Page 68 of Left in the Dark

“Get your own woman, Delaney.” He lowers the tailgate and starts hauling my stuff from the back.

“Your relationships never worked out because they weren’t Zayne Morine,” Callie whispers in my ear, dodging my swat as she laughs and runs over to Mark, hiding behind him. “Protect me, you big strong man. She’s evil.”

“Am not.” I grab some boxes and start up the stairs. “You deserved the attempted swat.” I adjust the weight of the boxes in my arms, punching in the code Randy gave me. When the door beeps, I turn the knob and enter.

I look around the furnished cabin, engulfed by memories of home. The cabin is furnished similarly to mine except for different colors and styles of appliances and furniture. But the place is cozy and welcoming, and the décor provides warmth and a sense of coming home.

Gah. Listen to me. What the hell am I thinking? There’s nothing about this town that invokes a sense of home.

“Wow. This is nice.” Callie’s voice comes from behind me.

I nod, but my gaze locked on the massive stone fireplace in the living room. My heart squeezes, missing my cabin. I push the ache away, surveying the rest of the room. A giant L-shaped sectional sits along one wall facing the fireplace. The other end has a staircase that leads to the upper level.

“Remember that summer between our junior and senior year when we stayed here for a week?”

Callie grins. “I sure do. This place looks so different. I like it, though.”

A pang of nostalgia goes through me. “I’m gonna miss seeing you every day.”

Callie’s lip wobbles. “Me, too.”

“Oh, Christ. Here we go again.” Mark gives us a teasing grin, shaking his head as he carries some heavier stuff inside. “I’ve already warned you, Delaney. I don’t share.” He shifts the boxes before leaning over and kissing Callie. When he pulls back, he gestures to the boxes. “Where do you want these?”

I move to him, standing on my tiptoes to read what I’ve written on the boxes. “Those go upstairs.” I grab Callie’s arm and pull her ahead of Mark. “Let’s go check it out.”

“Why do I feel I’m gonna do most of the work?”

Callie and I giggle before she yells back, “Cause you are. I’ll make it worth your while later.”

CHAPTER 45

Delaney

I’m fighting back tears as I hug Callie for the last time. “Thanks for staying.”

She squeezes me tighter, her voice raw with emotion. “I love you, Laney. Promise you’ll be careful.”

“I love you too.” I close my eyes, tears prickling the lids. “I promise. I’ll stay in touch and keep you posted.” I’m on emotional overload as I whisper, “Don’t give Mark any of the chocolate chip cookies.”

Callie pulls back, tears shimmering in her blue eyes. “I’d feel better if you had a big, strong man staying here.” Her gaze travels over the thick woods surrounding us. “Preferably one with dark hair, piercing eyes so dark they’re almost black, muscular?—”

“Nope.” My finger presses against her lip. “Don’t even go there.”

Callie sighs. “I think there’s a lot of misunderstandings between you two?—”

“It doesn’t matter. We broke up fifteen years ago. Besides, I’m over him.”

“Unwillingly broke up. As far as being over him…” She levels me with a look, her brows raised. “Your standards areimpossible for most men to live up to. And the last guy you dated had the same color hair and eyes?—”

I hold up my hand. “I’m positive. As far as type, I’m looking for someone who isn’t an abusive monster. I don’t care what hair or eye color he has. As long as he treats me like a queen?—”

“Amen, sister.”

“A nice body wouldn’t hurt, either.”

Callie high-fives me. “A huge cock that he’s skilled at using never hurt anyone, either.”

A loud burst of laughter escapes me. “Huge can hurt, honey.”

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