Page 51 of Could Have Been Us
“How do you suggest we do that?”
“We don’t rush into this. Let’s give Grayson and the other idiots some time to adjust.”
He pulls back a little. “You don’t want to tell them about our past?”
“Do you?” I ask with brows raised.
“No, but I don’t want to keep lying either.”
I squirm out of his grip so I can see him better. “I don’t want to tell any of them about Kinsley. That’s . . . well, she’s not ours. She’s Samuel’s, and it will only hurt everyone more if they realize the amount of time we’ve been keeping this from them. Grayson is your best friend, and I want to protect that.”
“So we keep lying?”
“No, but let everyone get used to us together before we drop that bomb on them. We can let them see how much we care about each other first. Everyone has a lot on their plates with the resort plans, quitting the company, and moving. Besides, this isn’t their story to know, so we don’t everhaveto tell them if we decide not to.”
Jack’s thumb grazes my wrist. “I’m not sure I agree, but if you want to keep her out of it, we can.”
“It’s going to be hard enough dealing with questions about us, and adding in that layer, I just can’t do it. I can’t look at their faces, not when I know what it’s been like for Grayson to raise Amelia. I can’t see his disappointment.”
I wasn’t as strong as him, and I’ve struggled with the idea of Grayson looking at me the way he does Yvonne.
I’m not ready yet.
“You think he’ll judge you?”
I nod. “Of course he will. Gray kept Amelia.”
“That’s different. You were eighteen.”
I take a step back, not wanting to think about it. “Just . . . let’s wait. Kinsley is our secret, and, honestly, there’s no reason to share it.”
His arms wrap around me from behind, and I close my eyes. I’ve wished for this to be my life so damn often. Jack, holding me as his lips touch my neck, is a gesture so sweet I could cry.
I turn my head back. “I guess weddings aren’t so bad after all.”
He chuckles once. “Let’s see if we both think that when we have to face your family.”
I twist around, my arms resting on his shoulders. “For now, let’s pretend they don’t exist and make up for lost time.”
* * *
Jack’s hand is on the small of my back as we walk to the dance floor.
He sweeps me into his arms, and I ignore my brothers, focusing only on Jack. “Is anyone glaring at you?” I ask as he looks around.
“Only Grayson.”
“He’ll get over it.”
Jack laughs. “Yeah, after he punches me in the face.”
That’s probably true. “He’s never been good at fighting. I bet you can take him.”
He smiles a little.
“Joshua, on the other hand . . .” I warn.
“Has other things on his mind.”
