Page 54 of Safe Place

This isn’t careful, not like the almost-kisses I’ve imagined a hundred times. This is deep, unrestrained, every ounce of feeling I’ve been holding back spilling into it. She makes a soft sound against my mouth—surprised, but not pulling away—and kisses me back, her fingers curling against my shirt like she’s holding on.

It’s not enough. I want more—God, I want to keep her here, kiss her until she knows exactly how much I care, how much I want her safe, wanted, loved. But I rein it in, forcing myself to slow before I scare her off.

When I pull back, she’s still close, her breath brushing my cheek. Her lips are slightly parted, her cheeks flushed, and for a long moment, neither of us moves.

I want to tell her everything. That I know. That I’m not going anywhere. That she’ll never have to do any of this alone again.

But I don’t.

Instead, I just whisper, “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and she swallows, looking away for a second before glancing back at me.

“Micah…” she says softly, almost like a warning, almost like she’s asking for something.

“I know,” I say quietly. “We’ll go as slow as you need. I’m not going anywhere, Soph.”

And I mean every damn word.

She smiles and starts walking toward her car.

“Hey, Soph,” I call after her.

She glances back, those curious brown eyes meeting mine. When she turns fully, it’s like everything slows for a second—I take her in, really take her in. God, she’s beautiful. So breathtaking, she makes my chest tighten.

“Would you come with me to a gala next month?” I ask, trying to keep my tone casual even though I’ve been wanting to take her out for weeks.

For a beat, she hesitates, and I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting.

“I don’t know if I’d fit in, in a place like that,” she says finally, her cheeks pinking, “But sure. Send me the details, and I’ll clear my schedule.”

I can’t stop the smile tugging at my mouth. “You’ll fit in just fine.”

FIFTEEN

One soft, horrifying thud

SOPHIE

I haven’t seen Micah since he gave me—well, let me use—this car. It’s better than anything I ever imagined driving.

It’s been four days. Four long, quiet days since that kiss.

I can’t stop thinking about it. Maybe it wasn’t good for him. Maybe that’s why he hasn’t reached out, hasn’t stopped by the cafe or the bookstore, hasn’t even shown up to class. He regrets it and is too nice to let me down. So he’s avoiding me.

Grant skips class here and there, but never Micah. I stare at my phone, scrolling up our text thread even though I already know there’s nothing new.

Me

Hey! Missed you and Grant in class today. Is everything okay?

No response.

I could text Grant, but that feels desperate—obsessive—over one stupid kiss.

Screw it.

I grab my keys and drive to The Haven. It’s pouring out, and it’s my first time driving in the rain, but I don’t care. I find a spot a few blocks away and jog the rest of the way. By the time I reach the entrance, I’m soaked.