Reject Me

A soft, innocent touch, a comforting gesture.

Yet, Ashleigh’s body reacted with an entirely different thought in mind. The warmth from Caleb’s hand was enough to set her ablaze.

She closed her eyes and turned into his hand, feeling the rough skin of his palm against her soft cheek. A gentle smile spread across his lips.

“I’m here,” he whispered.

‘I’m here with you, Ashleigh.’ Caleb’s voice called out to her from the hated dream. Ashleigh gasped and pulled away from him, drawing her hand to her chest as though she expected to find the knife.

“What’s wrong?” Caleb asked, worried.

Ashleigh didn’t respond, taking another step back from him.

“Why do you run from me?” he asked with disappointment and concern.

“I’m not running,” she insisted.

He took a step forward, and she, a step back. Caleb stopped and looked at her carefully. He didn’t want to push her any further away than she had already pushed herself.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said simply.