Page 130 of Broken Bridges

“No. It wasn’t.” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her delicious lips. But before things got too heated between us and I was caught for incident exposure and having sex in public again, I reached into my jacket and ripped out my cell phone.

I called an Uber.

Five minutes to wait.

They’d better not be late.

Chapter 39

TIA

I’d never fully comprehended how strong Lewis was until I’d met his parents last night. I had a new profound respect for him. To have such a grounded belief in yourself from such a young age, and to not let anyone tell you otherwise, was admirable. Inspirational. I’d met some awful people—haters, preachers, downright bullies, and shady characters—during school and college, and at work, but Esme and Warren took the prize.

The wall Lewis had built to protect himself against his parents’ attitude was justified. I’d never question it. The loss of their love ran deep in his heart. I’d seen it. Felt it. Heard it in his voice sometimes. But I was glad that bridge to his family was broken, and I would be happy if it was never repaired. They’d have to change—not Lewis. I couldn’t see that ever happening.

His family made mine look like a fucking dream.

I’d often resented my parents for not being around, but now I had a different perspective, thanks to Lewis. They were living their life to the fullest. Being honest with themselves. Doing what they loved. Just like he’d done. My parents had given Cole and me everything and anything we’d needed so we could become strong, independent people. Sometimes too independent. But that had given us the courage to follow our hearts, our passions, and our careers. We’d fallen off the track several times and had our hearts trampled on more than once, but we’d learned from our mistakes. Regardless of what had happened in our lives, our parents would never disown us. They’d always love and support us, even if it was from afar.

Now, I had someone else who loved me. I’d found a man who had taught me not to be afraid anymore. No more dwelling in my past heartache and pain. I was determined to live my life to the fullest, do what I loved, and be surrounded by my family. And I wouldn’t worry about what people printed in the press.

I had Lewis.

I couldn’t be happier.

After a wicked, spine-tingling, toe-curling night in bed at the hotel, and a late morning brunch with Lee and his boyfriend, Mateo, Lewis and I arrived back in LA on Sunday evening.

With a few in-flight drinks under our belt, we struggled to keep our hands off each other during the limousine ride home. I wanted him naked...again. But as we fell through the front door and dropped our luggage onto the floor, we were met by a welcoming party. I hadn’t expected that.

Music drifted from the sound system. The guys sat in a row on the sofa with beers in hand. Sutton lazed sideways with her legs hooked over Flint’s thighs. Their conversation stopped the moment we stumbled inside.

My stomach somersaulted backward. Despite everyone knowing about Lewis and me, and after keeping secrets for so long, it was nerve-racking to finally admit we were together.

I took Lewis by the hand, and we sheepishly made our way over to the group. My ankle ached after too much walking around the wedding venue, down long hotel hallways, and through airports, but to have Lewis by my side, the pain was worth it.

“Hi.” I twinkled my fingers at them. Why were my cheeks burning? “Um...so Lewis and I have some news.”

“Looks like the trip worked out.” Concern, happiness, and relief flooded Cole’s eyes.

“Yeah, it did.” Lewis draped his arm around my shoulders. “We’re good.”

“Yay!” Sutton clapped.

“You sure about this?” Flint waggled his finger at us.

“Yes.” I snaked my arm around Lewis’s waist and rested my head against his shoulder. “We’re sorry for all the sneaking around. Sorry for the drama we caused. No more secrets. Promise.”

“Lew, we love you, man.” Cole splayed his hand over his heart but then stabbed his finger at Lewis. “But you fucking hurt my sister, I’ll kill you.”

“Noted.” Lewis chuckled. “But I hope I never do.”

“Glad you sorted your shit out.” Slip nodded, raising his beer toward us.

“Yeah.” I glanced at Lewis and smiled. “It wasn’t easy, but we got there.”

“We need to celebrate.” Sutton swung her legs off Flint’s lap and jumped to her feet. “More drinks, anyone?”

“Um.” I scratched my cheek, then thumbed toward the staircase. “We were planning on celebrating in a different manner.”

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