I nod. “So everyone knows, then?”
She shrugs. “Maybe. I mean, Cam had a lot going on this week, and most of the building hightailed it out of there after the wedding. I think only Al, Margie, and Cornelia will be back this weekend. Jessa and Troy will get back in a few days, and all the others are taking till the end of the week.
I feel my shoulders relax. So, we have time with fewer complications. That’s a good thing.
“OK. Let’s worry about all of this another day. I’ll order us pizza while we get cleaned up and unpacked,” I announce.
She nods. “Thanks. That sounds perfect.”
I give her another quick kiss. “Don’t think I won’t sneak in here to spend time with you,” I protest.
“I’m counting on it,” she says as she strokes my cheek. The way she’s looking at me makes me drunk with lust. I’ve never wanted a woman more than I want her. I don’t know if it’s the three years of denying my feelings or if it’s some magic spell she casts on me when I’m in her presence, but either way, this woman has me wrapped around her little finger.
I make a call to a therapist I saw a while back. She gets me on her schedule for later in the week. And then I call Lanie, who practically jumps up and down at the news.
“OMG! I’m so happy for you two. I can’t wait to meet her in person someday. I feel like I already know her. Are you planning to bring her out here soon?” she asks.
“I…hadn’t thought about that yet,” I admit.
She pauses.
“What?” I ask.
“What’s wrong? You seem happy, but hesitant,” she says. Damn her, she’s really good at reading people.
“I…I just worry a lot, and sometimes that gets in my head, and I don’t want to ruin all of this because of fears I have,” I admit.
“Brayden, you need to let it go. I got sick. I got sick with something that could have killed me, and then I got better. Sometimes life is hard, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end. And even if it was, would you give up your time with them, knowing it was limited?” she asks.
I consider her question for a beat. “I…I wouldn’t want to,” I answer because that’s a loaded question. Part of me would want to spend all the time I had left with them, and part of me would want to run away in fear.
“Then you need to face your fears. Think about that,” she says as we say our goodbyes.
I finish my shift and head back home. I’m back on my normal night shift, and I’m not sure I love it. I miss spending time with Ava.
As I approach one-eleven Hearts Lane, I see Hutch sitting out on his bench in the park. I walk over and sit down next to him. He just got back with Jocelyn two days ago, and we haven’t spoken much yet.
“How was the rest of your trip?” I ask.
He beams. “Amazing. I can’t wait for happy hour this week. I’m sure everyone has great stories. How are things going here?” he asks and gives me a knowing look.
I shrug. Carly and I promised to keep things a little under wraps for now, but I also feel like I need to talk with someone.
“They are…progressing,” I say.
He huffs. “You’re sleeping together, aren’t you?” he asks. He’s not wrong. I’ve snuck over to Carly’s bed every night last week. We’ve become pros at the art of soundless sex. Although a few times, I had to clamp my hand over her mouth. I fight a smirk at the memory.
I shrug. “I’m…it’s complicated. I’m working through my shit,” I say noncommittally.
“Oh?” he says as he looks out at the stream.
“Yeah, I have issues I haven’t worked through. Fears that I need to face,” I explain.
“Well, I’m here if you need to talk about them,” he offers.
“Thanks.” I pause and then look back over at him. “Do you ever worry about losing Jocelyn? Like something bad could happen?”
Hutch grimaces. “No, man. I don’t want to think about that. I’d lose my fucking mind.” He looks me in the eye. “Is that what’s eating at you?”
