Page 84 of Tangled in Vows

Olivia is easy to like, and even though years have passed and we’ve all changed, it was almost second nature to jump back into our old selves.

“Fuck.” My stomach dips just thinking abouttalkingwith Olivia. To the point where I’d rather fight a whole army and let them beat me to a pulp than bare my soul to her.

Because what if she sees me for the monster I am? I can’t lose her again after I just got her back.

Apparently, that’s the risk I need to take, even if I don’t want to. The payoff will either be worth it or destroy me entirely.

Jax washes his hands in the sink, never taking his gaze off me once. “Is there anything I can do?”

His voice grounds me, allowing me to push back my worries enough for my resolve to take over.

I need to do this. Ihaveto.

I straighten and shake my head. “I’m afraid this is something I need to do myself. But thanks.”

He claps me on the shoulder in a supportive gesture and leaves the room. “I’m in the office if you need me for anything.”

“Thanks, Jax.”

That means I’m by myself again with my way-too-loud thoughts.

I push off the counter and set one foot in front of the other, making my way up the stairs before I can talk myself out of it. With each step, my heart threatens to jump out of my chest, and the apprehension buries itself so deep that nausea forms in my stomach.

But I continue.

This has to happen.

It’s been long overdue.

I stop in front of Olivia’s bedroom door, just as my phone buzzes in my pants. Since I’m a chickenshit, I use the interruption to delay the unavoidable for a few more minutes and check the new group chat messages from Phoenix and Evie.

Evie: How are you doing? Olivia told me she was okay after the car incident, but I wasn’t sure if she was downplaying it.

Phoenix: Any news on the guys who did this?

Me: Nope. And I’m not holding my breath O’Neal will find anything on the fingerprints either.

Me: And Olivia’s all right. A bit shaken up, but fine.

Evie: Good. I wish I could see her, but you two brutes must be overprotective again. Will you give her a hug from me, please?

My fingers fly over the keyboard.

Me: You bet. And I know you want to help, but I don’t want you guys anywhere near this. It’s stupid to put targets on you too.

Evie: I get it, but I still don’t like it.

Me: I know, but it’s safer this way.

Dots appear in the corner of the screen, then disappear. Surprisingly, Phoenix’s text message comes in next.

Phoenix: So, how are things with Olivia? Do you need to talk about her?

Me: Smooth subject change, dude.

Evie: Babe, are you offering Hold love advice?

Phoenix: Obviously.

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