Page 105 of What I Should Have Known

With my heart racing in my throat, I glanced over my shoulder at Emma who remained seated in the car. She gave me a hesitant thumbs up. With a shrug, I returned my attention to the front door as I heard a lock disengage.

Without a squeak, the door swung open and my mouth fell open. The most beautiful woman emerged from the house with a body I’d never be able to have. Shiny, brown hair fell to her mid back in beautiful waves likea waterfall. Her athletic outfit adorned a muscular body and curves that blew me away.

Yet, despite how striking she was, her eyes were soft, and she gave me a polite smile. “Can I help you?” she said. Her voice was silky like milk and cookies.

“Uh,” I mumbled, unable to pry my gaze away from her powerful and feminine features. There was a part of me that knew despite how tough I was, this woman could go toe-to-toe with the best wrangler.

I shook my head as her hand slid down from the doorway, attempting to rid myself of this strange daze I found myself in. “Uh, is Griffin here?” I asked.

The smile slid from her face, replaced by curiosity, and she glanced around me at Emma who waited in the car. “Not at the moment,” she stiffly said. The chill in her words swept a shiver down my spine. It snapped me to attention.

“I’m sorry, I should introduce myself. I’m Kat. Ford sent me Griffin’s address because he thinks Bernie might—”

“Wait! You’re the girl that Bernie called Griffin about.” She tipped her head as I nodded. “Ford sent you Griff’s address?”

Her eyes darted back to the car that my best friend waited in.

“I’m hoping Bernie’s been by recently,” I said as her gaze drifted back to mine.

“Is he okay?” she asked, concern tightening her features.

“I think so. I just need to find him. He kinda left after some shit went down, and he blames himself for the fact I got shot. But the bullet just grazed my arm, and it wasn’t his fault. At all.”

Her brows raised as a knowing smile lifted upon her lips. “That sounds familiar. I’m sorry though, Bernie’s not been by. I could call my husband and have him track Bernie’s cell?” she offered. “I’m Jane, by the way.”

I gave her a courteous nod. “I have his phone since he left it behind. Ford said he might be over at Mikey’s if he’s not here?”

“Hold on,” she suddenly said and spun on her heels, leaving me waiting in the cracked doorway alone.

I stared at the magnificent chandelier hanging in her foyer and caught sight of a few wayward toys scattered about the beautiful hardwood.

A smile drifted upon my lips despite the uncertainty and anger that still roared hot in my veins. What a life she seemed to live. One that I had a modicum of hope to one day have.

With Bernie.

An involuntary gasp escaped my mouth. Was I in love too?

I was more scared of what life would be like without him than I was of the heartbreak that could come with giving him everything. He had shaken my world like a storm raging in spring.

Bernie. I loved him.

It wasn’t just the promise I’d made driving me to find him, it was also how I felt about him.

The sound of footsteps nearing me pulled my attention back to the house and Jane appeared around the corner with another stunning woman. Her skin was as dark and dewy as the mountains after a heavy rainfall, and her eyes held a mischievousness of adventure and joy.

“Kat, this is Scottie.” Jane gestured at the slender, athletic woman with hair sleek like the sky at midnight. “Scottie, Kat’s wondering if Bernie’s been by your house?”

I furrowed my brows as a familiarity about her settled upon me. “Your house? And why do I feel like I’ve seen you before?”

“Mikey’s my boyfriend. He’s out with Griffin and their kids since Jane and I wanted some girl time.” She gave me a polite smile and raked her fingers through her hair.

My eyes widened. “Wait! You were at the bar too.”

Her grin grew. “And you’re the girl Bernie accidentally hit in the forehead with a bottle cap. Which, in his defense—”

“He was drunk and aiming for you. Don’t worry, I’ve forgiven him, but I still give him shit for it,” I replied as her shoulders bounced with a gentle chuckle.

“You are perfect for him,” she said and then raised a brow at Jane. “She’s absolutely perfect for Bernie, isn’t she?”

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