Page 101 of Forget Me Not

Alaric shrugs his shoulders casually. “It was no big deal. I guess I just saw a little bit of you in her and I had to help where I could.”

“Well, I think it’s pretty amazing.” My face lights up under his gaze, it’s insane how much I’ve fallen for this man.

His lips press to mine in a soft kiss. “I think you’re pretty amazing.”

Butterflies flutter though my stomach. It’s a feeling I'm getting used to with Alaric. People say over time you stop getting those flutters as relationships grow old, but I don’t see that happening with us anytime soon. Every day Alaric finds some way to totally sweep me off my feet.

I know the newness of our relationship will wear off and we’ll have our good days and bad days, but I don’t think for a second I’ll ever stop missing him when we’re not in the same room.

“Speaking of amazing,” he begins. “I’m pretty sure we have some amazing reservations in twenty minutes, so we better get going.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I quickly stretch my legs to pull it out. “One sec,” I say to Alaric. One glance at the screen and I literally scream out loud when I see who’s calling, making Alaric jump. I hold out my hand to him with a smile and he relaxes.

“Dex!” I shout into the phone. “You’re alive!”

“Of course I’m alive. I’m fucking Dex Brooks. What? Did you think I was dead?”I roll my eyes becauseyes, that’s exactly what I was getting worried about.

“Yes, I did. Why the hell haven’t you returned my calls and text messages?”

“Oh right. That. Well, I got locked up for a bit. But I’m free now and all is well.”

“Locked up?” I gasp. “What the hell did you do?”

“It was nothing. Just a petty misdemeanor. I sold a fake ID to an undercover cop and got twenty-one days. I felt bad after our conversation, but I knew you were tough and could figure it out.”

I exhale a breath of relief. “That really sucks. I’m just so glad you’re okay.”

“I’m fine, baby girl. But tell me, what’s new with you? How’s the small-town life you wanted? I’m assuming things got better if the joy in your tone is anything to go by. You sound happier than I’ve ever heard, Doll.”

I look at Alaric, grinning from ear to ear. “I have so much to tell you, Dex. You’re not going to believe the shit I’ve been through.” Alaric taps his wristwatch, making note of the time, so I say, “But it has to wait. I have a date with my boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? Wow, girl. I take it things are looking up for you?”

“Life is amazing. And I owe a big thanks to you. You helped me along the way and it got me to where I’m at. I owe you one…Uncle Dex.” Tears burn the backs of my eyes, but I won’t let them fall.

“Look at you getting all sentimental and calling me Uncle. It was my pleasure, Doll. You’ve got a fight in you like nothing I’ve ever seen before. You just needed to get where you were going. But on another note,” he pauses briefly before continuing, “I found some people who want to meet you.”

I crane my neck in confusion. “You did?”

“A couple cousins on Grayson’s side. Axel and Marni Thorn. Their dad, Grayson’s brother, was a dickwad just like Grayson. He passed away a couple years ago. Well, apparently there is something huge they need to share with you and I think it has to do with Grayson’s estate.”

Chills dance down my entire body as I jump to my feet. “You’re kidding me? I’ve got actual family?”

“Ouch, kid.”

“Oh, don’t be like that, Dex. You know how I feel about you.”

Alaric follows my antics and jumps up too. “What?” he huffs, hands in the air.

I shush him with a finger over my mouth and keep listening to Dex.

“I can’t say for certain, but being his only child, I’m almost positive that’s what it is. With your permission, I’ll shoot your number over to Marni and Axel and they can give you a call.”

“Yes,” I beam with excitement. “Absolutely.”

“All right, baby girl. We’ll talk soon so you can fill me in on this boyfriend and all the chaos that is your life.”

“No more chaos, Dex. It’s smooth sailing from here.”

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