Page 37 of From the Wreckage
I roll my eyes, tossing my phone onto the bed. His ego is bruised, not his heart. He’ll get over it. I won’t waste another second waiting for him to be the man he never was.
Instead, I perch on the edge of my bed, my pulse hammering, reaching for my phone again. This time, it’s not Joey I’m thinking of.
I tug my tank top down just enough to highlight my cleavage, angle the shot on the rumpled sheets, and snap a quick photo—already knowing who I’m going to send it to.
I study the picture, my pulse racing.Perfect.
Grinning, I hit send, Everett’s name glowing at the top of the screen.
For a beat, there’s nothing—just the pounding of my heart and the rush of heat flooding me. Then the three dots appear.
Everett: Angel… you’re gonna be the death of me.
Another buzz, and my lips part on a shaky breath.
Everett: One hour. Don’t make me come get you sooner.
I bite my lip, a tremor rolling through me. Joey’s empty apologies didn’t make me feel a damn thing, but one text from Everett, and my whole body is alive.
Me: Are you threatening me with a good time?
Everett: Angel... You’re playing with fire.
I grin, heat curling low in my belly.
Me: I like the burn... as long as it’s coming from you.
The house is quiet, only my dad’s soft snores drifting down the hallway. The sound is my signal. I spring into action, slipping outside into the cool night.
My thumb hovers for only a second before I type again.
Me: Change of plans. Meet me at the dock... now.
I press send, my pulse pounding as I step into the darkness. Anticipation crackles through me, wild and unsteady.
God help me, I’ve never wanted anything more.
CHAPTER 26
Everett
I’ve been pacingthe length of my cabin for twenty minutes, fighting the urge to grab my keys and drive across the damn lake to her door.
One hour. I can wait that long... right?
I run a hand through my hair, restless, then change her name in my contacts toAngel. It’s the only thing that feels true.
My phone buzzes. My chest tightens when I see her name.
Angel: Change of plans. Meet me at the dock... now.
Christ. She’s going to ruin me.
I don’t think, I move. Before I know it, my boots pound the trail, gravel spitting under each step, my lungs burning with the same fire tearing through my veins. I don’t slow until I see her.
She’s perched at the edge of the dock, moonlight spilling across her bare legs, tank top clinging to every curve, hair falling in loose waves down her back. The lake gleams like silver glass behind her, but she outshines it all. My angel.
Her smile is soft and knowing, like she can feel how close I am to coming undone. “Hello, again.”
