Page 31 of Before This Ends (Before)

“Don’t encourage her.” Miles gives me a reprimanding look, and I smile sweetly, then pick up a handful of cheese, just like Winter had, and shove it into my mouth. “So mature.”

“Thanks.” I listen to Winter giggle, then I pick up some more cheese and hold it out to him. “Do you want some?”

“No.”

“Come on. It’s delicious.”

“I’m good.” He does a crap job of hiding his smile, and seeing it, I stupidly feel like I won the lottery.

CHAPTER12

miles

Listening to Winter giggling as she walks off toward her bedroom, I glance to the kitchen and find Emma watching her go, a smile on her face. Then again, Winter just made a big show of rubbing it in our faces that she won, and we lost at cards. Not in a spiteful way, but in a cute one that included a victory dance.

“You don’t need to do that.” I get up, taking the empty cups from the table, and join her at the sink, where she’s started washing the dishes from dinner.

“I don’t mind.” She turns her head my way, the smile for Winter still tipping up her lips and making her already beautiful face that much more gorgeous.

Grabbing a kitchen towel, I take the pan she just finished rinsing and start to dry it off, then the two of us work in silence, her washing and me drying, until the sink is empty. When the kitchen is clean and the counters are wiped down, I watch her go to the door and begin to put on her shoes.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her to stay for a drink or just to hang out, but I keep my mouth closed. Asking for more of her time would be opening a door that should stay firmly shut.

“Are you leaving already?” Winter asks, coming out of her room wearing pajamas, her hair wet and brushed back from her face.

“I am, but I’ll see you tomorrow after school.” She gives her a hug and glances at me as I start in her direction. “You don’t need to walk me down.” She grabs her purse off the hook and starts digging for her keys. “I’ll be okay on my own.”

“Emma.”

“Seriously, Miles, it’s fine. I’ll message you when I’m in my car.” I raise a brow in disbelief, and she smiles. “Promise.”

“All right,” I give in. “See you tomorrow evening. I’ll call if I’m going to be later than I was tonight.”

“Sure.” She starts to lean into me like she’s going to give me a hug but stops herself and takes a step back, a tinge of pink covering her cheeks. “I’ll uh… see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, Em.” I watch her walk out the door with my hand clenched at my side, then wait until the elevator doors shut behind her before I close mine.

“I like when Emma is here,” Winter says, going to the living room and turning on the TV. I don’t acknowledge her comment or state my agreement, even though I feel the same way.

There is something about Emma’s presence that adds a sense of peace I’ve rarely experienced in my life. I sure as fuck didn’t have it growing up, not after I lost my mom or moved into foster care. I don’t even remember having it when things were good between Hazel and me. If I’m honest, I’ve only caught glimpses of that feeling from time to time over the years when I’ve been with my brothers and Winter.

Going to the kitchen, I shut off the light there, then pick up my cell when it pings with a text.

Emma: Rest easy, Mr. Thatcher. I’ve made it safely to my car.

Me: Smartass!

I text back with a smile.

Me: Message when you get home.

Emma: Bossy.

Her reply was quick, and all I can think is,She has no fucking idea, as I go join Winter on the couch.

Closing Winter’s bedroom door after checking in on her one last time, I head to the kitchen and pour myself a drink before taking my cell with me to my office. Not bothering with the light, I walk to my desk and take a seat, setting my drink aside before dialing Hazel’s number.

“Hey,” she answers before the second ring. “Did Winter get to sleep okay?”

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