Page 74 of Crave

When I returned, I took my seat, glancing at the clock.

Adam’s flight was late tonight. He was probably meeting the guys early so they could all drive to the airport together.

And I was here. Stuck in a reality show of my own choice.

The box magically appeared on the table. A fake voice called out: “Brody, will you please read the votes out loud?”

Brody stood up and opened the lid to reach for an egg.

“The first vote is for Amy.”

Amy’s face scrunched up in anger and embarrassment.

I thought of the first time I kissed Adam and how my entire body had lit from the inside out.

I thought of the way he commanded me in bed and held me tight afterward, healing my brokenness with a gentle heart.

I thought of the way he’d shared his story about his Dad and Josie and let me see all of the shattered pieces.

I thought of the way he’d said goodbye over the phone.

I thought of the way I loved him.

Like a firestorm, my entire body shook, and I almost choked on the rush of emotion flowing through me in choppy waves.

God help me, I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to be with Adam. I wanted to be at his side in LA while he made his music and I let myself be that other person I’d refused to let loose. The person who loved to write and create; who wasn’t ruled by social media stats or tv cameras or false fame. I wanted to see who I was stripped of it all, away from everything but Adam.

I wanted to blow it all up and watch everything burn.

Brody read another vote. “Amy.”

“This is ridiculous! Why are you doing this to me?” Amy whined.

I lurched up on shaky legs. “Stop. I have to say something!”

Everyone’s gaze focused on me. Some with satisfaction; some with greed to hear my next words.

“No one has to be voted out tonight,” I said.

A groan echoed from the room. “We’re required to vote out one person at every ceremony,” Abby said primly, pushing her glasses up her nose.

“I know. But Amy’s not the one leaving tonight.”

“Then who is?” Corinne sneered. “You want to volunteer?”

A smile curved my lips and lit up my heart. “Yes. I nominate myself to be voted out tonight. I’m going home.”

There were a few seconds of complete stunned silence.

Then everything exploded.

Chapter Forty-Two

Adam

Listen to Love You Anyway

by Trisha Yearwood (feat Don Henley)

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