Free Pretty Little Lies (Lie #2) by J. W. Phillips

again. The dark circles under her eyes pointed out she was not sleeping well either. Was she hurting? Worried? I wanted to know what was keeping her awake at night. Sarah and Deacon might know, but would they tell me? I thought about asking Dylan, but would she even trust me enough to say?
     
    It was getting late, and I had to be in court early the next morning. I also needed to talk to Charlie about selling my half of the clubs. I wanted to rid my life of anything that might cause her more pain. However, waking her up and taking her home wasn’t exactly on my to-do list. It scared the living daylights out of me. I was still petrified that all the memories of us would hit her at once, and she would push me away forever. Or worse, they would come when I wasn’t even around to explain any misgivings she might have. I’d do everything I possibly could to make sure our story was not over. I wouldn’t be the one she simply gave herself to first. I would be her last too.
     
    I lightly shoved her shoulder. She barely stirred. Her head slipped off my chest and rolled onto my hand that rested on her free shoulder. Her eyes fluttered opened and her amazing blue eyes locked with mine. Fuck. I had to find a way to help her heal and not lose her in the process.
     
    “We need to get home, Privy. I have to be in court early in the morning,” I whispered, not wanting to wake her fully. I was enjoying the sleepy look she had going.
                                                           
    She sat up, stretched, and gave me a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I fell asleep on you. You’re just so warm and cuddly.”
     
    “Glad to be of service, ma’am.” I’d gladly let her sleep in my arms all she wanted. I loved the fact she felt that comfortable near me. I started the engine, and she snuggled her face back onto my shoulder. I was at peace for the moment as she dozed next to me while I drove her home.
     
    “We’re at your apartment, Privy.” I meant to say home, but I couldn’t think of her home being anywhere other than with me. I hopped out and started around the front of the truck to help her. She was already climbing down. I reclined against the hood, pulling her hand to come to me. I traced my fist down her right hip. She was favoring her right side and I had enough sense to realize she was hurting. She placed her palms against my chest.
     
    “I had fun today even if I did sleep through most of it.” She smiled up at me. “Are you going to kiss me?” She stood on her tiptoes to give me better access.
     
    I shook my head and gave her my best boyish grin. “No, I’m not.” I leaned into her and whispered in her ear, “If I were to kiss you, I wouldn’t want to stop. And I promised myself I won’t go there until I know you’re mine.”
     
    She turned, bumping her nose against mine.
     
    “Don’t say anything. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I whispered before pulling away. She took three steps back. I started walking around to my side of the truck before I went to a place neither one of us was ready for.
     
    “Cook for me,” she hollered over to me. “I want to taste your cooking.”
     
    I simply smiled at her and climbed in the truck. I couldn’t look back as I drove away. Seeing her standing there alone was more than I could handle.
     

Monday, March 9, 2015
    Dylan
     
    Maybe if I slept at night, I could stay awake on a date. I shrugged my shoulder. There was no rest for the weary. I had too many things I had to decide and take care of without the interference of anyone. I first needed to figure out my schooling status. I had my wreck two weeks before my finals. Luckily, all but one of my professors worked with me, and I was able to finish with sixteen credits. But this semester, I was unable to attend. However, I still cashed my scholarship check. It was wrong, and I laid awake at night feeling like I was a thief. I needed the money simply to live. Now it