I was helpless against the pull he had on me.
My mouth stayed firmly closed, no words escaped.
In seconds I was against Bronson’s hard chest, his arms wrapped around me, and his woodsy scent filling my senses.
And those darn tears I hoped wouldn’t fall, tumbled.
He was bigger, more toned, but he was still Bronson.
Bronson was home and I felt safe in his arms.
When he pulled back, he promised me once more that he would never leave me, and I truly started to believe him.
Just before walking out the door and reminding me to call him if I needed him, he said, “I’m going to kiss you one day soon. I never forgot what It felt like that night before I made the dumbest mistake of my life, but I know it will be even more earth-shattering when it happens again.”
Once the door was closed and he was gone, something became very clear. The game of tug-of-war had come to an end. It was obvious which side had won.
Those old feelings were in the lead and always would be.
I was going to forgive Bronson.
Goosebumps raced across my skin.
Lost in thoughts about Bronson, I’d been standing in front of the mirror in nothing more than a towel. A super-plush luxurious bath towel, I might add. If it wouldn’t fall off me as I tossed and turned in my sleep I’d probably use it instead of pajamas.
They were as nice as the condo and its furnishings. But while everything was top of the line, it all had a very homey feel. I had no doubt the ladies had a hand in decorating.
It was crazy the company had kept two places for years just to have places for people to stay if needed. Though, from the sounds of the stories that were told at the party, they’d put both residences to good use.
After brushing out my hair, I walked into the bedroom, pulled out a pair of shorts and tank top from the drawer to throw on, then wandered into the living room where my daughter was.
Stormi was conked out on the couch having fallen asleep there after everyone left. When we arrived at our home away from home, some of the women, their men, and kids had made their way over one by one to see if I needed anything. My daughter was in heaven having someone to play with for a time, but then she’d crashed.
God, I was thankful that someone covered my shift for the night so I didn’t have to scramble to figure out who would watch my girl. However, I had many offers from my new friends to take care of Stormi day or night whenever I needed some help. Ruby, Alley, Capri, you name it, they all were willing.
It was finally kicking in, I had friends.
Puttering around the room, I moved over to the bookshelf and started checking out the books on display. A smile split my face when I saw Alley’s name. I pulled the paperback from the shelf and my eyes widened.
“Oh my,” I breathed.
The woman knew how to pick her cover models. Reading had always been an escape for me. Turning it over, I read the blurb and was sure the book was exactly what I needed. Taking it back to the couch, I plopped down next to Stormi, pulled my legs up under me, and settled in to read what I had a pretty good idea was going to be a story that would take my mind off things.
Hours later, I jolted awake to the phone ringing. Alley’s book lay open on my stomach and my phone sat on the end table next to the couch where I’d laid it.
Who the heck would be calling me so late?
Leaning over, I peered at the screen and froze. It read,unknown caller. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I knew I shouldn’t answer, but what if I was just being paranoid? Wondering if it could be someone who really needed to get hold of me, I grabbed the phone and answered.
“Hello?”
It was a big mistake.
I should have listened to that little voice in the back of my head.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” through the line came an evil voice. “You know you really shouldn’t leave your phone number on your fridge for just anyone to see.”Oh my god, he’s in my house.
“Did you honestly think running away from home and not going to work would help you?”
