Page 33 of Exes and Oh Hell No

IknowLeona Brooks.

I’ve known her for nineteen years.

She can sniff out bullshit from a mile away, and she fiercely protects the people she loves like a feral wolf.

Especiallyher only grandson.

My knees shake as I search Ford’s gaze, trying to draw from his strength.

He has no idea what it was like the first time I ran into Gram after the breakup.

I still remember it like it was yesterday.

When I came homefor the summer, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for my parents.

I stood in front of the seasoning, looking for my mom’s favorite brand. Elation filled me when I plucked it from the shelf and put it into my basket.

I turned and nearly slammed into her.

Leona Brooks.

Ford’s Gram.

Her sharp gaze sliced through me, scanning my face with cool calculation.

I froze, gripping my basket like a life raft.

“H-Hi, Gram.”

She pursed her lips, looking me up and down, and said, “Humph.”

Then she pushed her cart right past me, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

She never openly said anything, but the warmth she’d once had for me?

Gone.

Over the years,she softened—just barely—but it was like being dunked in a freezing lake after years of basking in the warmth of her acceptance.

Now, I’m moments away from walking into her house and standing beside her grandson while wearing his damn sweatshirt.

I try to turn around, but Ford tightens his grip.

His breath feathers against my temple as he whispers, “I’ll protect you.”

I nearly melt against him from the deep, feral promise in his voice.

Great.

I’m about to face Gram while being a horny ex-girlfriend wrapped up in her grandson.

God help me.

Ford pushes the door open and ushers me inside.

My eyes fly wide with panic when he mutters curses. “What the hell are you doing here?”

I follow his gaze and stop dead in my tracks.

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