans to hang lower on her hips. She has to physically stop herself from looking at the sexy inverted triangle of muscles that peeks over the waistband. She doesn’t need a reminder of what she’ll no longer have. “Then I guess it’s time for you to take me home.” She averts her eyes, unable to meet his as she chokes the words out. “Annabelle …” is the only thing he says to her.
• “I deserve more than this, Nicholas,” Annabelle whispers, raising her eyes to meet his, “and so do you.”
• She can see his hands grip the kitchen counter as he digests her words, his knuckles white, and his face lined in anguish. “Please, Annabelle. Stay the night.”