The Fall Up (The Fall Up, #1)(65)

“You were talking to Henry?”

“We’re both worried about you, Levee.”

I didn’t know why I was so shocked by the fact that they were communicating without me, but even in the midst of an argument, it warmed me in all the right places.

“Oh. Well. I just haven’t had a chance to tell him yet. That’s all.”

Sam’s eyes flashed back to the door of his shop, which he stared at for entirely too long. I wasn’t sure what was going on inside his head, and when I was about to ask, he whispered, “I’m scared.”

“What?” I asked, walking closer so I could hear him better.

He cleared his throat but kept his eyes on the door. “I said, ‘I’m scared.’” Then his empty eyes lifted to mine. “I think you want to take your life back. I really f*cking do. But I’ll be honest here: I’m not equipped for this. I thought I could do it, but I was wrong. Remember when you told me about that feeling you had in your stomach—like you were falling?”

I nodded as tears welled in my eyes.

“That’s exactly how I felt when you walked in here. My stomach dropped the moment I saw the anxiety in your eyes. I feel it every night when I watch you fall asleep.”

Oh, God. “The free fall,” I whispered.

“It’s terrible, but I was so f*cking relieved when I realized it was just a sick kid you were upset about.”

I inhaled deeply then closed my eyes. “I’m sorry.” I jumped in surprise when his arms suddenly folded around me.

“No. I’m sorry. I should have pushed harder for you to stay in Maine. Levee, I love having you here. I’m just terrified that I’m going to fail you too.” He squeezed me painfully tight, burying his face in my hair. “I can’t lose you too.”

I hated the idea of leaving more than I could ever adequately express, but when I closed my eyes and put myself in his shoes, I understood why he needed me to go. And, above and beyond all the stuff about his past, there was absolutely nothing in the world I wouldn’t do to extinguish the free fall for him.

He had, after all, done it for me.

I squeezed him tight and breathed in a lungful of the smoky sweetness that was Sam’s scent. “I’ll go back.”

His body sagged in relief.

“But not to Maine. They were idiots.”

“Okay. Somewhere new. I’m good with that. Maybe somewhere closer this time.” He kissed the top of my head while gliding his hands up and down my back.

“But, if I do this, I expect something in return.”

He chuckled. “Whatever you want, baby. Just name it.”

I laughed, because with that one phrase, I knew I had him cornered. “Quit smoking while I’m gone.”

“You’re such a funny girl,” he said patronizingly.

“I’m not joking. You’re not the only one who’s scared. Struggling through lung cancer with you isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. You quit smoking and we both get healthy.”

“Fuck. It was sexy when you showed this evil side to Lexi. Me…not so much.”

“Sam—”

He groaned loudly. “Fiiiine. I promised my mom I’d quit anyway. I guess this is two birds, one stone and all.”

I cuddled even closer into his chest. “I love it when you call me a bird and threaten to throw stones at me.”

He smoothed a hand down my back. “I figured. You always have been kinkier than I am.”

“So we’re really going to do this?” I asked, peeking up at him.

“I’m in if you are, Levee. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for the peace of mind that your getting some help will give me.”

I bit my lip and glanced away. I hated knowing that he worried about me like that, almost as much I loved knowing he cared enough to worry like that. He was such a good guy.

My guy. A smile grew on my lips.

“Does that include finally dicing up twenty-four thousand dollars in guitars?” I asked as my eyes landed on my four Gibsons leaning, untouched, against the far wall.

“Whoa! Now, you’re just getting crazy.” A devilish smile formed on his plump lips, and all of his earlier anger and anxiety disappeared completely.

My breath caught in my chest. God, he was gorgeous.

I cupped his strong jaw. “There must be a million women throwing themselves at you. How are you not married with a boatload of kids by now?”

His smile spread impossibly wide. “I hadn’t met you yet.” He shrugged before taking my mouth in a reverent kiss.

Well, for Sam, it might have been just a kiss. But, for me, it was definitely reverent, because the whole time his lips were on mine, I thanked whatever God that ruled our crazy universe for guiding him to me on that bridge all of those nights before.





“AND YOU’RE SURE? You’re going to need to install a security gate and everything. It’s going to totally f*ck up the homey feel when you pull into your driveway!” Levee yelled over the wind as we drove in my Jeep up to her house.

“I swear to God, if you ask me that again, I’m going to change my mind!” I shouted back. “Yes, Levee. Move in with me. Bring all seven billion pairs of your shoes and clutter up my spare bedroom until I’m forced to convert it into a new closet for you.” I tossed her a smile without taking my eyes off the road—or my hand off her thigh.