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“But it does, Ev. So much has happened…so much is happening. I don’t know what went wrong. Where I went wrong.” Her eyes meet mine. “Why is this happening to me?”

“I don’t know, baby. But I swear to you we’ll find out.” I pull her against my chest, tightening my arms around her perfect body as she fits against me like a jigsaw puzzle, our bodies aligning.

This is right.

This is exactly where she should be.

Sixty-Three

Reagan

Is it weird that I feel content? For the first time in so long I feel like I belong somewhere, to someone. My dad was the only man to ever make me feel like I was special. I nestle my cheek into Everett’s chest while he holds me and promises we’ll get to the bottom of all this. I think I knew deep down that he hadn’t done anything, but I wouldn’t allow myself to believe him.

He loves me.

That’s the only thing I take away from all of this.

There’s suddenly a loud banging on the front door.

“Oh, for god’s sake. Do I have to move?”

“Do you have an idea who it might be? Who’s on your concierge priority list?”

“You and my family, that is it. I hope it’s not my brother, I can’t handle another fight with him.”

“I can answer it if you want.”

“Please,” I answer him, and begrudgingly sit up. A sigh leaves my lips as I watch that fine ass make its way to the door.

“Ahh, you must be the very sexy Everett. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Ruby! Damn, I completely forgot about her.

Pushing up to my knees, I turn and lean over the back of the couch, watching as she nearly drools over him. “Ruby, put your tongue back in your mouth, for fuck’s sake. You’re leaving a puddle on my floor.”

“Bitch.” She sticks her tongue out at me, walks past Everett, and comes to sit next to me on the couch.

“Why don’t I leave you ladies to…gossip for a while,” Everett says with a knowing smile, looking between us.

Bolting from the couch, I rush to him.“You don’t have to go…” Yes, I’m fucking eager.

With his hands on my hips, he pulls me forward. “I know, but I came right from the office. I’ll go for a run, get changed, and come right back. How does that sound?”

“If you really must.”

“I really must,” he repeats, smirking. There’s my Everett. I fucking missed that smirk.

“Fine, go.” I tease.

Once he’s kissed me, he turns to leave and shouts to Ruby, “See ya soon, Ruby.”

“Bye, Everett,” she calls back, throwing her hand up in a wave.

When he’s gone, I go to the fridge and grab Ruby and I some soda before sitting back down on the couch.

“I’m surprised he came anywhere near you. You need to go shower, girl. What the hell is this look anyway?”

I give her a fake smile and wave a hand over myself. “This is the ‘argued with everyone you love and got suspended from my job’ look. Do you like it?”

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