Page 101 of Keep You Close

“Besides,” she went on, “it’s not like you’re saying that he can never, ever get on a snowboard again, right? The difference would just be that maybe he’d have you with him. He’d have someone to share his other passions with. That sounds a hell of a lot better to me than to do it all alone.”

“That’s true,” I agreed. “I’ve always wanted to try skiing or snowboarding. Surfing, even. I’ve never really been able to do… anything.”

When I was little, it was all about the farm, the town, and taking care of my grandparents.

After my father passed, it was all survival and hardships. There was no money to try to do sports or hobbies, even if I wanted to.

Then, well, then there was Joss.

Shrinking my life even more.

Being with Atlas would open up, well, the world to me. And I would get to show him how nice it was to have a home base, a place to settle, to find comfort in the simpler things in life.

I followed Scotti back upstairs, feeling a lot better than when I’d gone down, and actually allowing myself to relax and enjoy the company of so many women. Ones I hoped to view as family someday. Ones who so effortlessly pulled me into their fold. Especially after Reagan, Katie, and Savvy showed up to even out the craziness of some of the other women.

It was honestly one of the best nights of my life.

Sure, I was pretty drunk for most of it.

But even in the sober light of morning, as we all zombie-walked to the coffee pot, I still felt that way.

Like I’d found my people.

All because I’d found my person.

By the time we were all caffeinated and hydrated, the girls were cleaning up and saying their goodbyes.

All except Scotti and Fiona, and I got the distinct feeling they were under instructions not to leave me alone until Atlas came home.

I was out in the back, refilling the bird feeders, when I finally heard his car door slam, making my heart swell, knowing he was home, and safe.

My gaze moved over him, looking for any signs of injury, but finding none. If anything, he just looked tired.

When I made my way back inside, Atlas was already talking to his sister and Fiona, who looked ready to head home as well.

So we said our goodbyes to them before, finally, we were alone again.

“How’s Joss?” I asked, watching as Atlas jerked back, caught.

“Did they—“

“No,” I cut him off. “They did try to find your porn stash,” I told him, watching as he snorted and shook his head. “But, no. I knew before you left what you were up to. You’re not a very good liar, you know.”

“Well, I guess I can call that a good thing,” he said, exhaling hard. “Sorry I tried to lie to you,” he said.

“I kind of get why,” I admitted. “The girls… talk when they’re drunk. About how it’s important for the guys to keep them separate from some of the things they do. For legal-type reasons,” I added. “So, did you and your brothers put the fear of God into Joss?” I asked, a dark little part of me delighted by the idea.

Atlas took a deep breath, immediately putting me on edge.

“Joss is dead, AJ.”

“What?” I asked, voice choked, sure I must have misheard him.

“He’s dead.”

“You killed him?” I asked, finding it hard to imagine that.

“No. I mean, I’m going to be honest with you here, sweetheart. That was my plan. That was why I tracked him down. To put an end to this once and for all. But… I didn’t need to. I just… needed to give it time.”

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