Every Girl Wants A Moon

Chapter 10: Hard to Say Goodbye

The day had stretched on like a dream, each moment slipping through my fingers too fast. I didn't want it to end.

But reality always had a way of creeping back in.

Chase's car rolled to a smooth stop in front of my apartment building. The streetlights cast a golden glow on the pavement, the world around us quiet except for the distant hum of the city. I sat still, fingers curled into my lap, staring at my front door like stepping through it meant leaving something behind.

Like leaving him behind.

Chase exhaled slowly. "You okay?"

I nodded, but it wasn't entirely true.

Neither of us moved. The car was still running, the warmth of the heater wrapping around us, but the silence between us felt heavier than before.

Chase shifted, gripping the steering wheel like he was holding himself back. Then, in a clipped tone, he said, "I'll walk you in."

I blinked. "You don't have to—"

"I'm walking you in."

It wasn't up for debate.

He was out of the car before I could argue, coming around to my side and opening my door before I even reached for the handle. The chill of the evening air hit me instantly, but then his hand found the small of my back, steady and grounding, and the cold didn't seem so bad.

Together, we walked up the steps to my building. I reached for my keys, but Chase's hand covered mine.

"Let me," he murmured.

I let him.

He unlocked the door easily, pushing it open but not stepping inside. Instead, he studied the space from the threshold, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of my small living room, his body rigid beside me.

I sighed. "Chase..."

He ignored me, stepping in with slow, measured movements, flicking on lights as he went.

I watched, equal parts amused and exasperated, as he checked the locks on the windows, peeked into my kitchen, and even took a quick glance down the hall toward my bedroom.

Satisfied, he finally turned back to me. "It's safe."

"I told you it was safe."

His jaw tightened. "I had to be sure."

A lump formed in my throat.

I should've been annoyed. I should've told him he was being overprotective, ridiculous even.

But I didn't.

Because no one had ever cared enough to check.

Chase ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "I should go."

I swallowed. "Yeah."

Neither of us moved.

He stood there, towering in my small living room, looking entirely out of place and yet... not. Like he had already carved a space for himself here, just by being in it.

My chest tightened.

I didn't want him to go.

Chase rubbed a hand over his face, then let out a low, humorless chuckle. "I don't want to leave."

My breath caught.

He turned, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent warmth flooding through me.

"Say the word, and I'll stay," he murmured.

It was dangerous, the way my heart reacted.

I knew what he was offering—comfort, safety, maybe even something more. But I also knew if I let him stay, if I let myself get used to him being here, it would only make it harder when he eventually wasn't.