Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 138683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
“I would have come.”
“Well, I certainly hope you did. I mean, come on, tasty O’s with your uber hot man or rushing out to save me in the middle of the night? This is not a toss-up, Eden.”
They’d been so cute when they’d come out the door. So in love. Trent couldn’t keep his hands or his mouth off my bestie as he’d led her to her car. I wasn’t about to interrupt it, even though I’d never felt so alone than when I’d watched them drive away.
“I would have been there for you in a heartbeat. Ride or die, remember?”
“Well, you were riding that big D, soooo…”
She choked. “Tessa.”
“I am the teller of the truth. Tell me I’m wrong.”
She giggled.
“Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.”
I wasn’t jealous or anything.
But I wanted it. Ached for it. A connection that was real. It was hard going at life alone.
I peeked at Milo again. There he was, intense as he worked, sunlight burning down and blazing against all his toned, chiseled flesh.
Snap. Crackle. Boom.
There went my lady bits.
“Tessa?”
I jolted out of it, realizing she’d called my name three times.
“Oh, sorry, what?” I asked, completely flustered.
“I was just saying I’ll come pick you up. Kate will be up from her nap in about a half an hour, and we’ll head over there.”
Of course, she would invite me to crash at their place.
I loved her so much for it, too.
But she had a family now.
Nerves raced, streaking through my veins, because was I really doing this? I hesitated, then rushed, “I’m actually going to stay here at Milo’s for a while.”
“Excuse me?” Her response was loaded.
“Yeah, so it turns out he needs a roommate.”
It was only a tiny lie, because the man did seem like he needed someone.
I understood lonely.
Recognized it.
But his was even more severe.
There was a deep, penetrating sorrow that lined his bones. His aura this convoluted, distorted thing.
I’d never seen it so clearly than when I’d been the idiot who went hunting through his house like it was my own and stumbled into that room.
It was painted to be a replica of the view outside, the walls the lake and the forest surrounding it, the ceiling a whisper of the summer sky. Two beds were fashioned like treehouses, close to what he was building outside, like just lying in them would be an adventure. They were covered in handmade quilts that matched perfectly.
Two toy boxes were in the middle of the far wall, and a bookshelf bracketed each side. They were stocked with toys and books and stuffed animals.
But it’d been too perfect.
Too clean.
Too empty.
“Hey, did you know Milo has kids?” I was back to whispering.
Eden hesitated before she blew out a knowing sigh. “Yeah, Trent has mentioned it a few times. I guess their grandparents have custody of them.”
My heart squeezed in a fist.
“Where is their mother?”
“I’m honestly not sure.”
Unable to stop myself, I glanced out the window again, my pulse chugging in dread. “Do you think he…hurt them?”
I couldn’t imagine. Couldn’t believe it.
He might have oozed ferocity, but I also felt his goodness. His loyalty.
Tenderness filled her voice. “My gut says no. Every time I’m around him, I feel like there’s something really big and difficult going on in his life, but you know I don’t really know him that well. He rarely speaks, and when he does, it’s never about his personal life. For the most part, he keeps to himself, but Trent trusts him around our kids, and you know that would never fly if that weren’t the case.”
“Yeah.” My agreement was quiet as I gazed out.
A painting of peace and heartbreak.
A picture of grief and solitude.
“So, you said you needed the shirt off my back…” Eden hedged.
I laughed. “Um, yes, I’m wearing an old shirt and shorts that belong to Milo’s mom. Save me. I’m going to have to go get my stuff from Karl’s soon, but I’m not up for it yet.”
I’d say screw it all if it weren’t for the fact my car was there.
“Don’t worry, Eden to the rescue.”
“And bring me shoes…but not the ugly old lady ones you like to wear sometimes because they’re comfortable. Bring me those cute slides with the heel.”
“Wow. The love, Tessa.” Her tone was droll.
I grinned. “Like I said, I’m the teller of the truth.”
“Okay, then, truth teller, are you okay?” Care filled her voice.
I inhaled a shaky breath. “I think I am. I’ll figure this out, whatever I have to do. All except lying beside Karl for one more night.”
“I know you have this, but please, if you need help, ask us. We are here for you. You may not be blood, but you are my sister, Tessa. I hope you know that.”
Affection clogged my throat. “I know. You’re my sister, too.”
“No more secrets.”
“No more secrets,” I promised.