Page 24 of Faking it With the Player Next Door

“Tell her the truth,” I nodded. “Nothing else can I say.”

“While Taylor can be good at letting another person tell their story, be prepared for her not forgiving too quickly,” Hunter replied. “She’s still hurting from… Well, from what happened in D.C.”

I nodded, knowing what Hunter meant. This Travis character had been a real jerk and hurt Taylor more than anyone deserved. While I didn’t mean to hurt her, I was no better than Travis. What made it even worse was that I’d unintentionallyhurt her more when she was still recovering from her broken engagement.

I felt like such an ass and had to make this right. I wanted nothing more than to make Taylor happy, and I’d give anything to make it up to her. I had to explain how Ellie was a woman out for herself, and that I had no interest in her.

“Let me know if you need anything,” Hunter said. “Not sure how much help I’ll be, ’cause Taylor’s pretty upset right now, but I’ll help in any way I can.”

“I appreciate that, but I have a feeling I need to do this alone,” I mumbled and glanced at Taylor’s place next door. “Do you think I should go over there now?”

“I don’t know, dude,” Hunter winced. “I’d give her a day or so before attempting.”

“Ouch,” I grimaced. “If Taylor’s temper is still like it used to be years ago, I believe I’ll wait a day…maybe two.”

Hunter snorted, “Yeah, it sucks to be you.”

“Always,” I shook my head.

“Can I give you some advice?”

“Please,” I sighed.

“Make sure this Ellie is out of the picture, as in, make sure she’s returned to California,” Hunter replied. “Because if you apologize to Taylor and Ellie comes around again, it’ll all be for nothing.”

“Agreed,” I nodded.

Chapter Nine

Taylor

After Hunter left, I assumed he was going home, but when I saw him turn and go to Van’s place, I felt my stomach drop. I hoped my brother wouldn’t cause more problems than those that already had arisen. But knowing Hunter, he would do what any big brother would. Create more issues for their little sister.

While Hunter was here, I stood at the oversized window in the living room and saw the same woman from the grocery store with Van leaving his house. This hit me hard, and I began sobbing again.

Hunter, the most overprotective and caring brother, took me in his arms and told me to let it all out. I cried because Van hurtme. I sobbed for Travis to be the man he was, but most of all, I cried for myself for being such an unsuspecting person.

Hunter stayed for a good half an hour, and when he left, he told me to relax and to take it easy for the rest of the day, and that he’d check in with me later tonight. I didn’t tell Hunter when I saw the woman leaving Van’s place, as I worried he’d go after her and confront her.

Ten minutes after Hunter disappeared behind the trees heading towards Van, I saw him stroll back to Gram’s property. He walked out to his pickup truck, got in, and drove away.

Curiosity was getting the better of me about what happened next door when Hunter confronted Van, but there was no way I was calling either of them to find out. Eventually, I figured I’d get the details.

I strode to the recliner, staring off into space. The last twenty-four hours seem surreal to me.Hell, the last few months were surreal.It started with Travis’ betrayal and continued when Van kissed me on the back deck.

My life has been turned upside down, and I was reeling from all the emotions I’ve experienced. I’d gone from pain and hurt to relief when I arrived in Coleman and circled back around to the beginning of the emotional rollercoaster.

Sitting in the recliner, I glanced at my forgotten book but decided to snatch up my laptop. It was on the table to my left, and as soon as I logged in, I went to my favorite social media website. I found Van’s page and began scrolling down his posts.

Not finding what I wanted, I switched to his photo albums andBINGO,and there it all was.

“Ah,” I squinted and glanced at all the pictures he’d posted, and some he’d been tagged in. One of the images was from what seemed to be some sort of formal dinner or a special event with all the A-listers in attendance.

Sitting at a round table, Van, dressed in a tuxedo, had his arm on the back of a chair. The same chair that the gorgeous brunette was sitting in. While she was smiling for the camera, Van was smiling at her. While it was difficult from the angle Van was sitting to see his face full on, I took his smile towards the woman as adoration.

Oh, how I wished Van would look at me like that.

Sighing, I turned my attention to Van himself, and if I thought Van was handsome daily, seeing him all decked out in a traditional black tuxedo, white starched shirt, and bow tie blew me away.

---