Page 119 of Tangled Kisses
He trusts me enough to let me into this part of his life. That counts for something, right? Maybe I’m not the sexy woman men trip over themselves to take to bed. But I matter enough for this.
And for the first time since yesterday, I feel the ice surrounding my heart crack.
Stepping forward, I clasp her outstretched hands. “Hi, Pearl. I’ve heard so much about you.”
After knowingPearl for only twenty minutes, I understand exactly why Griffin adores her. She’s sunshine in a bottle—funny, quick, warm in a way that disarms you instantly.
Just like her brother.
She’s also a total spitfire, firing off stories about her escapades in town that have me laughing harder than I have in weeks.
Within minutes, we’ve bonded over food—Pearl loves cooking like I do—and are swapping recipes and debating the best way to prepare chicken while Griffin half-heartedly tries to us cook.
At least he has one flaw, right? Besides not loving me, of course.
Although he would argue that isn’t a flaw, but a preference.
Still, I refuse to let the melancholy linger, choosing instead to focus on his sister.
Pearl and I prepare a spur-of-the-moment lunch and eat it on the covered patio, while the siblings trade tales of their childhood.
Then they whip out the photo albums.
They both speak fondly of their mom, who passed away four years ago, but the air shifts whenever their father comes up. Griffin’s jaw sets hard at the sight of him in a photo, while Pearl only sighs and smooths the page with her palm.
“He has his good points too, Griffin,” she murmurs, as if trying to ease the sting.
Seems Griffin doesn’t agree with that sentiment.
He excuses himself to take a phone call, while I admire pictures of Griffin as a toddler. He was as adorable then as he is painfully handsome now.
He’ll have beautiful children one day, although I’m not sure if that’s a possibility with him and Lauren.
Not my business, regardless.
Pearl leans over, her hand warm as it closes around mine. “I am so happy to meet you. My brother won’t stop talking about you.”
I trace a fingertip over one of the photographs, stalling for time. “Pretty sure you’ve got me confused with someone else.”
“Nope.” She takes a sip of coffee, then sets the mug down with a sly grin. “Tiny New York nurse named Reese. I know exactly who you are.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Do I want to know what he’s saying about me?”
“All good things. He’s crazy about you.”
I swallow, the words another blow to my bruised heart. If only she knew the whole truth, she might not be as enamored of me.
Hey, my sister paid your brother to fuck me. Still think I’m the cat’s meow?
Ugh.
“Griffin said you got out of a rough situation,” Pearl adds gently.
I nod, surprised by how easy it feels to admit. “He was a horse’s ass, and that’s putting it mildly. I’m glad to be away from him.”
“My brother isn’t like that. He’s got the biggest heart.”
“He does.” It’s true. He’s a decent man, despite our situation. I set the album aside and finish my coffee. “Are you seeing anyone?”
