Page 75 of Toxic Obsession

“You care about other people and what’s best for them.” I cupped the back of her neck and kissed her forehead.

“I try. I’ve gotten used to taking care of Janine, so thinking about Brody is second nature, I guess.” Wynter hopped off the bed, then strolled to her bathroom and closed the door. It opened again and she poked her head back into the room. “I’ll FaceTime Janine after I get cleaned up.” She bit her lip, her gaze narrowing as if she were thinking. “I actually need to shower if you want to take one with me.”

“Love on the Brain” by Rihanna filtered through the speakers.

“I added it to my playlist.” She winked at me, then crooked her finger, motioning for me to join her.

A shower with a girl I was in love with? Hell, who was I to say no?

Chapter40

Wynter

Time seemed to stand still as Quinn and I locked eyes on the porch of my Forest Dale home. My pulse raced so hard I could feel it in my throat. I realized what awaited me on the other side of the door. Not only was I about to waltz in with the guy of my dreams and introduce him to Janine, but Kyler’s and Bell’s histories had the power to overshadow our visit. With each step forward, I understood that everything could unravel in an instant.

No. It’s going to be okay.

Quinn took my hand in his, confidence in his posture. “If we need to bail early, we can, but I’m ready to do this.”

“Yup. Okay.” I texted Janine that we had arrived and the front door flew open seconds later.

“Wyn!” Janine nearly knocked me over with her hug. “I’ve missed you.”

I wrapped my arms around her, embracing her. “Same.” Tears gathered in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks, and I took a slow, deep breath.

When we released each other, I couldn’t help but laugh as Janine and I wiped the moisture from our faces. At least they were happy tears.

I turned my attention to Quinn, his expression unreadable as he watched us. I wondered if he remembered that Janine and Ky looked alike, or if he just thought we were weird. Most likely the latter. “Janine, this is Quinn Astor, my boyfriend.”

“It’s about fucking time I met him.” Her nostrils flared.

Quinn’s gaze widened as he towered over her. Janine was an inch shorter than me, so she was probably hurting her neck glaring up at him.

Janine stepped toe-to-toe to him and placed her hands on her slender waist. “Fuck her over and they will never find your body.”

“Janine!” Good God. Well, we were definitely related. I had threatened to kill Quinn myself just weeks ago, but I hadn’t meant it. And under the circumstances, I’m not sure it was the right thing to say.

She backed away. “Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to our humble home.” She cracked a grin, then gave me one of her sassy “don’t screw with me” looks. Apparently, Janine had grown up while I was gone, learning to stand her ground when she needed to.

She spun on her heel and shivered. It was then that I realized she was in a hoodie, shorts, and socks with little turkeys all over them.

Janine kicked her feet up, showing me the grippers on the bottom.

“Good. Glad you listened to me before I left.”

Janine grabbed my wrist, her attention bouncing between Quinn and me. “I have a surprise.”

I cringed. “Janine, you know I hate surprises.”

“You’re going to love this one. Trust me on this.” She pushed open the door and led us inside.

The sound of the lock clicking into place reached my ears and I held out my hand for Quinn. Visiting the house was hard enough for me, so I had no idea what it would be like for him. I glanced over my shoulder and he gave me a little nod, reassuring me that he was doing okay.

The heavenly smell of turkey wafted through the air. “You cooked! Oh my gosh. You didn’t need to. I would have been happy with pizza.” I gave her a quick hug.

“You’re welcome, but it wasn’t me, Wyn.”

My forehead creased in confusion. “Oh, one of your friends is here, too? That’s great.” I couldn’t remember the last time Janine had a good friend to invite over, so I was genuinely excited for her. I tugged on Quinn, pulling him to the side of me.

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