Page 27 of Shadows of Timber Creek

I’m assuming Bekka was aware of our relationship. Or lack thereof.

I motion to the bartender for another round, because something is telling me I’m going to need it.

Bekka levels me with her eyes. “Fix it.”

“Why do you think I’m here?” I grit out.

“I swear Greyson.” She flares her nostrils. “I understand back then you did what you had to do, and she will never admit it…. but it hurt her. You hurt her.”

“You don’t think I know that?” I shake my head.

“You’ve fucked around long enough.” She glances over to the table. “She doesn’t see it, but I see the red flags. The way he smooths things over. Gaslights her. It hasn’t even been that long, and I can already see it.”

“So why haven’t you said anything?” I urge.

“Grey, you know her as well as I do. She has to learn on her own. She sees it as everyone coddling her. If I act like they do.” She motions towards Richard and Adam. “I’ll lose her.”

“What about me? You think I won’t?” I ask.

“It’s been seven years. If you were going to lose her, you would have lost her by now,” she says before she’s heading toward the large table.

I haven’t lost her? She's marrying another man.

Another drink is slid across the bar to me.

I toss back the shot then strut to the table. Maybe I can get through the appetizer without bashing in his face.

Chapter 20

Tilly

I was agitated. Hungry. And these damn underwear I had to put on with this ugly ass dress were pissing me off. Not to mention I just locked eyes with Greyson as he saunters to the table like he was actually invited.

“I hope you don’t mind, I invited Greyson," Adam says as he steps over to hug me.

I’d rather get a lobotomy, but what the hell.

Camille and Jace walk over from the bar and my father greets me with a kiss on the cheek.

“Blaine.” Dad shakes his hand.

“Mr. Harper. It’s a pleasure.” Blaine nods then moves to Adam. “Good to see you again, Adam.”

Greyson leans across the table with a tight jaw. “I don’t guess we’ve met.”

Well, isn’t he chipper.

“Holy shit. Greyson Roy.” Blaine lights up and reaches for his hand. “Hell of a season, bro.”

Greyson holds onto his hand a little too long, and apparently a little too tight because I hear Blaine grunt before he pulls back, shaking it off to the side.

“Thanks,” Greyson deadpans.

“I had no idea you knew him.” Blaine wraps an arm around my waist. “He’s one of the best tight ends in the NFL.”

“You watch football?” Jace asks with surprise.

Camille elbows him in the gut, but smiles. “That’s awesome! You guys will have a lot in common.”

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