Back in Time to Fall for Him novel Chapter 9

Madison felt her heart lurch. When she saw Sam's back, distant and alone, a bitter burn rose in her throat.

She rushed after him and pulled him into a tight hug. "Sam… you've got it wrong."

Sam froze.

He started to pull away, but when he saw her arms around him, his grip loosened. He sounded defeated as he said, "Stop lying to me."

Madison's eyes burned. Sam's words hit so hard that pressure surged under her ribs, knocking the air out of her.

He caught the tear at the corner of her eye and went still. Pain flashed in his eyes.

"Let go," Sam said.

"Not happening!" Madison said through gritted teeth.

In her last life, she'd watched Sam die in front of her. This time, she refused to let him go, no matter what.

She tightened her arms around Sam's waist, her throat closing up. "I finally understand what kind of person Johnny really is. I won't do anything stupid to hurt you again.

"There's a lot I can't explain right now, but Sam, can you trust me? Please?"

Madison's vision blurred with tears. She wanted to tell him everything—that she'd been given another life, what had happened in her last life, and every slight and regret.

But saying she'd come back from the dead sounded insane. She didn't know where to start, and she was afraid she'd spook him and that he'd end up hating her.

Sam looked down at Madison in his arms, whose eyes were red-rimmed. His expression was unreadable.

This was his "Maddie", the one he'd been protecting from the world since they were kids. When was the last time she'd shown him this side of herself, so needy and fragile?

Something shifted in his chest. He finally closed his eyes and gave in.

"Alright. I trust you," Sam murmured.

However, he pushed her away.

Madison wore a simple, lightweight pajama set that had already been soaked from everyone splashing in the pool. Her skin showed through the thin fabric, and Sam's breath caught.

He looked away quickly. "I'll take you back to your room so you can get some sleep."

Madison smirked a little.

God, he could be such a dork. In her last life, his kindness toward her led to his tragic death.

She bit her lip, stepped closer, and linked her pinky with his. "Sam… can you stay with me like we did when we were kids? I can't sleep after everything that just happened."

Sam's breath caught as Madison tilted her face up and gently tugged his pinky, hesitant and small.

She wasn't hugging him like before, but that tiny hook of her finger, and that needy look he hadn't seen in a long while, made him feel like he'd sunk into something soft.

Madison caught up and gripped his hand.

Sam stopped short, a frown pinching his brow. "You…"

Before he could finish, Madison smiled and laced her fingers with his tightly.

Sam's eyes widened. He hesitated, then squeezed back. He didn't say a word the whole way to the room, but she could feel the strength in his grip.

Madison lay on the bed, still refusing to let go of his hand. Now that she'd finally seen him alive again, she couldn't stand even a moment away from him.

Sam let out a soft sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. "Go to sleep. I'm not going anywhere."

Madison nodded and kept her eyes on him, calm settling in her chest. With him around, she finally felt safe. She closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.

Her brows drew together, as if she were trapped in a nightmare. Her grip on his hand tightened in pulses, her fingers trembling.

"Sam, no!" Madison gasped, and a tear slipped from the corner of her eye as she slept.

Frowning, Sam brushed the tear away.

As if sensing his presence, Madison settled bit by bit. He watched her features ease, and his expression turned somber.

After a long moment, he sighed in the dark. "Madison, what am I supposed to do with you?"