I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 74

Gavin coaxed her with a gentle, half-joking tone, keeping his voice soft.

Sophie tugged at the corners of her mouth, trying to force a smile, but failed miserably.

She didn't even have the strength to pretend. She leaned against his shoulder, her eyes half-closed.

The headlights from passing cars flashed through the cabin, alternating between blinding light and pitch darkness. She felt as though she were constantly being dragged back and forth between two different worlds.

A cold sweat drenched her body. The wet shirt clung uncomfortably to her skin, making her feel completely suffocated.

When they arrived at her apartment building, Sophie suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"I don't want to go home."

"Go back, take a hot shower, and stop thinking about everything. Get a good night's sleep, and I'll pick you up in the morning."

Gavin looked up at her window. It wasn't even nine o'clock yet. Her mother probably wasn't home, as the apartment was pitch black.

"I'll walk you up and wait until your mom gets back before I leave."

Sophie didn't say a word, nor did she move.

"Then let's go to my place first. When she gets back, I'll walk you over."

Gavin kept his arm around her as they walked to his apartment. The underfloor heating made the rooms incredibly cozy.

He helped her out of the heavy coat and felt the freezing, damp fabric of her shirt. "Why don't you take a shower first?" he suggested softly. "Your clothes are soaked. You're going to catch a cold."

It wasn't until Sophie stepped into the bathroom that he realized he hadn't given her a change of clothes.

He dug a brand-new t-shirt and a pair of athletic shorts out of his closet, turned around, and knocked on the bathroom door. "I brought you one of my shirts. Put it on when you're done."

Hearing the lock click open, he stretched his arm out, keeping the clothes draped over his forearm.

Sophie took the clothes and shut the door again.

"I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything."

Gavin was genuinely worried. She hadn't eaten lunch and had gone through hell. When he had been holding her on the walk over, he felt like she would have collapsed if he hadn't been supporting her weight.

Sophie stayed in the shower for a long time—so long that Gavin considered barging in multiple times.

"Sophie," he called out anxiously. Only when he heard her soft reply did his racing heart settle slightly.

When the lock finally clicked and Sophie stepped out, Gavin breathed a massive sigh of relief.

The steam from the bathroom had brought some color back to her deathly pale face. He grabbed a towel and began drying her hair. "I ordered some soup. It should be here soon. After you eat, I'll take you home."

Gavin walked over and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Get some sleep. The worst is over."

He reached for a pillow, intending to crash on the couch.

Sophie reached out, grabbing his arm. Using the leverage, she pulled herself up and pressed her body flush against his.

"Sophie." Gavin's throat bobbed heavily.

The timing felt wrong. He didn't want to take advantage of her while she was in such a fragile state.

But the arms wrapped around his neck were like soft silk ropes, completely stripping him of the will to pull away.

Sophie initiated the kiss. It wasn't the tentative, gentle brushing of lips they were used to. It was possessive and demanding, completely contrasting her usual elegant demeanor.

Gavin was instantly swept into a dizzying wave of desire.

His hands slid down the arch of her spine, realizing that she wasn't wearing the athletic shorts he had given her.

"Sophie."

This time, Gavin wasn't trying to stop her—he was asking for confirmation. He was already at the edge, a coiled spring ready to snap.