And yes, I know this is short.
Couldn't, Wouldn't, Shouldn't
He wouldn't.
He couldn't.
He really shouldn't.
He sighed and went after her. "Jordan…"
She let out a barely audible but frustrated groan and spun around on her heel to face him, stopping him directly in his tracks. "What?" Her demeanour changed to one of exasperation; she crossed her arms over her chest in a 'stay far away from me' stance.
She sounded snappy and irritated and annoyed, and he didn't blame her. After all, he was acting like an overprotective parent.
Parent…
He frowned. Maybe that was why-
"Garrett."
He snapped to attention, hesitating on how to voice what he wanted to tell her. "Not here," he muttered, and pulled her by the arm down the hall and into his office. He closed the door behind them and turned to face her. Her dark eyes flashed fire at him; he suppressed the urge to wince.
"I know I haven't been-" he began, then tightened his jaw in aggravation and started again. "I'm sorry." He stated simply. "After what happened with Lily at the bank… I was scared, Jordan." It seemed difficult for him to get the words out, so she just looked at him in quiet sympathy. "I don't want to lose you," he concluded softly, shrugging his shoulders in resignation.
Once was special; made her feel safe and wanted. Twice… She met his eyes curiously and started at the honesty she saw in them. He was wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Her stomach flopped over. What was he-
He squeezed his eyes shut for two seconds, then opened them again, letting out a rush of air.
She let out a quiet "oh" and reached for him.
He leaned willingly into the embrace and she closed her eyes in contentment, encircled by his arms and feeling completely safe.
She blinked furiously to keep back the tears that threatened to spill over if she wasn't careful. Burying her face in his shoulder, she released a shuddering breath and pulled back. "Sorry."
His hand came up to stroke her cheek. "Don't be." He ran his thumb lightly along her jawline.
She half-laughed, half-cried, and brushed a stray curl out of her eyes nervously.
"Garret; I-"
He held a finger to her lips, effectively silencing her. "Don't talk."
A glimmer of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth.
He should.
He could.
He would.
He leaned forward and kissed her softly, sweetly.