Page 73 of Talk About… Rivalry

“Can I take a nap first? Then we can talk more?” I practically begged. “I don’t feel so good.”

“It’s probably an adrenaline dump after all that high anxiety,” Bennett guessed. “Leo, do you have something for her?”

“She can have my bed,” Leo offered and I was too exhausted to read more into that.

He led me upstairs and showed me to his room. He was so gentle with me now, setting out a big t-shirt and a pair of boxers in case I wanted it, and offering me his shower. I barely listened but nodded along anyway.

When he finally finished talking he lingered in the doorway. He was unsure but I just needed a minute to be alone and process.

“Thank you, Leo. I’m sorry to intrude like this. I just need a minute.”

“Anything you need, Sidney, it’s yours.” There was that gentle look again. It was hard to pick apart right now.

“I’d like to be alone if that’s okay.”

“Of course,” he said, moving forward to press a firm kiss to my forehead before turning and leaving the room.

The door closed with a soft thud behind him. I didn’t move until his footsteps receded down the hall. The creeks quieting on the stairs told me he was gone.

My body felt heavy and my head was pounding.

I didn’t overthink it as I pulled off my clothes, tossing them into a pile and replacing them with the ones Leo had set out for me. I climbed under his cool sheets, the silky softness soothing against my overheated skin.

My mind was at war with itself. My old, ingrained negativity meeting the new hope that was burrowing there, begging me to trust them. I knew that scent I’d smelled was intoxicating, even if I was terrified to admit it.

I’d never had a place to belong and what the guys were offering me was everything I ever wanted. Letting them help me through the heat would be a huge risk and I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive the aftermath.

Could I really let myself have this?

Sidney

Even though I knew the guys were going to let me hear it later, I snuck out of the house before any of them were up for the day.

Today was Avery’s baby shower and I wasn’t going to miss it for anything.

Not to mention, this was a great excuse to ignore the chaos that was my life.

Of course, my mind wouldn’t quiet down. I just kept thinking about the fact that they knew everything about me now.

They had reassured me that things would be fine but there was no way that I was going to be able to believe them.

Now that they’d had time to think, to sleep on it, I worried that they might change their minds.

If I didn’t put all my focus on Avery and this baby shower, I might go crazy waiting to find out.

It felt wrong to be back at my place on the ranch. I had ignored it for so long and the guilt was eating away at me.

There was still so much to consider. I had to go through my cottage and pack my things.

Then there was Sully. My little cat had gotten me through a lot but this ranch was his home. He was out there with the other cats as much as he snuck away in here.

I couldn’t bring myself to steal him away.

As I got ready, I kept sneaking peeks out of my window, expecting my uncle or father to storm over here and confront me.

The bitter truth was that my family never deserved my loyalty and one day, I’d have to accept that.

I tried my best to quiet my chaotic thoughts as I showered and got ready. Dressing up wasn’t my favorite but I was willing to do it for my best friend. I slipped into a floral sundress and a pair of white converse.

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