Chapter 142

Val

The words he's just said cause my heart to flutter faster, and a sweat to break out across my forehead. No one has ever offered to burn anything down for me, and I'd wanted that desperately with my previous life. I'd begged for help from people who should've tripped over themselves to help me. "I don't know how to respond." I answer, honestly.

"You don't have to. I'm good with speaking my mind, and not expecting others to respond. I've had a couple of drinks today too." 

His face is sunburnt and it's easy for me to imagine what he looked like as a teenager out on the lake. I wish I had known him back then. "You're a little red." 

Dipping his head into his chest before he lifts it, he runs his tongue over his lips. "Yeah, I should've moved halfway through the day, but I didn't realize I'd gotten so red until I went in to use the bathroom."

"You're day-glow." I give him a smile.