Page 89 of Bittersweet Addiction

“I don’t know, breaking his protégé? How the hell should I know? Will is so loyal to him, I can’t imagine the feeling isn’t mutual.”

“He’s atherapist. I’m sure he understands.”

“I want him to know that I’m still here, even though it may not feel like it.”

“You’re supposed to be giving him space.” She raises an eyebrow at me.

“It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be supportive.”

She grabs my hand and squeezes, “Char, one day he will see that you did this for him.”

I frown, knowing she’s right, but hating that he doesn’t realize thatnow.Now, he thinks I’ve abandoned him like everyone else in his life. “And until then?”

“Until then, you focus on keeping that little one healthy.” She cocks her head to the side. “I swear did you get pregnant just to try and keep me here?”

I smile, letting my hands find my flat stomach that I can’t wait to get bigger.I’m having a baby!A warm sensation spreads throughout my body and I realize I haven’t really allowed myself to think about how much my life is about to change. I shut my eyes picturing a baby that is equal parts myself and Will. A little boy or girl with Will’s piercing blue eyes. His eyes, his nose, his…heart. The man with the kindest heart I’d ever met. The man that loves me with every inch of it.

He understands, Charley.

IT HAD BEEN TWO DAYSsince I’d seen Charley. Two days without seeing her smile or holding her in my arms—or making love to her. It had been almosttwoweekssince I’d done that, and my body had definitely taken notice. I rub my dick through my pants, as a vision of her underneath me floods my brain.

Fuck.

We’d spoken on the phone a few times, and I’d let her know that I would be spending the week in a rehabilitation center of sorts. I wasn’t thrilled at the idea, knowing just how those facilities can be, having worked at the very one I was attending, but I needed to turn my life around, and not just for Charlotte.

But not just for me either.

There’s a baby now.

A baby that will need their father,sober.

“When do you leave?” she speaks softly and slowly, as if she can’t get the words out.

“Monday.”

“Can…can I see you before you go?” she stutters slightly.

“I would like that.” A feeling of hope runs through me and I can’t help the small smile. I miss her so fucking much.

“How are you getting there?”

“Drew offered to drive.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I’ve been forced into a bit of a breakthrough,”I chuckle.

Drew and I had sat on my kitchen floor, a large pizza between us, and talked about everything. And nothing. It had been unreal just how much I’d missed in my brother’s life.

Who knew that he’d recently started doing yoga—with Lauren.

That he was training to run a half marathon—with Lauren.

That he thought he might be in love—with Lauren.

I felt like an asshole for not being more involved in his life. For not caring enough to try and have a relationship with him because of what had happened when we were kids.

We’re adults now, and I always urged people to try and repair their broken childhood relationships once they were in adolescence.

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