Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Easier said than done. Because despite everything, I still longed to see him. Still wanted to give him another chance. God, would I ever learn?
The smell of bacon finally lured me downstairs. My stomach hated me, but I was functioning again. Barely.
I slumped into a chair at the breakfast nook. David was dipping bread into an egg mixture at the counter.
“Thanks for saving me last night,” I said.
“You know I’ll be there for you, no matter what.”
I was so damn lucky to have him. “I don’t want to take that for granted.”
He turned and smiled at me. “I don’t think you do.”
I rubbed my eyes. “Connor called while I was dancing. That’s why I turned my phone off. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
David nodded. “It’s okay. I’ve worried you plenty of times.”
That was true. I snorted. “Like the time you decided Susie Blankenship—”
He held up a hand. “If you value our friendship, you’ll never mention that incident again.”
“Fair enough, but I can’t promise not to remember it.”
He ignored me, like he always did when I won. “Coffee?”
“God, yes.”
He handed me a mug, and I took it like it was a holy relic. “I could kiss you.”
He made a face. “Eww! Try to contain yourself.”
I grinned. “I will if you’re lucky.”
As he plated up the French toast, scrambled eggs, and sausage links, I realized how familiar this was. Our ritual. Whenever one of us got wrecked, the other made the hangover breakfast the next morning. Sometimes there was a Bloody Mary in the mix, but today it looked like orange juice would have to do.
As soon as the plate hit the table, I started devouring it. Food helped. A lot. I didn’t slow down until most of it was gone. Then I took a long sip of coffee and looked up at David, cheeks warming with embarrassment.
“I know I thanked you already, but I was in over my head last night. I haven’t been that naïve since college.”
David scowled. “I couldn’t believe you even talked to that jerk.”
I sighed. “I was—”
The doorbell rang.
“You want me to get it?” David asked.
“No, I’ll go.”
I stood and walked toward the front door, still feeling a bit wobbly but mostly human again.
Then I saw him.
Connor.
Peeking through the long, narrow window beside the door.
My stomach flipped.
Hope?
Dread?
Tell him to go away.
Hell no. Invite him in and get rid of David.
Great. Now I had an angel and a devil on my shoulders—and I honestly couldn’t tell which voice belonged to which.
14
Connor
My heart thudded as I watched Jeremy through the window. He looked more stunned than angry, but he hadn’t moved to open the door.
“Can I come in?” I asked.
Finally, he nodded and came toward the door. As I stepped into the foyer, David appeared like a fucking ghost. I hadn’t seen his car, but he lived close enough to walk. Jeremy might still be figuring out what the hell he felt, but David wasn’t confused at all. His red face, the ice in his eyes—he was furious.
Were they together now despite what Jeremy had said? No. Jeremy wouldn’t have done what he did with me if he was with someone else. Right?
“What are you doing here?” David snapped.
I didn’t flinch. “I came to talk to Jeremy.” And you’re not going to stop me.
“We’re having breakfast,” he growled.
Yes, that was a get-the-hell-out if I’d ever heard one, but I wasn’t budging—not unless Jeremy asked me to. I turned to him instead. “I’m just asking for a chance to say what I need to say. Then I’ll go if you want me to.”
David shot Jeremy a look like he expected backup.
“We’d finished eating, actually,” Jeremy said, voice even. “And David needs to go soon.” Then he looked at his friend. “I have to deal with this on my own.”
David nodded, but not before taking a few threatening steps toward me. “You hurt him, Marine, and I don’t care how tough you think you are, I’ll tear you apart. You got that?”
My fists stayed clenched at my sides, but I didn’t move. Starting a fight with David would only make things worse with Jeremy. Still, I hated the smug expression on his face—the one that said he’d be waiting to pick up the pieces when Jeremy kicked me out.
David finally stomped out and slammed the door behind him.
“I’m sorry about last night,” I said, turning to face Jeremy.
“Come on, let’s go into the kitchen,” he said flatly, like he was being polite out of habit. I followed him, growing more uneasy with each step. “If you want some French toast or bacon, there’s plenty left.”
I glanced at the food, and my stomach twisted. No way I could eat right now. “No thanks.”
Jeremy sat down. “Okay, talk.”
I couldn’t sit. Not with this much adrenaline pumping through me. I paced the length of the kitchen, hands still tight at my sides.