Page 61 of All My Heart

The dismissal from him cut like a knife.

“Let's do that,” Teddy practically growled as Axel led the way into his cabin.

I stood there for a few seconds, shivering in the cold, feeling more alone than I ever had. It was hard to believe that Axel was inside me a few minutes ago. Our relationship was stronger when it was just us, and no one else was involved.

As soon as his brother appeared, our relationship fell like a house of cards. Why did I think our new relationship could withstand his family?

I was shaken up by my discussion with Hudson, but that was nothing to how devastated Axel was when his brother pulled up.

He should have talked to them. It was his decision to risk them finding out another way. This wasn't my situation to deal with, and Axel clearly didn't want me involved.

I went inside, locking the door. It hurt, but I didn't want Axel to come back over and act like nothing was wrong. But at the same time, I wanted to make sure he was okay. I wasn't sure where his head would be at when his brother left.

I showered with warm water to heat my chilled skin, then took my time washing my hair, and body. I was reluctant to be done with this task because I didn't want to sit around and wonder what just happened.

When I was dressed in pajamas, I poured myself a second glass of wine, drinking it in one go this time. I wasn't sure what Teddy's visit meant for my relationship with Axel. But it couldn't be good.

CHAPTER 16

AXEL

Istood in my kitchen with Teddy, thinking the ripped-up floor felt like the inside of my brain right now. I was thrown. I hadn't expected to see family at my cabin or to have my time with Luna interrupted. “I need time, and I'm sorry that hurt the rest of you.”

Teddy's expression was solemn. “I haven't told anyone else yet.”

“I appreciate that. You might not believe this, but I didn't like lying to everyone.” My stomach twisted painfully.

His jaw tightened. “I'll tell them you're home and will visit this week.”

“Yeah, okay.” I wasn't sure I'd ever be ready to see my family. But I might as well get it over with.

Teddy nodded toward Luna's cabin. “Who's the girl?”

“She's here on vacation.” It hurt to brush my relationship off with her as casual, but I didn't want my family interfering either.

“If she means something to you, then you should invite her too.”

My throat tightened. “She's going home soon.”

“Yeah, okay.” Teddy pulled me into a hug. “It's good to have you back.”

I couldn't say it was good to be back because I'd managed to screw everything up. But I should have known we couldn't live in this bubble forever. That someone would find out about my cabin. My safe haven.

The real world was here whether I was ready for it or not.

Teddy walked around the small space. “What are you doing with this place?”

“Fixing it up. Luna's helping me with it.” I didn't even know her last name. Had she said, and I'd just forgotten it? I don't think we'd ever discussed those details. I hadn't wanted her to ask for mine.

Teddy raised a brow. “What part is she helping with?”

“She ordered everything, and we're working on the renovation together.” I took him on a tour, detailing what we'd already done, and what was left to do.

When we were finished walking around, Teddy said, “I can help you if you want. You'll get it done more quickly.”

Is that what I wanted? I enjoyed doing it with Luna, but she'd be leaving soon. It would be easier to have my brothers help with installation. There was a lot of heavy lifting involved with the appliances and cabinets. “I'm sure you're busy with your place and the farm.”

“Actually, my place flooded recently, and I've been living in Jameson's old apartment above the garage. Dad let the woman working for the farm, Charlotte, move into Daphne's cottage.”

---