CHAPTER 21

“Skye!” Garret called as she walked away from him. “Don’t do this.” Was that despair he heard in his own voice? An ache shot through his chest as he watched her walk away. Fuck it, he said to himself and went after her.

For the first time since he had left her sleeping in his bed, Garret knew what he wanted. He wanted Skye. He needed to make her see that. He knew she could hurt him. He knew if he let her in she could rip his heart out. But the thought of not being able to hold her, to touch her, to call her his, ripped at his heart even more. He took her arm and swung her around. Her eyes widened and her mouth moved to speak. He didn’t give her the chance.

He took her mouth without hesitation. Hunger, raw and primal coursed through his veins as he tasted her. How could he have doubted this? How could he have doubted her? He had spent the last hours thinking…the worst thing imaginable, and it had taken those dark thoughts for him to realize how he felt about her.

Yes he had loved Vanessa, he had been shattered when he had found out about her betrayal, but even walking out of his apartment that day hadn’t stung like the thought of losing Skye did.

He wanted to tell her, but couldn’t bear to tear his mouth from hers. He could taste her need for him. Their tongues dueled as he pulled her into his arms. He could feel her resist even though she didn’t pull away. He wouldn’t have let her.

He ran his hands up her back as he kissed her. His tongue stroked hers, tasting her. The ache that had been building in his chest over the past few hours slowly started to lighten as he held her in his arms.

Her arms hung by her sides, trying to resist him.

When he finally felt them reaching for his back, softly trailing down to his ass, he knew he had won the battle. The war was still up for the taking.

He knew he could kiss her all night long and she still might not know how he felt, he needed to tell her. He pulled away and found her dark green pixie eyes bright with emotion.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Garret, don’t, just don’t. It’s over.” Skye moved away from him again and sat down on the couch.

“No, Skye. Not for me. It never was.” Garret sat down in the wingback chair opposite her. He braced his arms on his knees as he watched her.

“Garret. Don’t. Don’t say things you don’t mean.” Her voice was low, the pain he inflicted evident in the tone.

“How do you know I don’t mean them?” Garret asked hoping he could find a way to make her see.

“Because I saw how lost and angry you were after Vanessa’s visit. You still have feelings for her, even if you don’t you’re not ready for someone new.”

“I am.” This time he was sure, he just needed to convince Skye.

“Garret, you’re not. You enjoyed being with me, I can agree with that. But to push me away only to make love to me like you did? That last night was much more than sex Garret, you and I know that.” Garret flinched at the accusatory tone.

“I know.”

“And then I woke up alone?” Her voice broke and Garret wished he could turn back the clock and not leave her. That he could’ve stayed and made sweet morning love to her.

“Skye I was afraid, I was afraid you’d hurt me. I was afraid you’d cheat on me and going to Manhattan made me realize I was wrong to even think about comparing you with Vanessa. It gave me the space I needed to clear my head. But I should’ve called, I was wrong and I admit it.”

“Yes, you were.”

“When I read your letter, and I thought you’d hurt yourself was the first time I had to face what I felt for you. I love you Skye.” He saw the tears shine in her eyes at his words. “I’m not just saying it, I mean it. I’ve probably known it for quite some time, but refused to acknowledge it. It took me two hours of driving in the rain searching for your car to realize that I love you, that I was wrong to leave. I need you more than air.”

Skye laughed wryly. “Garret, listen to yourself. A few days ago you told me you wanted me out of your life, and now you’re testifying undying love. This is ridiculous.”

“No it isn’t, I was being a dick.” Garret smiled, knowing Cayden was right. He’d thank him for it later. First he had to win back his girl.

“Garret, you don’t just decide everything is all right. You have trust issues after Vanessa and Regina and now apparently you believe I’m suicidal?” Skye said exasperatedly.

“In my defense your letter was quite disturbing.” Garret cocked a brow, hoping to lighten the heavy atmosphere in the room.

“I wanted to part in a good way. What we had was good; I saw no reason to sour it.

“Then don’t sour it now.” Garret pleaded.

“I’m not souring it Garret, I’m simply facing facts. I have my OCD and my anxiety. I’m just learning how to control it without medication.”

“You’re doing wonderful Skye, if it wasn’t for me the other night it wouldn’t have even happened.”

“You’re right Garret, but it did. And it might again…” Skye shook her head as a tear slipped over her cheek. “This is too complicated Garret. It can’t work between us.” He saw her eyes start to look around the room. She was getting anxious.

Ignoring it he steamrolled ahead. “What? It can’t work? You’re the first woman I’ve wanted it to work with, the first woman I can see myself with ten years from now. Don’t tell me it can’t work.” Garret felt his muscles strain at the thought of her leaving. He was clenching his teeth hoping she’d see reason.

“I’m sorry Garret, but it can’t. I think it would be better if you left.” Her breath started to hitch, Garret realized he was pushing her into another attack, but he had to make her understand before she had one.

“I’m not going anywhere until you understand what you mean to me.”

“I need to think Garret. You can’t just disappear for three days without a word, letting me fall apart and then show up and expect everything to fall into place.” Skye watched Garret; he could see she was struggling to find the right words. When she spoke her voice was filled with emotion. “You hurt me the other night, and then you made love to me. It was the most confusing and most wonderful night I’ve ever experienced. Then I woke up cold and alone. Not even a note or a phone call…”

Skye shook her head and stood up. “I need to work this out in my head before I know what I want.”

“I know what I want and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Fine, then I’ll leave.” Sky shouted before she walked out of the front door, slamming it shut behind her. Leaving Garret alone and cold.