Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
I felt so many emotions, but the one that freaked me out the most was fear—fear of losing her. Unfortunately, I covered it with anger. “Fine. Take all the time you need. Just let me know if it’s gonna be forever.”
“Levi…” She reached for me. But I took a step back and put up my hands.
“Don’t. I need some air.” I headed for the door.
***
Levi: I’m sorry I acted like an idiot earlier.
Three hours later, I’d finally gotten my shit together enough to apologize. I’d gotten in my car earlier and started driving, not stopping until I somehow ended up at Folly Beach, just south of Charleston. I didn’t even remember the drive here.
I’d parked near the pier and walked down to the end to stare out at the water. I wished I could say it had given me some clarity. But I still felt angry and confused, scared and jealous. Though I did come to the realization that taking those feelings out on Presley wasn’t going to do either of us much good.
My phone pinged, and I took a deep breath, unsure what she’d been thinking after the way I’d acted.
Presley: It’s okay. I understand. Tanner showing up has thrown us both for a loop.
I smiled. It was just like Presley to be so understanding. It was one of the things I loved about her.
My smile suddenly fell. Loved. I do fucking love her, don’t I? I’d felt it for a while now, but I hadn’t been able to bring myself to accept it. Nothing like the threat of losing someone to make you realize what you have.
Levi: Thank you for understanding.
Presley: I just want to make sure anything that happens with you, Tanner, and me doesn’t cause a backlash on Alex. I don’t want him caught in the middle. Tanner says he’s changed, but I’m not certain he would put his hurt feelings aside for the sake of our son. We can’t make any rash, emotional decisions, because it’s not just us who will pay the price for them.
I took a deep breath. What she was saying sucked, but I admired her so damn much for keeping her priorities straight.
Levi: You’re a great mom.
She responded with a smiley face. A minute later, my phone buzzed again.
Presley: Will you be home for dinner? I know it’s not easy to sit at the table all together, so I figured the least I could do was console you with my cooking. I’m making your favorites.
Levi: Fried chicken?
Presley: And buttermilk biscuits from scratch, your grandmother’s recipe.
If she didn’t already have my heart, that could do it. My stomach growled, as if it were answering for me. So I translated the sentiment.
Levi: Sounds good. I’ll be back by dinner, and I’ll be on my best behavior.
***
All of the positivity I’d been feeling after the long drive and time staring out at the ocean flew out the window as I pulled up in front of The Palm Inn. The scene unfolding on the front lawn made my heart sink to my stomach. Presley was on the grass with Alex and Tanner, playing football. I watched from the car as Alex threw the ball to his mom. Presley caught it and tried to fake right to run around Tanner, but he grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to the ground on top of him. The two of them laughed as they went down, and Alex ran over with a giant smile on his face.
I rubbed at my breastbone and considered driving away again. The happy family probably wouldn’t even notice. But before I could, Alex spotted my truck. He waved and pointed.
Fuck.
Now I had to stay. All three of them were looking my way as Alex said something. If I hightailed it out of here now, Alex would be confused, and I’d also have to explain myself to Tanner at some point. So I took a deep breath and turned off the ignition.
“Uncle Levi!” Alex ran toward my truck as I got out. “You can be on Mom’s team. Dad and I are killing her. It’s like…five million to zero.”
I looked over at Presley. The smile that had been on her face before she saw me had morphed into a frown, and her eyes were filled with regret. I wasn’t sure if she regretted me seeing her having a good time, or if she regretted that I’d caught her wrapped in Tanner’s arms. But there was no damn way I could play anything with them right now.
“Sorry, buddy. Not today. My knee has been acting up.”
Tanner smirked at Alex. “Sounds like he’s scared we’ll beat him, doesn’t it?”
Alex grinned. He tucked his hands under his armpits and started to flap his elbows like a chicken. “Buc-buc! Buc-buc!”
I smiled as best I could and kept walking toward the house.