The Turning Point

CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT - I FOUND MY SAFE HAVEN

Heloyse

The next morning, Will was glowing. His light-wash jeans fit him perfectly, highlighting his strong build, and his dark blue shirt—unbuttoned at the top—revealed a hint of his sun-kissed skin. He looked like a picture of effortless masculinity and confidence.

We were sitting in a restaurant at *****Quincy Market, and he watched me with quiet amusement as I eagerly enjoyed my lobster roll.

“What?” I asked, smiling under his gaze.

He tilted his head slightly, as if studying the scene before him.

“That’s just… not something I’d eat.”

“Then you’re missing out on something amazing.”

He frowned at my steaming bowl.

“A weird-looking soup with something even weirder inside.”

“You have to try it!”

“Don’t make me do this, sunshine.”

He shot the dish a wary look, as if it were some mysterious creature about to attack him.

“Just one bite. Please.”

Will let out a dramatic sigh.

“I have no idea what I was thinking, letting you pick the food.”

Biting my lip to hold back a laugh, I watched as he hesitantly took a small bite. He chewed slowly, staring at me like he was reconsidering his entire existence, then swallowed.

“Well?”

He wiped his mouth with a napkin and shrugged.

“I can live with it. Though I’d prefer not to see it again… for a few eternities.”

“Liar. I saw your face. You liked it.”

“Not a chance.” He took a big bite of his own sandwich instead.

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re such a big kid.”

He laughed, shaking his head.

The week passed in the same lighthearted way.

We explored the city like excited tourists—walking the ****Freedom Trail, visiting the ****New England Aquarium, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. But the most special moment was in the small park near my neighborhood.

We sat on a bench, enjoying our ice cream like an ordinary couple—unrushed, unbothered. Will was incredibly wealthy, yet there was no arrogance in him. Everything he did was simple, genuine, and that made his presence feel even more familiar, more comforting.

There were no intimate moments that week. Sex had never been the foundation of our connection, and we both knew that. When desire becomes the core of a relationship, what’s left when it fades?

For us, there was so much more.

Our kisses were slow and tender, our hands found each other in the quiet, and Will wanted to give me more than just passion—he wanted to be my friend, my safe place.

***

Will was coming over.

The day broke cold, and I let myself stay in bed a little longer, curled up beneath the soft duvet. When the doorbell rang, a smile tugged at my lips. Maybe he’d arrived early.

I got up, pulled a sweater over my pajamas, and went to answer the door, still smiling.

But my smile faded the moment I saw Michael.