Page 171 of Trailer Trash

Killian told me about dealing drugs, which he claims he stopped, but we’re both working. Me at the hospital, and him at the dance studio.

By week three, we visit the beach fairly often. We play sand volleyball or walk along the water. I think it helps him with the cravings.

He drives me to school and work. Although I think he would even if I had a car.

“Quit your job,” he says after picking me up.

“We talked about this, Killian.”

“You don’t have to work while you’re in nursing school. I’ll support us.”

“How? What happens when your cash runs out?”

“I’ll talk to my dad to restart the trust payments. I’m sober three weeks now. He’ll do it.”

“I don’t know—”

He grips the steering wheel, making his knuckles white. “I’m trying to be patient, but I don’t like it. You’re either at school, working, studying, or sleeping.”

I twist my fingers together and mumble, “Okay. If your dad does the trust-thing, I’ll quit, but I want to be a nurse after I graduate. I won’t have school, so we’ll have more time together then.”

“Yeah?” he says excitedly.

It is so cute how much he loves my company. I love his too.

“Yep,” I say and grab his hand over the console.

The next day, Killian seems particularly anxious. As usual, I insist we go to the beach.

The salty air fills my nostrils as we walk in the wet sand. I pick up a seashell, studying the unique speckles glittering on the surface.

“Harlow.”

I turn around.

“You look really beautiful.”

I smile and push on his shoulder, but I notice something different about his eyes. His expression.

“I don’t think you understand how much I love you.”

I flutter my lashes, but giggle. “Uh, I have a pretty good idea based on your stalking habits alone.”

He doesn’t smile. Instead, he takes my hands in his.

“No. I mean when you’re gone, I ache for you. I don’t just miss you. My body physically reacts. I feel hollow inside and I have this powerful drive to find you and keep you close.”

“Well, I love—”

Suddenly...

Killian is looking up at me.

He’s on one knee.

Oh. My. God.

My chest expands as I suck in a sharp breath. My eyes bulge. I am frozen.