The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 221

Josh's heart gave a fierce tug. Slowly, just like when he was a kid, he lowered his head and buried it into the crook of her neck...

His fingers uncurled, tightly gripping the wetsuit on her back as if he were terrified she would run away...

Her waist was so slender. Even through the thick layers of the wetsuit, he could feel her fragile silhouette, like a willow branch that could snap at any moment. He didn't dare hold her too tightly for fear of hurting her, yet he couldn't bear to loosen his grip, terrified of losing her.

"As long as you're okay," his voice was muffled against her shoulder, so hoarse it was barely audible. "As long as you're okay..."

However, this entire scene was being fiercely watched by a pair of predatory amber eyes.

Garrison stood at the back of the crowd, taking in the sight. His expression didn't seem to change, but his hands, shoved deep into his pockets, were clenched so tightly into fists that his nails bit into his skin.

Sloane spotted him.

Even though she had long stopped loving Garrison and didn't care what he thought of her anymore—that falcon-like glare of his still made her stomach instinctively drop.

She had no intention of provoking him.

"Josh, I'm going to go change."

Sloane gently pulled away from Josh, turned around, and took two steps toward Garrison. Her lips parted. She wanted to say something—maybe 'Sorry to worry you,' or 'I'm fine,' or 'Don't misunderstand'...

But the very next second, a scalding surge of heat rushed up her chest. It clawed its way out from deep within her lungs, like something was burning inside her.

She swallowed hard, forcing the metallic tang of blood back down. Her face betrayed nothing; she even managed to curve her lips into a faint smile.

"It's a bit chilly. I'm heading back inside."

She walked past Garrison, her footsteps as steady as ever. Garrison didn't move. He only tilted his head slightly, his gaze tracking her retreating figure.

...

The changing room was a makeshift cubicle tucked into the corner of the supply station, sectioned off by waterproof tarps. Inside, there was nothing but a folding chair and a small table.

Sloane stepped inside and pulled the curtain shut with a sharp zip.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify