Page 48 of Lost the Handle

“No,” I answer softly. “But he wants to sit down and talk.”

He nods. “Then that’s your chance. Lay your heart out there. Tell him everything, and be honest. Don’t let your pride get in the way. If you want him, you have to lay yourself bare.”

I cringe. “That’s not easy.”

“Not at all. But is he worth it?”

I don’t even hesitate. “Yes.” I bite my lip. “But I made him feel like he wasn’t.”

Dad holds my gaze. “And that’s something you need to own up to. Something you need to fix.”

“But what if he doesn’t let me?”

“Then maybe you need to let him go,” he says softly, his eyes searching. “You can’t make someone want you, Emery, no matter how scary you are.”

Laughter sputters out of me as Dad pulls me into his embrace. I snuggle deep into his side, closing my eyes as he engulfs me in his arms. He kisses the top of my head, and I sigh deeply. I didn’t realize how badly I needed my daddy’s arms until now. Against my hair, Dad says, “Back to your initial question,Emery Elaine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You are the most passionate, gorgeous, murderous little genius I’ve ever set my eyes on, and I’m honored to be your dad.”

Tears prick behind my eyes as I squeeze him to me. “Thanks, Daddy.”

I feel him grin against my head, and we sit like that for a long time. On an exhale, he asks, “You’re still going to try everything possible to break up that engagement and take Quinn for yourself, aren’t you?”

I don’t need to hesitate. I don’t even need to consider his question. The answer is easy.

“Absolutely.”

As his laughter fills the space around us, I smile against his chest.

“That’s my girl.”

My dad gave me good advice, and I truly listened. I want to be a better person. I want to be a patient good girl, but that’s not me. I am who I am, and I’m sure if I were a guy doing what I’m doing, everyone would make excuses for me. Since I’m a woman, though, I’m labeled crazy.

And guess what?

I don’t care.

I am crazy.

Fucking insane for Quinn.

Chapter

Twenty-One

Quinn

I may needa new set of siblings.

Posey sits with Zac in her lap as she grins at her phone. Beside her, Shelli is holding back laughter with Roman in her lap while looking from her phone to me then back again. It isn’t enough that I’m getting roasted in our group chat; she has to watch my face too.

All while my phone is going off like a fucking winning slot machine.

Shelli: Y’all, this is so awkward. Ava is big mad, like in full pissed-off peacock mode.

Posey: While our girl Emery is just being Emery. All smiles and happiness. Acting like Ava isn’t even here. It’s insane.

Shelli: It is, and poor Quinn looks like he wants to die.

Owen: Fucking hell, I bet it’s awesome. Has Emery tried to kiss him in front of Ava yet? And if a catfight breaks out, you better record it.

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