“It’s just brought it all back,” I admit, and that’s not a full lie. I also just promised her I’d seek help, and that’s also weighing on my mind. I don’t know that I’m strong enough to open up about this.
He rests his hand on top of my thigh. “I’m such an idiot. Of course, it would.”
Now, I feel bad. I wish I could tell him. I want to. But I’ve spent so long keeping it buried inside me that I’m afraid of letting it out. In a way, it was easy to tell Kim. Because she’s a stranger and she’s been through it. Telling those I’m close to is another matter entirely. It’s so much harder to confide in my loved ones, for a whole heap of reasons. But the pain of it is something I carry with me every day like a phantom limb. I don’t have to think about it to feel it. It’s just there. Always pressing down on me. Forcing me to run to my best friend Molly to help forget my emotions.
I bring his hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “You’re not an idiot. I had no idea I’d react like that. She’s so brave. I’m in awe of her.”
“I can’t believe she agreed so readily and that she’s already taking action.”
“I wonder how long it’ll take them to arrest him.”
“Considering Sam sent that fake, anonymous email from Wes’s IP address with the video and confession, I’m guessing next to no time.”
“What if they find out it wasn’t Wes who sent it?” I ask, only thinking of this for the first time. “I don’t want Sam to get in trouble. Or Wes to get off.”
Adam returns his hand to the wheel. “Sam is a freaking genius, and he’s got what I refer to as tech OCD. He’s meticulous, and there’s no way they’ll link it back to him.” He shoots me a happy smile. “And even if they did, there’s no way Wes will get off. The evidence is there whether he sent it or not. And Kim is making a full statement, and it’s still within the statute of limitations so it’s rock solid.”
“I wonder if more girls will come forward?” I muse, lifting my bare feet to the dash.
The truck rumbles as Adam speeds up, moving into the left lane. “I think that’s a given. If he was pulling this shit since high school, there are more victims.”
I briefly think of the man who raped me. Wondering if he has more victims. If I’m at fault for not reporting it. A pang of guilt slaps me in the face.
“Hey, how would you feel about an impromptu visit to my house? I’d told Phoebe I couldn’t visit today, but I’d love to introduce you to my mom and sister. They are dying to meet you.”
My eyes pop wide. “You told your family about me?”
He grins. “I fessed up this week. You should’ve heard them screaming on the phone. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit.”
I lean across the console and kiss his cheek. “It’s not embarrassing at all. I love that you told them about me.” My heart is careening around my chest, jumping for joy. He must be serious if he’s told his family, and that has me doing a silent happy dance.
Adam has lifted me out of my head, and I want to pepper his gorgeous face with kisses.
But he’s driving.
So, it’ll have to be a rain check.
“I’d love to meet them.”
“Yeah?” Pleasure seeps into his tone and his facial expression.
“Yep.” My smile is genuine as I grin at him. “I could think of no better way to spend the day than spending Sunday with you and your family.”
* * *
“Mom. Phoebe.”Adam tucks me under his shoulder. “This is Emily.” He beams at me, and I melt under his adoring gaze.
“Oh, my. Look how beautiful you are.” Adam’s mom holds out her arms, and I willingly fall into them. Her hug is warm and gentle. She holds me at arm’s length. “Now, I can see why my boy has been so distracted lately!”
“Thank you.” I laugh. “And I can’t believe you’re Adam’s mom. You don’t look old enough.” It’s true. Although I know she’s had a tough life, you couldn’t tell by looking at her. Her brown hair is thick and long with no hints of gray, and her skin is remarkably unlined for a woman of her age.
“I’m Phoebe.” Adam’s sister is the spitting image of their mom with her voluminous, long dark hair, big brown eyes, and heart-shaped face.
I extend my hand. “I have heard so much about you from your brother, and I’m so happy to meet you.”
She squeezes my hand, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she casts a quick glance at her brother. “I’d like to say the same, but Adam’s been holding out.” She tugs me forward. “I’m kidnapping Emily,” she says with supreme confidence. “You can go drink coffee with Mom in the kitchen,” she tosses over her shoulder at her brother.
He chuckles. “I should’ve warned you, Em. Prepare for the Spanish Inquisition.”
