When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(13)

Because much-needed distance is necessary, I back away until my legs hit a stool at the center island. My eyes never drop from him, as his never leave me. He takes a few deep breaths. His stare brushes over my body, causing me to fidget in my seat.

“You look good.” He rests his forearms against the same cold marble I run my palms over. His eyes never leave my side of the island I use as a shield against him.

“So do you.” My body betrays me and attempts to smile at him, but I push the urge back.

He laughs and straightens his spine. Circling the island, he stands beside me, close enough for me to smell his cologne. It’s different than what I remember but enticing enough to make me want to take a deep breath to inhale him. “You can smile, you know?”

“Shut up, Graham.” I shake my head. “What are you doing here?”

“I play baseball here,” he answers matter of fact as if his answer will solve all the world’s problems.

“I get that,” I motion to his long sleeve UConn t-shirt, “but, why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Georgia?”

Graham reaches his hand out in offering. “Will you come for a walk with me?”

I rub the charm on my bracelet. “Why should I?” I snap, looking up at him. The excitement, pooling around my heart from being near Graham, frustrates me.

“Because I’ll always find you, remember?” He gently places his fingers over mine and rubs the charm between his own.

I pull my wrist away from him. “Don’t do that.” I stand to leave, but his strong hold wraps around my forearm. He twists me until I face him. My eyes soften as I take in his features I’ve almost forgotten. The sincerity of his smile is the only reason I’m not bolting out of this kitchen.

“Take a walk with me, Ken.” His head tilts to the side, reminding me of a disobedient puppy.

I follow him through the living room and out the front door. There’s no use trying to pretend I’m not intrigued and curious.

Graham mutters under his breath as he walks down the driveway. I tug my hat over my ears and stop as he turns onto the public sidewalk. He makes it almost ten feet before he realizes I’m not following him. When he searches for me, I stand frozen with my hands on my hips.

“What are you doing here? I’m not walking one more step until you explain why I’ve thought you’ve been in Georgia all this time, but turns out you’ve been less than two hours away, hanging out in Connecticut with Mark. Explain yourself now, or else I’m packing up my shit and leaving.”

Graham strides back to me. Quick and precise. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls my body flush against his. The coolness of the air causes me to shiver, or maybe it’s our proximity. I’m not sure.

My mind tells me, push him away before it’s too late, but my heart melts into him. The two of them have always been in a constant battle when it comes to Graham Black. Most moments, I’m not sure which will win in the end.





With a quick reminder not to overstep, I put the distance between us neither of us wants but both know we need.

“Now’s your chance to explain yourself,” she whispers, stroking the compass on her bracelet.

The fact she wears the one thing I’ve given her lets me know she still believes in the things I’d said all those months ago.

“Junior year, when I was being a pain in your ass, and you stormed out of Government class, I asked you to give me time. Time to explain myself, and to let you get to know me. That’s what I need now. I need time to get this all out, but right now, I need you to walk with me. I can’t be late.” I nod for her follow me. Luck must be on my side because her steps fall in line with mine.

Our hands graze during the short walk. The current running through me screams to reach for her, but I resist the temptation.

“Where are we going, Graham?” She takes double steps to my one. “And will you please slow down?”

“I told you I was going to be late. Try to keep up.” I laugh. Bossing her around is as natural now as it was back in high school.

We walk nearly two blocks without speaking, and I welcome the silence. Her presence is enough for me to be at ease. I stop in front of the old brick building. Kennedy stares at me, an amused, but confused expression on her face.

“Really?” she questions. “This is what you’re going to be late for?” Her fingers flicker to the white lettering on the brick wall.

I nod with enthusiasm and she smiles back at me. “When I found out you were coming into town, I was going to skip my visit, but Betty called a few hours ago, and seemed worried about one of the boys.” I take her hand in mine, dig out my key, and lead her into the building.

“Mr. Graham,” Ben, the strongest and brightest seven-year-old I’ve ever met, screeches when I walk through the doors. “Mrs. Betty said you were coming today, but I didn’t believe her.”

I ruffle his hair and bend down, reluctantly releasing my hold on Kennedy. “I figured we could have a rematch on the air hockey table.”

“I guess so.” Ben peers up at me, but he’s quick to divert his eyes to the floor. He’s become a champion at hiding his feeling. He narrows his eyes at Kennedy. “Who’s she?” His eyebrows scrunch together.

“That, Ben, is the girl I’m going to marry one day.” Her wide eyes gawk at me, and I cover my mouth with my sleeve to mute my chuckle.