Evie had almost forgotten that she still had a follow-up session with Abel for her neck. After her reaction the last time she saw him at the clinic, she dreaded seeing him again. Her cheeks flushed at the memory. She couldn't believe she let her emotions get a hold of her like that.
Yet there she was, waiting in Abel's practice room, tempting herself to tread through the same wave of emotions again. She couldn't trust herself around him, couldn't be sure of how she would respond to him.
The door clicked open, and Abel stepped in.
"Evie."
"Abel."
The air was thick with unspoken tension. Evie rolled back her shoulders, attempting to relax. She felt Abel step behind her. He was so close she could feel his warmth. Then his hands were on her. She tried not to jolt at the touch, tried not to shiver. He was gentle at first, stroking, too gentle.
"I never asked you, why did you come back to the Barker area? Didn't you study at Queens?" She asked, trying to make conversation.
There was an uncomfortable silence. "Mum would have wanted me back here," he eventually said.
Evie's heart sunk. Of course. How could she have forgotten? Without thinking, she placed a hand over Abel's on her shoulder. His hands stilled.
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you."
"How did you know I went to Queens?" He asked.
Evie blushed. How could she have let that detail slip? She dropped her hand back into her lap.
"A friend from the academy mentioned it to me once," she lied.
The truth was that she would check up on him from time to time, despite Tommy telling her not to. Though she suspected that he did the same. When Vivian had passed away, she and Tommy snuck into the venue where the funeral was held, making sure Abel didn't see them. Even after everything that had happened, they loved Vivian. She always treated them with kindness. They wanted to be there.
"Evie?" Abel took his hands off her shoulders and moved to stand in front of her.
"Yes?"
"Let me take you out to dinner," he said.
"Why?" Her hands fidgeted nervously.
"I want to know you again. Please."
Evie's heart beat faster, both excited and scared by his request. She wanted to know him too. But she was afraid.
"I...I don't know, Abel," she said. She couldn't bear to look at him, to see the disappointment on his face.
She felt gentle fingers on her chin.
"Evie, look at me."
She forced her eyes to meet his and was shocked by the anguish displayed on his face. He looked torn apart. She hated that she did this to him. But she was so afraid.
"I won't push you. I know I...I know I've hurt you before," he said.
Evie felt her eyes water. "You were my best friend," she whispered, "Of course, I want to know you again."
Abel's eyes brightened, and he pulled her into a hug before she could say anything. His arms closed around her body, warming her. Her face was tucked into the crook between his shoulder and neck. Slowly, Evie's arms curled around his back. She could feel Abel's soft breath against her hair. He sighed, almost in relief.
"Thank you."
YOU ARE READING
Growing Pains
Romance"You left me. You. left. me. You ran away. How do I know that you won't do it again the next time something goes wrong?" As kids, Evie, Tommy and Abel were best friends. Kind-hearted Evie brought Tommy and Abel under her wing. Until one horrible da...
