Page 84 of Broken Halo

I didn’t say a thing—there was nothing to say. I just crawled onto his chest and melted into him, wanting to take it all away. Despite him getting to second base with me the night before, that night we were content to lay in each other’s arms on an old blanket as we were eaten up by Texas-sized mosquitoes, but we didn’t care.

I loved him from that moment on.

And I love him more now. I didn’t think it was possible.

I look into his serious blues and tell him the truth but not all of it. “I want to fuck around with you for the rest of my life, too.”

It seems I’m also a coward and that’s a new predicament.

He closes his eyes and leans in to kiss me. “Let’s shower before Griffin decides to take on the day like the badass baby he is.”

He knows.

I nod and he pushes off me, his large and beautiful naked frame standing by the bed as he holds out his hand. I crawl out of bed and we go to the guest bath in Faye’s house. I don’t even care that my shower at home is literally seven times larger than this one.

Right now, this is the perfect place for us.

* * *

Trig

“You’re sure? It’s a seller’s market right now and I know it’ll go fast if you can get it ready before school starts.”

“I’m sure.” I shake my head as I try to respond to an email while I listen to my realtor try to talk me out of keeping my mom’s house.

“With that lot in the middle of the city, someone can flip it and make it into something spectacular.”

I forget my email and sit back in my chair because he’s pissing me off. No one is going to flip my mother’s house. Not after practically living in it with Ellie. If anyone is going to make it spectacular, it’s going to be me.

And Ellie.

And we’ll do it for Griffin and the babies that comes after that. I do know she needs to sort out some birth control and soon. I’ve always used a condom with everyone but her. With her, it seems wrong. I fucking hate anything between us after being apart. But it’s getting harder and harder to pull out and if anyone knows that pulling out is no form of contraception, it’s us.

Jessica rings in and I put an end to the realtor. “I’ll get with you when I decide to sell the condo. I’ve got another call.”

“Let’s talk about that condo—”

“Thanks. Talk to you soon.” I’m done and cut him off. “Sorry, Jessica. I was trying to get off a call.”

“Easton.” She’s speaking low and sounds a mix of nervous, irritated, and yet still curious. “There’s a man in the main lobby demanding to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment. I didn’t want to give him permission to come up here before speaking with you.”

“Who is it?”

She pauses and this time is apprehensive. “He claims to be your father. Ray Barrett.”

I’ve been keeping a close watch on him and he’s stopped driving by my mom’s house but has gone by Ellie’s studio twice. Both times Eli was there and my dad didn’t as much as slow down, which was a relief, and he hasn’t been back. He actually did start his job—one of Eli’s guys has pictures of him working on a construction crew.

For him to be here now is more than interesting, as well as concerning. “If the conference room off the lobby is open, have them put him there. I’m on my way.”

“Do you need security—” Jessica starts.

“No, I’m good.” If the bastard came here to talk, I want him to feel free to do so.

* * *

“Easton, she’s at the hospital.”

“I can’t find her, Mom. I’m here and they won’t give me any information on her since we aren’t married.”

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