My cheeks grow warm, and I struggle not to smile because never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d live in the same house as Easton and have him take care of me. It feels like we’re becoming a family.
Giving him a grateful look, I stand on my tiptoes and press a kiss to his jaw before saying, “Thank you so much, Easton. I have no words to describe how much I appreciate everything you do for me.”
“It’s just money, Nova. You do so much more for us.” He shrugs, and a sad expression creeps into his eyes. “Besides, Rachel was right, you deserve the world.”
My heart clenches painfully in my chest, and a wave of sorrow rolls over me.
Lainey and Porsha come flying down the stairs wearing their swimsuits. “We’re going to swim.”
The girls don’t even stop and run out of the house, and the next second, we hear splashes as they jump into the pool.
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” I say.
“You can’t swim, so you won’t be of much help to them.” Easton chuckles, then adds, “Let’s sit outside. It’s a nice day, and I can do with a relaxing afternoon after the interview.”
When we take a seat on the lounge chairs, I watch as the girls pretend they’re mermaids.
My thoughts turn to the past month and how my life has completely changed.
I’m too scared to believe that things will stay like this forever. Rachel’s death has taught me that life can flip on you at the drop of a hat.
But right now, I have Easton and Lainey, and until things change, I’m going to appreciate every day I have with them.
Chapter 21
Nova
Lying alone in my bed after sharing it with Easton and Lainey for the past few days, it’s hard for me to fall asleep.
I’m glad Lainey’s spending time with her best friend, but I miss being sandwiched between her and Easton.
I miss feeling his arms around me, and I’m scared the nightmares will return. Especially after the panic attack I had earlier.
Sighing, I climb out of bed and sneak into the hallway. I tiptoe down the stairs so I don’t wake anyone else. The house is so quiet it makes me feel a little on edge. After I take a seat on one of the couches, I pull my legs up to my chest and rest my chin on my knees.
I wish you were still here, Rach. Everything feels empty without you.
A breath quivers over my lips, and I don’t bother wiping away the tear that escapes.
Easton said I could stay, but I can’t help wondering what would be best for Lainey in the long run. We can’t live like this forever, and at some point, he might meet someone and get married.
I should get a job, right? Then I’ll be able to rent a place that I can make home for Lainey. She can live with me when Easton has to travel for work.
God, what would you do, Rach? I should’ve talked to you about this while you were still here.
When I don’t find any answers for my worries, I let out a sigh and grab the TV remote. Switching the device on, I make sure it’s muted before I spend ten minutes looking through all the movies. I’m hoping watching some TV will make me feel sleepy.
Two of Easton’s movies pop up, and I quickly glance over my shoulder before I press play on the one that has a rare kissing scene in it.
The first time I saw it, I was surprised because Easton mostly stars in action movies, and even though I don’t like seeing him kiss another woman, I can’t stop myself from watching it.
I fast forward to the scene where the kiss is about to happen, and even though I’ve seen it a thousand times, I still get butterflies when he stalks toward the actress with a determined expression.
God, I wish I was her.
Even though nothing romantic can ever happen between us, a girl can still dream.
Easton shoves the actress up against a wall and kisses the living hell out of her.
