We were on our way back to the cabin when the rain and thunder started up again. A quick glance showed Bailey’s concentration remained steadfast on the road, which, with its poor drainage, became a swirling mess of mud and gravel. Not pleasant to drive through for him, but good for me to keep my thoughts to myself.
Despite our decision to give this a try, I wasn’t sure where we were heading. There was a lot more separating us than bringing us together. Ambrose might be a pain in the ass with his dislike of the legal system, but he had reasons, as did I. On more than one occasion, the cops had hauled me into court, which was how I’d ended up in juvie. Did I deserve it? Yeah. I hadn’t been an angel. After my time, like a stray cat, I’d become adept at hiding in the shadows. Staying out at night to do my street art. My foster family hadn’t cared where I was as long as I wasn’t causing them trouble.
I raked a hand through my hair. Jesus, how the hell would I ever explain someone like Bailey to Ambrose? As my life became more entangled with Bailey’s, I had to acknowledge that priorities needed to shift. His concerns had to come into play, and if they conflicted with my friendships, that was something I’d have to figure out. Because I wasn’t about to give up what was growing between us.
I liked—okay, loved—having sex with Bailey, and he made me laugh, but beyond that…it was scary as hell to let someone in. To feel again. My life had become a dark void I’d come to terms with, but being with Bailey had allowed some light to peek through the cracks.
We arrived at the cabin, the rain still pouring down.
“Let’s leave the bags in the trunk for later,” Bailey suggested, and I agreed, having little desire to get everything soaked.
We ran inside and toed off our sneakers at the door. Grady and Lauren were in the kitchen, along with Lauren’s friends, Faith and Della. They’d already dipped into the wine, and I stood watching the two women. I didn’t realize they were a couple until I saw them share a kiss after Faith poured Della a glass. Grady waved me in.
“Come. I’m hoping the rain’ll stop for us to grill, but we can do the steaks indoors if we have to. Plus, the owners of the cabin told me we could have a fire if we wanted, so I’m kinda hoping it stays cool tonight.”
“I wouldn’t mind a cold night with you under the covers making it hot,” Bailey purred in my ear.
“Mmhmm. Maybe tone it down at little.”
“Ookay.” Clearly confused, Bailey walked away, and I let him go. I joined the rest of the group and accepted a glass of wine from Faith.
“Lauren told us you didn’t even know Grady existed before you were in your twenties. That’s an amazing story.”
I shrugged. “Yeah. I’m still getting used to the idea of having family.”
“Which is about to grow larger.” Lauren raised her glass. “Maybe this time next year, it’ll be even bigger.”
I choked on the wine. “You’re pregnant?”
“No, but I want to start a family sooner rather than later.” She gave Grady a loving glance, and he kissed her cheek.
“I do too. I’m almost forty, and I want to be able to play with my kids. And we want Lauren’s mom to have the chance to maybe see a grandchild.”
“Nice.” I nodded and finished my wine. “I think I’m gonna go take a shower before dinner. Let me know if you need any help.”
I left them and went upstairs. I stripped out of my damp clothes and stood under the hot spray. Grady was making a new life—wife, kids…a new family. The whole package. Would he still have time for me? The new brother he didn’t have such deep emotional ties with? The prickly one who pushed him away as often as he hugged him?
I washed my hair and soaped myself. No more boys’ nights hanging out at the club with Grady as my wingman, or him showing up with a pizza and a six-pack to watch a game. He had responsibilities now. Someone else to talk things through to make decisions.
Out of the shower, I dried off and put on sweats. Barefoot, I returned downstairs to find a fire crackling. Rain continued to pelt the roof, and everyone had a glass of wine in front of them. A large board with cheese, fruit, and sliced meats sat in the middle of the coffee table.
“Did I wander onto the set of a Hallmark movie?” I joked, but it wasn’t far from the truth. Cozy cabin in the woods, fireplace with a fur rug, and everyone in their comfy wool sweaters. All that was needed was a Christmas tree and someone singing carols.
God forbid.
“We’re all pretty cute, aren’t we?” Weston joked, but I didn’t smile. I walked into the kitchen, poured a full glass of something red, then wandered to the living-room window streaming with raindrops, matching my mood.
“What’s wrong?” Bailey’s shoulder nudged mine. “You look…sad.”
I stayed silent and drank some more wine.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?”
“Don’t pity me,” I gritted out.
“Why would I?” There wasn’t any teasing in Bailey’s voice, and his profile remained unsmiling. “I understand. You might not believe me, but I do.” He plucked the glass from my hand and took a sip. “Come back to the group. Grady’s ready to start dinner, and I know he’d like your help.”
I nodded, left the window, and went into the kitchen. Grady and Lauren were working side by side, joking with each other. A throb of loneliness pulsed inside me. Carlos had given me almost all my best memories, but now he’d become a memory himself.
