Page 31 of Simply You & Me

"Lynnie," I whisper. Her chest hitches at the same time as her pink lips pop open. Tucking a loose strand of her wind-blown hair behind her ear, I say, "You are so beautiful."

A teeny whimper flees from her parted lips. Then we’re one, fused together by our attraction and desire. The tendons in my hand flex and grip the back of her neck, hauling her into me. For once, I'm the bigger one. The man whose hand spans the entirety of her back and controls each caress of our tongues.

This woman makes me feel like a man.

Chapter Twenty

Adelyn

I'm on cloud fucking nine. My anxieties are muted, and I'm pleasantly full. Although, much to Zach's dismay, I only ate half my burger. Eye roll. I could point out how much his dress socks, black sweatpants, and off-black t-shirt bother me, but I won't. I'll hold on to my ammo for now. The chips, though, my fingers haven't been empty since the bag landed on the cushion beside me. The crackling of the fire matches the guys' laughter, making me feel warm and gooey on the inside.

Tate and I got here a few hours ago, and honestly, the night has been easy. Normally, to feel this relaxed, I'd have to drink a little, but I've been too content with my hot cocoa to change it up. Speaking of my campfire beverage, I need another. Tipping the bag of chips in the other direction, I stifle a laugh when Julian's hand immediately finds the opening. The blanket on my lap is hard to part with, but I leave it in my seat to keep it warm.

Twinkly lights brighten the space enough to give it a warm, cozy glow. It's like a damn Xanax to my senses, I swear. I round the couch Julian and I are sharing, and his head tips back. The smile he gives me draws me in like a moth to a flame. The energy of each man keeps my worries of multiple relationships at bay. I pepper his lips with a couple of kisses and pad my way through their backdoor.

I don't think we're just friends anymore. And honestly, I'm really damn giddy about it.

Feeling like air, I make another hot chocolate and glide my way back down the hallway. My attempt at keeping the bugs from entering is a struggle while carrying a bowl of chocolate-covered almonds in one hand and my drink in the other. Cocking a hip, I grip the bowl under my arm and shift out the door, tugging it quickly behind me.

Shattering glass and a high-pitched keen reach my ears. Confusion muddles my brain before searing hot pain registers. My right thigh burns like a lighter is being held up to it in an attempt to fuse my ripped skin back together.

"ADDIE!"

Folding in half, the nausea burning my throat threatens my attempt at gathering myself. I whimper, swallowing bile. My knees wobble, and I stumble towards the doorframe again. My movements are jerky with the need to check my thigh. I need... I need...

A touch on my bicep, a breath of air tickling my neck. Gentle words. "Baby girl, look at me." Wyatt prodding the racing pulse on my shaky wrist. His voice turns to thunder. "Zach!"

I need to... I need to fix it. It's all wrong. I have to take my pain back. It's mine. I need...

Shifting air and charged energy. A hand on my wrist forcing my grip from the doorframe. Thick words. "Doll?" I'm airborne. My body shifts and bunches against a solid body.

It's mine. My pain. My healing. Why am I hurting? A tickle on my cheek. Hushed voices follow my descent into madness. Claws rip my throat into ribbons and force out painful cries.

MINE! My pain... my healing. I need...

Chapter Twenty-One

Zachary

"Is she spending the night?"

Looking up from the dancing flames, I see Julian's soft gaze latched on the door. I assume he’s directing his question at Tate, since tonight is technically his date.

Tate hums. "I don't think so. She said Gabby was watching Dino until she got home." I smile at his use of Rory's nickname. "I'll have to drive her home, so I'm not drinking."

In content silence, our eyes shift to the door when it squeaks open. I smother a laugh at her balancing act and stand to help the poor girl. Any previous humor fizzles out in a douse of dread. What I see doesn't make sense. The pieces don't add up.

Addie's fumbling with the door causes her right thigh to scrape against the metal latch. I'm too far away. Lurching forward, I move to help, only to be stunned in place by the high-pitched cry that rips from her parted lips.

"ADDIE!" Julian shouts.

Her stumble sends the coffee mug and bowl clattering to the ground, the shattering sound shocking her into silence. It's too dark to see her thoughts playing out on her face, but I don't need a front-row seat to her facial expressions when I see my sweet girl’s body fold in half.

Addie's whimper is like a stab to my gut as she flips around to latch onto the doorframe. The sounds of her labored breathing snap me out of my stupor just as Wyatt reaches her. His gentle cooing drips with worry and emotion until it overflows with a shout of my name.

I can't move fucking fast enough. My doll needs me, and I was just standing there like a damn fool. Passing Wyatt in my haste, I catch distress in his wild black eyes—feeling just as useless as I do.

"Doll?" My attempt at softness comes out thick with my turmoil. No response.

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