Withstanding Me Read Online Free PDF

We’re good friends; it feels natural coming from her. But it’s not just those three words that get me. It’s the fact she wants to know what’s going on with Tatiana. My daughter. And it’s not lost on me how Storm’s voice got quiet and serious with that statement either. She’s letting me go as a romantic interest, and that causes my chest to constrict.
    “You’ll call?” I say opening my eyes.
    “I’ll call.”
    I’m reluctant as I stand and lose the feel of her skin against mine.
    “Enjoy your date, Storm.” I say honestly as I walk away. I feel like I just fucked shit up and it doesn’t feel good.
    ***
    Storm
    As I watch him walk away, I grab my chest as my entire body starts hyperventilating. I can’t believe I just did that! Why did I let him go like that? Oh my god! Can I just be friends with him? It’s so hot in here. What did I just do? Oh god!
    “Apple?”
    I hear my name, but it’s foggy as if it’s far away. I look up finding the source as my hand clutches at my chest.
    “Are you okay?” Randy asks.
    “No, no I’m not. I would like to go home please.”
    “Sure thing. Do you need a doctor or something? I could take you to the ER.”
    Dammit. Why does he have to be so sweet?
    “No, it’s just a panic attack. I’ll be fine.” I croak.
    Randy takes a moment before signaling for our check. I need to get outta here. I need air and lots of it.
    As he waits for his credit card to come back, I excuse myself to go outside ahead of him. I can’t breathe, and I need to get it under control. As soon as my body hits the fresh air, I move over to the right side of the building and lean up against the bricks, gasping for breath and closing my eyes. I feel him. I slowly open my eyes and find ZZ standing in front of me. I can’t decipher his look, but my breathing is coming back steadily. He says nothing as his body presses up against me and his forehead drops to mine. I close my eyes again and just breathe him in. He smells so good.
    “I need you to open your eyes, baby. Please?”
    His voice is gentle as if he’s trying to caress me with it. I’m a nervous wreck, and I need my anxiety meds quickly.
    “Please?” He pleads.
    I inhale and slowly reopen my eyes. Whatever he sees causes him to sigh and drop his head to the crook of my neck. His hands rub up and down my arms causing me to shiver.
    “I’m so fucking sorry,” he mumbles against my skin.
    Tears start falling freely from my eyes as I reply to his apology. “I know.”
    His hands fall from my arms and grip at my hips. I’ve never seen ZZ like this. I don’t know how to respond.
    “This is shit, baby,” he mumbles again against my skin.
    The sound of a throat clearing draws us away from whatever this is, and ZZ’s hands squeeze my hips tightly as he growls against my shoulder and neck.
    ZZ ignores Randy’s throat clearing and straightens himself to look into my eyes. “Did you mean it?” His chocolate eyes beg for the truth.
    “I did.” I reply. I don’t need him to specify his question. I know what he’s asking. He wants to know if I truly love him. It’s not the first time he’s asked, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
    “Text me when you get home.” He demands.
    “I will.”
    He steps away shaking his head, but not before giving Randy an evil look. I watch as ZZ walks to his bike parked in front of the building. I don’t even notice Randy’s movement until he places his hand on my lower back drawing my attention to him. I peer one more time at ZZ and watch as his head drops in his hands as he sits on his bike.
    “SHIT!” ZZ roars thru his hands.
    Another tear leaks slowly down my cheek as I let Randy lead me to his car to take me home. It makes me feel like shit knowing this is bothering him so much. We’ve grown close, and I think he’s worried about our friendship fading. That just encourages me more to make this work. He needs my friendship, and I love him so much. That’s exactly what I’ll give