Page 60 of The Right Kind of Wrong

CHAPTER 22

Evelyn

My eyes widened in alarm when my sister knocked again, this time loudly and desperate. Nathan groaned, standing up before looking for the sweatpants that had ended up on the floor. He must have seen my frantic expression because soon he cupped my cheek and placed a soothing kiss on my lips.

“Lie down, I'll handle it,” he said.

“What if she comes in?” I asked, clutching the sheets as if they were a type of flying carpet that would get me out of there. It didn't work.

“She won't, Evie, she has nothing to do in here.” I nodded, leaning into his touch before lying back down. I made sure to cover myself more than before, only letting my eyes peak out in the attempt to see what was happening.

The door opened slightly, a small ray of light entered the bedroom and I held my breath, hoping that Hannah wouldn't sense out of the ordinary.

“It's past midnight, Hannah,” Nathan said, his tone laced with annoyance. “Couldn't this wait 'til morning?”

Hannah sighed. “We need to talk about us, Nathan.”

“We can do that tomorrow morning.”

“Well, have you seen my sister? I can't find her.”

I could have sworn my heart stopped beating in that moment. Despite the circumstances with Hannah, I couldn't help but feel at least a little bit guilty. No matter how I attempted to mask the truth, I was still sleeping with a married man, there was no excuse for it.

Hannah kept talking until Nathan finally had enough and told her that he was tired and wanted to sleep. He basically closed the door in her face, running his hand over his own. He locked it before taking off the sweatpants and getting into bed with me, pulling me into his arms immediately.

“She wants to talk about the divorce.”

“Fun.” I rolled my eyes when I heard him chuckle at my sarcastic reply.

“Believe it or not yeah, it'll be fun.” He pressed a kiss at the nape of my neck and we laid in silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

Even though everything was to some extent wrong, I'd never regret it. Nathan had made me feel so loved and cherished in my darkest moment, showed me that there were redeeming qualities in everyone.

“Your parents are good people,” I whispered, looking up at the ceiling. Anything was better than thinking about the hint of jealousy I felt of seeing Nathan’s perfect family.

“I'm glad you think so. Yours are dropping by tomorrow according to what Hannah said.”

I stiffened. I wasn't ready to see Hannah, much less my parents after the disappointment I'd faced. There was nothing I could do about it, they were still “family” and I would have to confront them.

“I don't want to see them, Nathan. I'm not strong enough. I can't.” I pushed back the lump forming in my throat, the onslaught of emotions taking me by surprise. “I can't see them after the way they disposed of my grandma like she was some burden, a piece of trash.”

“Hey,” Nathan said, turning me around so that I'd look at him. “Evie, baby, you're strong enough and you're not alone. I know this situation isn't ideal but you have my support, you always have. I'm here with you, Evie.”

I nodded, wiping away the tear that escaped. He looked at me thoughtfully, saddened. The wound was still so raw and new, I didn't know if I'd ever recover. I covered my face when I realized that the grief was finally taking over and that the tears were only beginning.

“I miss her.” I sobbed, not moving my hands away. Nathan shifted, turning on the lamp next to the bed.

It seemed as if he knew exactly what I needed. Nathan didn't push for more, letting me cry for the family I'd lost and the support that I didn't have. I knew I probably looked like a child throwing a tantrum, but I couldn't bring myself to care. It was all too much.

“I just want them to care,” I choked out.

It was then that I felt his arms surrounding me, pulling me tight against him as if by doing that he'd take some of my pain away. He ran his hand down my bare back, soothing me and letting me know that I truly wasn't alone even if it didn't feel that way. I nuzzled his neck as my crying quieted down to hiccupping.

Neither of us spoke a word for the rest of the night and soon I fell asleep once again in his arms.

***

Good morning, beautiful.

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