Page 104 of Tangled Kisses
My thumbs hover over the keyboard, but I have zero clue how to answer him.
Do I want to talk to Vander? Do I want to consider whatever offer he might have planned for me?
Truth is, I don’t know what to say toanyoneright now.
Griffin slept with me out of pity. Vander slept around because he could.
I thought Vander broke me when he cheated on me, but at least then, I could blame him, tell myselfhewas the problem.
But now? Now it’s clear. I’m the common denominator. The woman no one really wants. Second best, at best.
Never picked first. Never the winner.
My sister had to pay a man to touch me. What the hell was she thinking—dangling me a lifeline, making me believe I was worthwhile—when really, I was just a charity project.
Talk about digging my heart out with a spoon.
Maybe I was wrong to leave New York.
It’s a fleeting thought, one I release instantly, because even now I know it’s bullshit.
Vander and I had some good times, but they’re long ago and far away. I don’t know the man he’s become—or the woman I turned into to survive him.
Moving backward isn’t an option.
I toss my phone across the bed and huff out a sigh. There’s no point in replying to Vander when I have nothing to say.
All I know is I need to get out of here for a few days. Away from anything, andanyone, familiar.
I’ve got a plan.
Now all I need is Capri’s okay.
Her office smells faintly of leather and old wood when I push the door open. She glances up from a stack of papers, brows lifting.
“I know I haven’t been here that long,” I start, already bracing myself, “but I’d like to take the next couple of days off.”
Her gaze sharpens. “You okay?”
I hesitate, shifting my weight. “I don’t exactly know how to answer that.”
Capri just nods, like she expected as much. She’s not one for prodding—never has been. “No family emergency?”
I roll my eyes. “Unless you consider beating the shit out of my sister an emergency.”
“Ah.” Capri exhales, leaning back in her chair. “Got it. So you need some space.”
“Exactly.”
“That’s fine. You want to tell me where you’re headed?”
I shrug. “There’s this little town up in the Cascades called Hollow Creek. Griffin mentioned it once. Supposed to have a beautiful main street, good restaurants, live music on weekends. Figured I’d hole up there for a couple of nights. Maybe hit a bar. Clear my head.”
Capri nods, resting her chin in her hand. “Hollow Creek is gorgeous. I’ve gone myself a few times—it’s touristy, but in the best way. But the trek up there can be a little unpredictable. You’ve got stretches with no service, winding roads, wildlife crossing whenever they feel like it.”
“I’ll be fine.”
She tilts her head. “Griffin going with you?”
