Everything has changed. I want to scream it. I knew there was something between Abby and me before last night, but now I’m pretty damn sure I’m more than halfway in love with her.
It’s insanity because love has never even been on my mind when I’ve been in relationships, not that any of them have lasted very long. But there’s something about Abby that’s made it an increasingly frequent topic in my brain.
“I can’t fuck any of this up for Oliver,” Kane says, making a sweeping motion around the room. His words snap me back to reality.
Oliver’s sweet voice saying that one word flashes through my mind. Seeing him slowly crawl his way through the dark cloud that’s encompassed him since Jess’s death is truly beautiful.
That’s why we can’t do this. As much as it kills me, he’s worth it. Time and time again, he’ll always be worth it.
I wish there was a way I… we could have both. I want what’s best for Oliver, always, but… I wish there was a way to make this work.
I just can’t come up with any solutions right now, and the defeated look in Linc and Kane’s eyes reflects the very same thought.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Abby
Tuggingmy hat down over my ears, I walk down the porch steps. I feel proud of myself for having the proper winter gear on before walking outside this afternoon.
It’s a nice day, but it’s still winter in Aspen Springs, so the gear is needed for the walk to Mav’s school.
The school is close enough that I can sometimes walk over there to get him if I have time. Maybe he will get enough of his wiggles out on the walk back so that he will be a little calmer tonight.
Ha… doubtful.One can only try, though.
“Zeus,” Leah yells.
I barely have time to turn in the direction of her house before a big white dog with brown spots is jumping up on me.
“Zeus, get down,” Leah yells again, running toward us.
He’s a big dog, but I ease him back to the ground. His little stub of a tail is wagging so quickly it’s moving his whole body.
“Hey buddy,” I say, rubbing my hands over the top of his head and down his back.
“I’m so sorry,” Leah says, out of breath by the time she reaches us.
“No worries,” I say, smiling up at her. My smile only grows when I realize she doesn’t even have any shoes on.
She lets out a heavy sigh. “I wasn’t planning on running around. I was just grabbing the mail.” Her eyes travel down to Zeus with a mixture of frustration and love. “This guy just barreled through the door.”
“So, he’s yours now?” I ask.
She smiles, looking down at him. “Yeah. We’ve had some growing pains, but I love him.”
I couldn’t be happier for her. She deserves to have this spot of happiness in her days. “I’m so glad.”
We talk for a few more minutes about her coming over with Zeus, so Mav can play with him. Zeus trots dutifully at Leah’s side like a love-struck fool as she makes her way back into her house.
I’m shaking my head and smiling as I head down the street. They’re just so cute together.
I really should have thought of bringing some headphones with me, so I could listen to a podcast or something. I don’t mind the quiet, but it leaves a lot of time for my mind to wander.
I try to keep it busy with thoughts of the stir-fry I’m going to make tonight or the load of laundry in the dryer that needs to be folded. It’s no use, though.
There’s only one thing my mind wants to ruminate on. I guess it’s three things, three very handsome things.
I haven’t been able to get any of them out of my head since I walked out their front door days ago. I thought it was bad before.
