Page 60 of Escape

Truly.

It irritated him to think I had placed expectations on myself for recovering from what I’d been through. I’d been so accustomed to being beaten down—both physically and emotionally—and Huck wouldn’t stand for it.

But as wonderful as everything he’d just said was, I couldn’t help but focus on one small detail. He wanted me to pretend we were roommates.

Sure, that was probably exactly what I needed to do, but deep down, it was the very opposite of what I knew I’d want in the long term.

I struggled to find the words, so I simply nodded at him.

Huck didn’t hesitate to help me get to where I was going. He settled his hand on the small of my back and urged me forward. Within seconds, I was standing beside the bed, and Huck was pulling the blankets back before he held his hand out to me and helped me into it.

Once I was situated, he asked, “Are you good? Do you need anything?”

He’d already done so much for me. “No. I think I just need to close my eyes for a little bit.”

With a nod of approval and understanding, Huck said, “Okay. I’ll run downstairs and grab you a glass of water and your phone. This way, if you need anything, you can just call or text me and won’t need to yell.”

“That’s a good idea. Thank you, Huck.”

He smiled at me. “You’re welcome, Josie. Close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll be quiet when I bring that stuff in here for you.”

A moment later, Huck was gone.

For the first few seconds of being on my own, I took stock of the situation. My body seemed to sink deeper into the mattress instinctively, because I felt so comfortable and safe.

My mind had wanted to replay the day over and over in my head, to recall how sweet Huck had been with me in the bathroom, but the exhaustion I felt mixed with the security of being with someone I trusted made it impossible to keep my eyes open.

Before I knew it, before Huck returned, my eyes drifted shut, and I was asleep.

When my eyes opened, I sucked in a harsh breath. It sent a wave of pain to my ribs, causing me to wince. I’d been caught off guard, unsure of where I was.

Then it all came flooding back to me.

I was in the guest bedroom of Huck’s house after he’d brought me here, washed my hair for me, and helped me get dressed into clothes he’d sent his mom out to purchase for me.

I would be forever in his debt.

And even though he’d made it clear he had no expectations of me, I still struggled not to feel like a bad houseguest.

So, I decided to go in search of Huck. I pushed the blanket away from my body and eased myself out of the bed. Leaving the room, I moved toward the top of the stairs, reached my good hand out to the railing, and slowly descended them.

I was three steps from the bottom when Huck appeared.

“Hey, how’d you sleep? Were you comfortable?” he questioned me.

Huck’s kindness was unmatched.

“To be honest, I’m surprised I woke up, because I’ve never slept in something as luxurious as your guest bed,” I answered. “It was wonderful.”

A satisfied look washed over him. “Good. I’m glad to hear that. Do you feel better now that you’ve gotten some sleep?”

I nodded. “I do, and I’m hoping I can make it to at least nine o’clock before I need to get back into bed.”

Huck laughed, the sound making something squeeze at the center of my chest. “I’m sure you’ll make a valiant effort either way.”

Before I had the chance to respond, my stomach growled loudly. Huck’s eyes dropped there momentarily before they returned to my face.

“Hungry?” he asked.