Indefinite (Salvation #6)(11)

The many arguments I’ve already prepared start to resurface, but I stifle them. I know that winning her back isn’t going to take words, she needs me to prove it. So, that is exactly what I plan to do.

“I have no plans of that either.”

“What exactly is your plan then? Did you think I would sleep with you?”

That wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I know her better than that. “No, but if you’d like to, I won’t turn you down.”

She huffs. “Asshole.”

I am, but I know sarcasm and anger are her fall backs. If I can evoke those, I’m partially there.

“Let’s go inside and have dinner. That’s all I’m asking.” I know it’s a long shot, but maybe she’ll take pity on me. “Please. I am injured and all . . .”

Ashton isn’t one to give in. It’s one of the things I love about her. She’s strong, and when she makes up her mind, that’s it.

I also know that her heart is ten times bigger than she’d like to pretend it is.

“Don’t use that on me.”

“Okay, how about I missed you. I came home yesterday and drove here to see you. I would get on my knees and beg for your forgiveness, but I kind of can’t.”

“Quinn . . .”

“I’m serious. I want to have dinner and then talk.”

We stare at each other, waiting for the other to break. I’ll be damned if it’s me. I’ve done it to her too many times. I’ve walked away, given her a reason to think I’ll do it again, but this time, I won’t.

I love her.

I love her so much that I can’t fucking breathe without her. When she left me, I thought I could get over it. In time, I assumed things would be easier. At no point was I prepared for the never-ending pain that would come with knowing I’d really lost her.

I said as much in the letters I wrote but never sent because I knew she’d be the one left hurt. I saved them all and decided to man up and tell her in person. She deserves that much.

“Let the man in.” Ashton’s father’s voice breaks the standoff. “Quinn, son, come in and eat.”

As much as I want to stroll past her and do just as he asked, I have to let it be her.

Ashton whips her head around. “No, Dad. No way. If he stays, then I’m leaving.”

“Let the man have a home-cooked meal, pumpkin.”

I seriously love her family right now. Although, I suspect she doesn’t.

“He can have all the food he wants, but you’ll have to tell Mom why I’m leaving.”

I missed that fire. It breathes inside her, and when she lets it out, everyone around her burns. It’s a thing of beauty so long as you’re not in its path.

“It’s okay, Ash.” She turns back to me, her hands are at her sides but they are clenched in fists. “Mr. C., as much as I’d love to stay, I think it’s best if I go.” Her eyes widen. “My leg is bothering me a bit, and I plan to do some walking tomorrow in New York.”

“You’re staying in New York?” Ash asks as she crosses her arms.

“I am. I have this person in the city who I want to see over the next few weeks.”

Mr. Caputo smiles. “All right, don’t be a stranger, though. Ashton . . .” He turns his gaze to her. “Don’t be too long, your mother is starting to pace.”

“Sure thing, Dad.” Ashton huffs. Her blue eyes turn their focus back to me. “Weeks? You’re spending weeks, as in plural, in New York?”

“Could even be months, I have a lot of groveling to do, and I have a feeling it’s going to take time for this person to come around.”

Ashton bites her lower lip and closes her eyes. “Don’t do this.”

I take a step closer, brushing her lip and smoothing where her teeth touched. “I’ll see you tomorrow, fragolina. And the next day and the next because it’s time I started showing up for you.”

I kiss her cheek and hobble down the stairs without looking back. I’m ready for the fight of my life, and no matter what scars I end up with, I won’t care as long as I win her back.





6


Ashton





I slept like complete shit.

My night was filled with dreams of my mother’s food since I barely ate dinner, dreams of impending doom that ended in train cars on fire, and dreams of super hot sex with Quinn that had me waking up horny.

All in all, I have a feeling today is going to suck.

I climb out of bed an hour before my alarm and start my day. Once I’m dressed in my favorite plum top and my black leggings, I head to the door. I pause once I get there because, what if he’s here?

Do I talk to him? Pretend he’s not there?

Damn him for fucking up my new normal.

No, you know what? I am a confident, brilliant, and successful woman. I don’t have to be afraid of seeing him because I’m stronger than that. I have all that I want—or at least, I’m about to once I get myself knocked up.

Which, I plan to have happen sooner rather than later because nothing says I’m over you like a baby with a new man.

My phone pings and I pray it’s not Quinn.

It isn’t.



Gretchen: I heard you’re knocking yourself up.