Page 115 of Addiction

“I don’t want to lose you, Wade,” I say, laying my heart on the line. “I want you in my life because the idea of not having you in it scares the hell out of me. I never thought I’d find anyone, but I’ve found you. You stayed beside me even through my relapse when you never had to at all.”

“I stayed because I care, Asher. I stayed because I can see the good in you, even when you can’t see it for yourself. Whatever this is between us, I want it just as much as I believe you do.”

“I do. So much.”

“Then that’s settled then. The only road we take now is the one ahead of us.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” I kiss his lips. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. For my recovery, honesty is more important than anything.”

“I know.”

His eyes leave mine for a second and a wave of anxiety hits my stomach. But that is soon gone when he looks back at me and smiles, bringing his lips to meet mine.

“I don’t want there to be any either.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Wade

“Are you okay?” Nora asks as we make our way down toward Hot Tuna. We’ve spent the afternoon together while Fiona looks after Ava.

“I’m fine.”

“Well, I don’t believe you.”

I huff out a laugh. “Why not?”

“Because I know you, and you’re normally full of talk and smiles and you’ve hardly done any of that today.”

She’s not wrong. I love spending time with Nora, but I’m just not feeling it right now. I haven’t been for the past few days. But the last thing I want is for her to come at me with questions.

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m fine, honest.”

She raises a brow, and I know she can see right through my bullshit. “This doesn’t have anything to do with Asher does it. Is everything okay between you two?”

Everything is amazing between us, but I’ve felt like a dickhead for lying to him the other night about having no more secrets in our relationship and here I am still hiding behind one. I hate myself for that. I should have been straight with him from the very beginning because he has been with me. But where do I even start?

Changing my surname may not mean anything on paper, but it’s a massive deal when it comes to everything else. I am ashamed of my bloodline, but I’m more ashamed of myself for keeping the truth from Asher and everyone else for that matter. He may not be bothered. He may not see any change in what we are, but I do. I’ve withheld the truth, and that’s a big deal for me.

“Everything is great between us. I promise. I’m sorry. I’m tired that’s all.”

“Has my brother been keeping you up too long?” She grins.

“You could say that.” I didn’t think Asher could get any more amazing, but Jesus, that afternoon after the parasailing proved how wrong I was. “But I doubt you’d want the details.”

“Hmm. Not really. But you know you can talk to me, don’t you? Just because you’re dating my brother doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me about him if things aren’t right between you two.”

I stop her in her tracks and grip hold of her shoulders. This woman is a peacemaker to everyone. “I know I can, and if I should need to talk about him, I will do. But honestly, things between us have never been better. I’ve just got some stuff going on with a patient that has me a little distracted,” I lie.

“Okay. I understand.” She smiles. “You know I love you, right?”

“I sure do. Come here.” I bring her in for a cuddle and squeeze her tight.

“Thank you, Wade.”

I frown. “What are you thanking me for? I only gave you a cuddle.”

“Thank you for being you. But more importantly, thank you for being there for Asher. He’s so lucky to have you in his life. You’ve helped him so much with his sexuality, and I love watching him thrive as each day goes by. If it weren’t for you, I dread to think what the outcome would have been.”