Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
The family and the man I love.
All of it.
thirty-six
Evan
I feel as if I’m heading into the lion’s den to be slaughtered.
I think Callie feels the same too.
She hasn’t said much as we drive to her house, and she hasn’t really said anything since we woke up. It makes me edgy, and I’m unsure of how to take it or react to it. One thing is for sure, I can’t help but notice how pretty she is. She spent thirty minutes on her hair last night, and I even helped her wash it and put product in. Today, it’s all curly and flowy over her shoulders. She wears a cute little green dress with tights underneath. She didn’t put on any makeup, but she doesn’t need it.
“You’re beautiful, Cal,” I say to fill the silence, and she flashes me a small smile, one that doesn’t reach her eyes at all.
“Thanks, babe,” she says, sliding her hand into mine, threading our fingers.
“We don’t have to go,” I remind her. “We can do this another time.”
But she shakes her head. “I want to go.”
I don’t believe that, but I also don’t want to argue with her when she hasn’t eaten and she’s anxious. Instead, I’ll do what she always does, be the presence she needs. When we reach Nico and Aviva’s house, memories flood me of being here before.
It’s funny how when you find out someone doesn’t like you, all your past interactions come rushing back to you. Nico never really shook hands with me on the ice or ever celebrated with me. I thought it was mostly because Owen and I were always up each other’s asses, but now I realize it was more than that. Nico couldn’t stand us. When I was invited to the house, only Aviva talked to me, and if Nico and I found ourselves alone, he was always on his phone. It’s quite sad, really. I actually like Nico a lot. Shelli never talked bad about Nico or anything like that. The fact that he doesn’t like us because of her is ridiculous, but I can sympathize. I’m not making excuses for the dude, but nobody wants to be rejected, especially someone who has a disorder like his. Come on, though. He’s married with another kid on the way. I’m a decent dude, and I love Callie. Let it go. Trust me. Trust us.
I know that’s the point of this breakfast, but I also know that Nico won’t apologize. If he didn’t after he tore me down, he sure as hell won’t now. He’s probably just more upset. Hence why I feel like I’m walking toward a slaughter, instead of a nice “get to know the family” breakfast.
Fuck, I’m so anxious.
When Callie parks on the street, she shuts off the car, and I get out, asking her to wait. I grab the bouquet of flowers I got Aviva on the way and walk around, opening the door for Callie. She takes my hand, giving me a smile as she teases, “I think I’m supposed to open your door.”
I grin, kissing her nose. “Nope. It’s my job.”
“I’m the driver.”
“I’m your man.”
Her eyes soften as we lace our fingers together.
When she gets out, I stand beside her, pressing my side into hers. “You okay?”
“Do you want to be with me?” she asks suddenly, and I jerk my head back in surprise.
“Yes, Callie. Of course I do.”
“Okay, don’t forget that. No matter what. Because I want to be with you.”
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, square in the chest. Her eyes are so intense, so sure, and I’m in awe of her. I hold her gaze, and I swallow past the lump in my throat. She rises to her toes, kissing my jaw, and I don’t let her get far before I press my lips to hers. She glides her hands up my chest and around my neck, and I wrap my free hand around her body, holding her close as our lips play. I kiss her because I want to, but also because I want to drown in her confidence. I want to feed off her and absorb her words. I want to feel them everywhere and know they’re true.
When we part, I cup her jaw, running my thumb along her lips as her eyes burn into mine. Neither of us says anything because we don’t have to. We know. She laces her fingers with mine, and we both inhale before exhaling at almost the same time. After I shut her door, together, we head up the driveway of the huge stone home. When we reach the door, she opens it before calling out, “Hey, I’m home.”
Home. It’s her home, and I want that for her. But I want her.
Fuck, the struggle.
I want to be with you.