“Nothing right now. You provided the mountains, so I’m good.” I’m permitting myself forty minutes to wallow before I act. That’s a game Jax and I play—minutes to mope. Otherwise, we get stuck. Although, admittedly, I often mollify our moping with something reckless when the timer buzzes. So, who’s to say which is better?
Ty nods hesitantly, plainly torn about whether to touch me, sit with me, or leave me to my floundering. “Maybe we should sleep it off and see if tomorrow is better.”
I raise the joint like a salute. “Two more hits, and I’ll be out like a light. We’ll have loads of fun before we call the big bros.”
“Right.” He reaches into his pocket and sets a burner phone on the arm of my chair. “Ivy and Celeste have been anxious to hear from you. At least text them.” His pained gaze frolics all over my face, his hands sliding over his jean-clad thighs like he’s wiping sweaty palms or forcing them to stay put. “I want to do this right, Rena. And I can’t …You talked about how Axel is like a father to you and how you want to be a mom. Can you imagine one of your kids missing? Because if it was Felicity, I … I couldn’t …”
There’s not much to argue with there. He’s right. But I still can’t agree to what he wants. So, he’s made his choice.
“I understand. My intention isn’t to hurt anyone even if my actions say otherwise. I love my brothers so much. I’ve proudly filled the role of the Noire princess my entire life, but things change. And I need the space to let them even if it’s uncomfortable for others.”
The tortured quirk of his features returns. He’s conflicted. Admirable. Noble even. Just not what I need.
“Okay.” He rises, cradles my face, and plants a kiss on my forehead. “We’ll figure it out together.”
Based on him granting me a day or two, I think he’s already figured out his part, but I smile anyway.
“I’m going to take the couch in your room,” he calls out ashe saunters away. “I’ll feel better, having you close to ward off the nightmares.”
Or to make sure I don’t escape.
A few minutes later, I snuff out the joint and text the thread on the burner phone, hoping for some direction. Looks like Ty used his nicknames for them.
Me: Hey, girls.
Only about a minute passes before the first text pops up.
Freckles: There you are. I’ve missed you.
Lettie: Seriously. WTF? We could’ve at least made it a girls’ trip.
Me: Sorry. Miss you both too. Next time. It was too big of a risk for this top-secret mission. Your guys would never have let you off their radar.
Freckles: We could have lost ’em. Wouldn’t have been the first time.
That makes me laugh. I may not be privy to all the clandestine details of whatever the hell went down with Ivy and the guys a year and a half ago, but I have no doubt she gave them a run for it.
Lettie: If I even type that, mine will be on me. The golden god always knows.
Yeah. That makes sense. Liam is my spirit animal.
Freckles: Epic move with the delivery truck, btw.
Me: Thanks. I can scheme with the best of them.
Freckles: Noted. So, tell us what’s happening. You’re not alone.
Me: Depends on what you mean by not alone.
Freckles: He’s being distant?
Me: He’s been perfect. And sweet. Dreamy. Just not mine.
Freckles: That’s where you’re wrong. He’s been waiting for you since I met him.
My heart thumps with hope. If he’s confessed to Ivy that he wants me, admitted it, then it’s possible this isn’t over. Our journey might not be as arduous as I thought.
Me: Did he say that?
