Page 61 of Here In Your Arms

“I should have done something, something to get him to leave sooner. I messed up. You guys don’t need to deal with this shit and now it’s going to be a problem—”

“Stop. Take a breath,” Kyle interrupts me and helps me breathe in a slow pattern.

I didn’t realize I was breathing so fast, so I focus on him. We stand there, his hand holding mine on his chest as I feel his chest expand and contract with air. Once I’ve calmed, he nods at me, and I return it, before we make our way out of the garden area we’re in and head for the car. Once we’re buckled in, he turns to me and holds his hand out for mine. I take it and we lace our fingers together.

“I would like to talk about this, and I’d like Wes to be there. I understand if you don’t want to right away, but I know we have both seen him at the bar every time we go. Neither of us realized you know him, but I’m concerned about you, and I think Wes will be too.”

I take a deep breath, my cheeks puff up as I breathe out. My hand squeezes his, my heart constricting. I’m terrified to share this with my guys. As much as I believe they won’t respond badly, it’s hard to really say how someone will react until the moment happens.

“Yeah. I know. Can it wait? I don’t think I can right now.”

He nods, leans over and gives me a kiss, then maneuvers the car out of the parking lot. There’s no way I can put this conversation off for long, but I don’t think my heart can take explaining the past to Kyle and Wes right after seeing the man of my nightmares.

Chapter 23

Rory

Today has turned out to be quiet so far. I woke up in a decent mood. It’s a nice day outside, and I’m looking forward to time with both of my guys later. I’ve only been up for a bit, but my body isn’t feeling weighed down, and I’m feeling capable, so it’s a good sign for the day today. As I take the last few sips of coffee, my phone starts to ring on the couch next to me. Looking down at it, I see my mom calling. I answer the call with an internal eyeroll.

“Hi Mom.”

“Rory. I need you to take Claire today.”

“I’m doing fine. How are you?”

“Your sass isn’t appreciated. Come get your niece.”

“You know, I have no problems taking her, Mom, but you could fucking ask once in a while.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

She hangs up, and I toss my head back on the couch. Truly, I have zero problems taking Claire today, even though I have plans with the guys. They love her, I love her, and we have a good time all together. However, I do have a problem with my mom being an absolute asshole to me. I don’t understand what her problem is. However, I never say “no” to a Claire day, so I rinse out my mug, set it in the sink, then dress and head out the door. My car isn’t anything fancy, but it does have Bluetooth, so I feel safe enough making phone calls since I don’t have to hold anything. Dialing Wes, I make my way to the road as the call rings.

“Hey there.” His deep voice floats over the speakers, making me smile.

“Hey yourself, how are you today?”

“Good. Kyle and I are looking forward to having you over. What time are you thinking?”

“Well, I have a slight change in plans, and I hope you don’t mind.” I bite my lip, my nerves getting the better of me.

“Oh, sure, what’s up? I’m gonna put you on speaker.”

He doesn’t wait for my response before I hear Kyle’s voice. “Hey sweetheart, what’s goin’ on?”

“Well, my mom called as I was finishing my coffee a few minutes ago and demanded I come get Claire. I know you guys got along with her just fine at the Farmer’s Market, but I wasn’t sure how you felt about spending the day with both of us? I understand if it’s too much.”

“I have zero problem having that girl around,” Wes says immediately.

“Yeah, bring her with you. We can figure something out if she doesn’t want to be cooped up all day,” Kyle adds.

I smile in relief. Knowing they like her is one thing, but when they prove it, it makes my heart swell. “Thanks guys, I know she’ll be excited to hang out today.”

We end the call and a few minutes later, I find myself at my mom’s house. As excited as I am to see Claire, I’m equally annoyed to potentially deal with my mother. Claire is worth it, though, and I drag my ass out of the car to go get her. My mom is just as short-tempered in person as she was on the phone, so she all but shoves Claire at me before we leave with minimal fuss. Claire slams her car door and settles in with a huff.

“Well, that was some low-key drama. You doin’ okay, peanut?”

Claire levels me with a look. “Still on the nickname hunt?”

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