“Selfishly, I wanted to hold on to it in case I needed a bargaining chip.”
“It’s a long time to hold on to something,” I say, placing it on the nightstand and turning to kiss him.
“Some things are worth the wait.”
Needing some levity, I cup my breasts in my hands. “Like these?”
He chuckles but it’s a deliciously low rumble, the vibrations going straight to my core. “Definitely like those, and I need another taste.”
25
CORA
The house is thankfully quiet as I pad my way down the hall and through the kitchen. It feels weird sneaking around the house at night, but I was restless. Tonight has been incredible and emotional, and I am still reeling from the latter.
“Hope you’re not leavin’ on my account,” a soft voice says from the darkened kitchen. I gasp and jump, stubbing my toe on the leg of the couch.
“Dammit!” I hiss and Bristol laughs quietly.
“I’d say sorry, but I feel like that makes up for all the noise y’all were making.”
“Oh my gosh, I am so?—”
“I’m kidding.” She chuckles. “I don’t sleep much when Navy is gone. You’d think it would be the opposite, but I like having her close even if it does us both good to have some time apart.”
“Is she with your parents?” I ask awkwardly, realizing I am wearing only Talon’s shirt with my hair thrown up into a messy bun.
“Yeah, they’re both so good with her.” Bristol looks down at the mug in her hand and then back up at me. “Can I get you a cup?”
I want to say no.
But something about the way she’s sitting in the dark has me nodding and moving toward the cabinet. “I’ll get it.”
“Couldn’t sleep?”
“Restless,” I confirm. “Just needed some quiet.”
“And?”
“It’s just weird,” I admit. “I spent a lot of my adult life feeling one way about him, and now everything has changed.” I shrug. “I just need a minute to catch my breath.”
“He really cares about you.”
“I know, and I care about him too.” The mug warms my hands as I mull over how much to tell her. “There was a lot to unpack tonight and Talon was everything. He’s so much more than I imagined.”
I take a hasty sip to stop myself from unloading all my emotional baggage on this poor woman in front of me.
“Can I tell you something?” she asks quietly.
“Of course.”
“I go back and forth between wanting so desperately to be with someone and then hating myself for even considering it. I’m lonely, but the thought of being with anyone but Davis makes my skin crawl.” She sighs. “And then I find myself in this panicked state ofwhat happens when one of my brothers finds someone and I have to do this all by myself.”
The words hang between us, the magnitude of her raw honesty bringing tears to my eyes.
“I think whatever you’re feeling is valid. There’s no one way to grieve and there’s no denying that your loss is devastating.” Reaching across the table, I place my hand on hers. “I didn’t know Davis, and we’re just getting to know each other, but I can say with certainty that I know you can find your spark again. I hope you find the balance that lets you celebrate the life you had with him while still allowing yourself to find happiness.”
“It seems like a fantasy, honestly.” The words are a solemn whisper, but I don’t miss the way her eyes flash with hope too.
