Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 52

"I'm waiting for you."

I sidled up next to him, casually brushing my pinky against his cool right hand. Pretending like it was no big deal, I hooked his finger and started walking.

In the next instant, his larger hand separated our fingers and clasped mine tightly.

With a chuckle in his voice, he said, "Let's go."

I tried to steady my breath, hoping it would quiet the pounding of my heart. Despite that, I tightened my grip on his hand.

We walked hand in hand as he closed the door with one hand, went upstairs, and finally entered the bedroom to grab his pajamas.

As he reached for the drawer, he cleared his throat softly. I turned away, closing my eyes, signaling, "Go ahead, don’t worry about me. I’m not looking."

The drawer opened and shut quickly. Even as we got to the bathroom door, I was reluctant to let go. Somehow, feeling his warmth was the only thing that soothed my anxious heart.

He looked down at me, hinting, "I'm going to take a shower."

I mumbled a response.

He raised an eyebrow, clarifying, "Not just washing my face, a full shower."

"I know," I replied confidently.

He shook our entwined hands, his eyes clearly saying, "You know, but you still won't let go."

"Can I just cover my eyes and not look?" I asked.

"Nope," he replied, giving me a pointed look.

"Then can you leave the door open?" I suggested.

"...No," he said, a slight blush tinting his cheeks.

My eyelids fluttered as I suddenly suggested, "How about you skip the shower tonight?"

He looked at me, taken aback, with a look I couldn't quite place.

"No."

He pulled me up from the floor, raising an eyebrow at me. "Tonight, you're acting like a little creep."

Feeling guilty, I had no comeback. I just followed him into the bedroom, ready to own it.

We had slept fully clothed many times, usually in my room, with me clinging to him so he wouldn’t leave. Unlike my room, his was all about simplicity with black, white, and gray.

I climbed onto the bed, nestling beside him, and reached for his hand, holding it tight.

He seemed lost in thought. "What's up with you tonight?"

I bit my lip, not saying a word, fidgeting with his fingers. Just when he thought I wouldn't answer, I spoke up, "Are you leaving?"

Time seemed to stand still. Every second of his hesitation felt like waiting for a verdict.

He finally spoke, his voice hoarse, "I..."

"Are you going to be a cop? I know, I know you’re a cop, like Cooper. Are you moving to another city for work? Can you take me with you? I’ll apply to a college in whichever city you’re heading to. With my grades, I can get in anywhere. I promise to be good and I’ll listen to you. I'm smart, and I'm already an adult. I can take on part-time jobs to earn money. I won’t be a burden to you."