Page 42 of Bought For Us

“No. Maybe you’re right. But there's something I can do now. And that's making sure you're safe and cared for. I’m not going to argue with you, Cora, please.”

“Okay.” I say, letting the fight in me die. The fact is, all of that sounds nice. Call me selfish, but fuck, I need someone to take care of me for a change and if Zack is so insistent, why not? Now isn’t the time for my pride to come into play.

I’m going to be a little selfish for myself this one time. I won’t depend on him for everything, but who am I to deny a free place to stay. With good people I want to spend more time with.

“Okay?” he casts me a quick look.

“Okay.” I smile.

“Okay.” He nods and I laugh.

When we get to their house, he’s out and rounding the car to my side in seconds, opening the door for me.

Like last time, he holds his hand out and smirks, brow raised. I roll my eyes but take it.

Kimmy is waiting by the front door when we walk down the path. A wave of nerves hit me. “Hi.” She smiles. “Back so soon?” she says playfully.

“Surprise?” I try and joke, making her laugh. “Your husband is one stubborn man.”

“I know.” She grins. “One of the many reasonsI love him. But don’t be too hard on him, I’m the one who put the idea in his head, he’s the one who ran wild with it.” She winks but her face goes soft. “But really, are you okay with this?”

“Are you? I don’t want to impose.”

This smile is different, packed with so much emotion I don’t know what to do. “You are never imposing, Cora. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do than have you move in. I know it’s a lot in a small amount of time, but maybe fate put us all in the same place for a reason.”

“Yeah.” I smile, a giddy feeling taking over. “Maybe you’re right.”

THE NEXT MORNING IS a lot like the last. Kimmy is in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in her hand. But this time Zack is there too with his own sitting on the counter. It’s so casual, so... them? They might have money, but they don’t act like it.

It’s one of the reasons I loved being their friend back then. They never made me feel less than.

I notice an extra cup of coffee and bite my lower lip. “For me?”

Kimmy looks over and grins widely at me. She’s about to speak but Zack does.

“Nope. For me. Right and ready for when I’m done with this one.” He holds up his cup.

“Oh fuck off.” Kimmy slaps his arm and Zack chuckles. “Yes, babe, it’s for you.”

Babe. She used to call me that all the time, a friendly, fun nickname. But why does hearing her say it now fill my belly with butterflies.

“Thanks.” I take it from her and sit at the table where a pile of pancakes sit.

“So, what's your plans for today?” Zack asks.

“I have to go down to the bank and transfer all the money to the proper places. Then, job hunting I guess.”

“What kind of job are you looking for?” Kimmy asks, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I have experience working as a waitress and bartender, so I think I’ll try with that first. Both have tips and that means extra money.”

Kimmy shoots Zack a look. He grins and sighs. “I think we might be able to help you out with that.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, narrowing my eyes slightly.

“Well, as you know I own a few businesses.”

“Uhuh.” I nod.

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