Promise Me Not

by Meagan Brandy

I’m talking that gravity-defying, soul-defining, epic love story shit. She has that. I want that.

I want the girl, and I’m not sure there’s a move I wouldn’t make to get her.

“Anything you ever want to say to me, to tell me or show me or ask me, do it. No matter what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours…don’t shy away. Not ever from me.”

“Please don’t say you don’t need me here.” “I want you here.”

I’m already hers, and while she no doubt has an idea, she’s yet to realize how much she truly means to me.

“I…I need you, Mase,” she cries, the sound so fucking soft. And there it is. She fucking needs me.

“You can. You’re the strongest person I know, and you’ve fucking got this. And if for some reason you need a little help, I’m right here. Hold on to me. Yell or scream or claw at me, tear me a-fucking-part if it helps, and know that I’ll still be right here, no matter what. You amaze me, gorgeous girl. You’ve got me in every sense of the word.” I press my forehead to hers, our gazes still locked. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“I would argue that there’s so much to lose.” She pushes to her feet, squeezing my hand before letting it fall. “If you go too far down this road, you will.”

“I’m a man. A stupid, possessive one who wants you all to himself.”

This man, he’s been my rock. My friend. My savior. My new favorite person. He’s not just Mason. He’s my Mason.

She is the girl of my dreams. Please let me become the man of hers.

When it comes to you, to both of you, I am selfish. I want all your time. All your tears. All your smiles. I want all of you, always, and I don’t want to share. I’m a good five seconds from going over there and killing my sister’s mood ’cause I want to show Little D the fish and the ducks, and I want to hold his little hands while he pretends like he’s walking on his own across the bridge. Because I’m selfish. Because I know what I want.”

“I want you. Any way you’ll let me. Always.”

“He can keep your heart for all eternity. Just let me hold you for all of mine.”