Beyond the Game (Out of Reach 2)

“Hi, Cameron.” Peyton waves.

“Hi, Peyton.” I try to smile for her, but from the look on her face and her dad’s, I fall short.

“Everything all right, son?” Easton asks.

My heart stalls in my chest. “Not really, no.”

“Anything we can do?” he asks.

“Talk some sense into your daughter.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

“What’s going on?”

“She ended things.”

“Why?” Easton truly seems to be surprised by this knowledge.

I have to bite my tongue to keep from lashing out at him. He’s a smart man. He should be able to put two and two together. “Doesn’t matter. I’m taking care of it.”

“What does that mean exactly?” His eyes narrow.

“It means I will do whatever I need to do to keep her in my life.”

“Cameron—”

I hold my hand up to stop him. “It’s done. Look, I need to go. I’ll see you soon.” I reach out and tap Peyton on the nose with my index finger and walk around them. Once I’m in my truck, I pull out my phone and send her another message. Not that I expect to get a reply.

Me: I’m fixing this. The wheels are already in motion. Can we talk? I can tell you about it?

I wait far longer than I should, hoping like hell she replies, but it never comes. Starting my truck, I point it toward home. Maybe this time, when I knock on her door, she’ll let me in.

It’s midnight, and she’s still not home. When I got back from the stadium, her car and Willow’s were both gone. They’re still gone, and I don’t know what to do with that. I don’t know where she is, and according to her, she’s no longer mine to worry about. She’s wrong. Dead wrong. I read over my messages again.

Me: Where are you?

Me: Paisley, it’s getting late. I’m worried.

Me: It’s late. Please, at least let me know you’re all right.

Paisley: I’m fine. I’m with Willow. I’m no longer yours to worry about.

That last message had me gripping my phone so tight I’m surprised the screen didn’t crumble to pieces. She’s mine. She will always be mine.

Me: You will always be mine.

I hit send and toss my phone onto the couch. I move to look out the window again, and the spots where their cars usually sit are still vacant. How am I supposed to sleep, not knowing where she is? I’ve considered calling her parents, but I know that would land me in more hot water, making them worry. She’s with Willow, and I’m smart enough to see this for what it is. She’s avoiding me.

I’ve considered scouring the city looking for them, but it’s the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. I have no choice but to stay put and wait for her to come home. She has to come home, and when she does, I’m going to be here waiting for her.

I meant what I told her. I let her walk away once. It’s not going to happen again.

Chapter 29

Peyton

My belly is twisting as I step onto the elevator beside Dad. Paisley asked me not to tell, but this feels like it’s a big deal. Like maybe I should tell even though I promised my big sister that I wouldn’t.

I think about the tears that day and what I heard my dad say. I didn’t know what to think, but I didn’t think she would break up with Cameron. I know I’m only twelve, but even I can tell that she’s important to him. They remind me a lot of our parents, and they’re the real deal.