Falling Embers (Tattered & Torn, #2)

by Catherine Cowles

I was moving so fast, my feet could barely keep up. And then Calder pulled me into his arms. I landed against his chest with an oomph, ignoring the screaming pain in my ribs. His heart thudded against my cheek as he held me close. “You’re okay.” He said the words over and over like a chant. As if he’d seen me die and come back to life before his very eyes. “I’m okay.” Calder’s entire body shuddered. Then he released me and stormed away. I watched him as he disappeared behind one of the trucks. What the hell had just happened?

“I’m sorry I was a prick again,” I whispered. “Maybe, instead of apologizing, try not to pull that shit. I already get it from Hayes and my parents. I don’t need it from you, too.” “Easier said than done.” Hadley looked up at me, the wind whipping her hair around her face. “Why?” “Because I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”

pushed me away. It all made a hell of a lot more sense now. Calder turned back around, moving in close. “Hadley.” I didn’t say a word. His revelations were still spinning around in my head, eating away at what was left of my heart. His hands came up, framing my face. Those rough palms that I always wished I could feel on my skin were there now. And I felt nothing. “Hads.” Everything hurt. “Little Daredevil.” I jerked at his words, pulling out of his grasp. “No. You don’t get to call me that.” He hadn’t used that nickname since he’d all but disappeared from my life. He didn’t get to pull it out now. This time, I would be the one walking away. And Calder could see how it felt.