God, today might just break me.
When it’s almost nine o’clock at night, Rachel says, “It’s been a long day. I’m heading to bed.”
I watch as she gets up off the couch. “Night. I hope you sleep tight. Wake me if you need anything.”
“Good night, Rach,” Easton murmurs. “I’ll check in on you later.”
Lainey went to bed half an hour ago, and as Rachel heads up the stairs, I consider going to my bedroom.
Before I can make up my mind, Easton climbs to his feet and asks, “I’m in the mood for a glass of wine. Want to join me?”
“Ah . . . sure.”
I stand up from the couch and follow him to the kitchen. Next to the pantry, there’s a wine cooler with a glass door, and I see rows and rows of bottles. He takes one out, and I practically drool over his strong hands as he pulls a cork from the bottle before pouring some of the deep-red liquid into two glasses.
Why does everything about this man have to be so damn hot?
I don’t drink much alcohol, so when he hands me a glass, I take a tentative sip. It’s strong and sweet all at the same time, leaving a dry sensation behind on my tongue.
“What do you think?” he asks.
“It’s okay.”
Chuckling, Easton shakes his head. “This bottle cost me over fifteen thousand dollars. It has to be better than okay.”
Holy crap!
Shocked by how expensive it is, I glance between Easton and the glass in my hand. “I know nothing about wines. You should’ve saved the bottle for when you have something to celebrate.”
He clinks his glass against mine. “We do have something to celebrate.”
“We do?” I can’t think of a single thing, especially not after making videos with Rachel all day. My heart is a pulverized mess in my chest.
“The fact that you’re finally here in LA with us.” Easton twirls the wine in his glass, and a serious expression settles on his face before his eyes lock with mine. His tone is deeper than usual as he says, “I’m sorry, Nova.”
His sudden apology catches me completely off guard. “For what?”
“For leaving you behind in Verona.” His features tighten with something akin to regret as he keeps looking at me. “I should’ve brought you with us.”
His words hit hard, and unable to keep eye contact, I lower my gaze as I place the glass on the island in the kitchen. Shaking my head, I try to chuckle. “Don’t be silly. You have nothing to apologize for.” I clear my throat. “I wasn’t your responsibility.”
When he moves closer to me, my heart instantly beats faster, and my gaze snaps to his face. He tilts his head, and the moment he places his hand on my shoulder, a wave of tingles wars with the ever-present anxiety caused by years of abuse.
“You’re family, and have always belonged with Rachel and me.”
I stare at the only man who’s never done anything to hurt me, and it feels good knowing I mean something to him.
“Thanks for saying that,” I whisper. “It means a lot coming from you.”
Easton’s fingers tighten on my shoulder, and as he moves closer, he gently tugs me toward him. My heart practically explodes into a wild beat when he presses me to his chest. His arms wrap around me, and I’m engulfed in a hug that actually makes me feel safe.
I stand still, soaking in how good it feels to be held by the man who owns my heart, then he says, “It would be nice if you hugged me back.”
I let out a burst of awkward laughter, doing as I’m told. After I wrap my arms around Easton’s waist and flatten my palms over his back, I turn my head and rest my cheek against his chest.
It’s been so long since a man showed me kindness I’m overwhelmed by how good it feels.
Unlike when Easton caught me crying and comforted me on Saturday, there’s no reason for him to hold me tonight, and it makes the moment so much more special.
