Page 64 of Fight For Us
“I haven’t wanted to be in a relationship, Tiger, because I’ve been hurt so deeply I didn’t think I was capable of caring for another person again. The old me who was whole and unbroken could have bounced back after Savannah betrayed me. But after losing Dylan and my leg… it didn’t matter anymore. Not much did.”
I let my gaze stay locked onto hers for a second longer before I rolled onto my other side. I couldn’t bear to see the pity in her eyes. “Wes.” Her voice trembled.
“It’s okay,” I said with resolve. “Let’s get some sleep. It’s been a long day.”
“Yeah, okay.” I hated the sadness in her tone but was too exhausted to put up a fight. My body was so in tune with hers that I could feel her inch closer until her small frame nearly pressed against my back. My skin prickled with need to turn over and pull her into me. To press my lips to hers and kiss the sadness away. But I wouldn’t. I’d hate for our moment to be laced with pity and tears.
As I forced my eyes closed and felt myself drifting into sleep, I could have sworn I heard her whisper, “You’re not the only one who’s broken.”
Chapter 26
Olivia
Being back at workagain was equal parts miserable and joyous. I’d only been out for a little over a week, but it felt like a year with everything that had happened in that short time. My feet ached and mind whirled, but by the middle of my shift, I’d gotten back in the groove. Or at least, I’d gotten out of Kelly’s way.
I grabbed my plates from the back, careful to avoid too much eye contact with Wes, and made my way to the booth in the corner, where my sister and Kendahl sat waiting.
“One grilled cheese and fries for Mia,” I said, placing the plate down in front of her, “And one deluxe burger with onion rings for Ken.”
“This looks amazing. Thanks, sis,” Mia said. “Are you sure you can’t sit with us for a few and catch up?”
“Yeah, use some of that wife privilege and take a load off,” Kendahl added.
I winced. “Shh, we haven’t told anyone here yet.” I gestured for Mia to scoot over and slid in. “I only have a minute.”
“Wait? Why haven’t you told anyone?” Kendahl asked, always one to get straight to the point.
“I don’t know. It hasn’t come up, I guess. It’s only my first day back anyway.” I snagged a fry from Mia’s plate and took a bite.
“It’ll only make things weirder if you wait. I can see it now—you and Wes making out by the walk-in freezer and Kelly dropping a plate in shock,” Ken said.
“That would never happen,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
Mia laughed and held another fry out to me. “Come on, you can’t tell me you guys haven’t at least made out here. You’re newlyweds and crazy in love.”
Shit.They don’t know.For some reason, I kept forgetting that it’s only me and Wes in on our plan.
“Please tell me you disinfected the counters after you—“ Kendahl started.
“New subject please. I refuse to talk about my sex life at work.”
Mia’s lips turned up. “Does that mean we can discuss it at the Krav party tomorrow when you’ve had a few drinks?”
“No. It means I’m not discussing it,” I said.
Kendahl pouted. “I hope when I’m married I don’t turn into a grump, too.”
“She’s not a grump, she’s just private,” Mia said. She leaned her head against my shoulder. “Sorry for bugging you. No more sex talk.”
“Thank you,” I huffed.
“How was Alex’s appointment? You didn’t get a chance to fill me in the other day,” Kendahl asked.
I cracked a smile. “So far he’s healing well, but he still has a few more weeks in his cast. The doctor gave us options and we decided to go the less invasive route for now.”
“So the wait and see option?”
“Exactly. With all the changes going on, we thought it would be best to let him settle in.”
