Page 25 of Melissa's Mates (Blissful Bets)

“Melissa,” Connor pulled her body to his, “I’m so sorry. No wonder you don’t trust us. Channing and I would never do anything like that to you. God, I would kill anyone who even thought to place a hand on you. “

“As would I.”

Turning to look at Channing, she wasn’t sure what to think anymore. They looked sincere. Damn, more than anything she wanted to believe them. Could she really let her guard down and allow them to start breaking through the walls she’d spent years building?

Loud banging brought all of their faces toward the door. The men stood, and she followed suit. “Are you expecting anyone?” Connor asked.

“No.”

Melissa walked forward and headed for the living room. Channing made it to the door before she could get there. “Wait, let me open it.” Nodding, she watched as he blocked her view.

“You move the hell out of my way. Where’s Melissa?”

Julie barged in, pushing her way through. “Mel, get your stuff. I’m not letting you leave town. You’re coming to stay with me.”

Connor turned her in his direction. “Melissa, baby. Please, I’m begging you not to go. Give us a chance.”

“Who are you?” Julie walked forward, pulling Melissa out of his arms. “And why are you calling her ‘baby’? How long have you known her, a second? I’ve never seen you before, and trust me, I’d remember. Plus, if Mel was dating anyone, I would know.”

“Jules, why are you here?” Her friend looked at her like she’d lost her mind. She had to admit to herself it was a pretty stupid question.

“Get your stuff.” Julie leaned in close enough to whisper in her ear. “I tried telling Stephen to come over here, but him and Ev both told me to leave it alone. Can you believe that?”

“Yes,” Melissa whispered. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t focus. Should she leave after everything they’d just discussed? As much as they were trying to convince her that they’d all live a happy life, Melissa saw her chance to escape and wasn’t about to let it pass her up. Scared at how they’d react, she turned and took in her men.

“I’m sorry. I can’t.”

Julie grabbed her arm as both men took a step forward. “Neither of you move another inch. I have pepper spray in my bag, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Channing just dismissed Julie with his eyes and advanced another foot. “Melissa, please don’t go. You have to know that we’re meant to be with you at all times. If you leave, we’ll have to follow. It’s useless to run.”

“How can you both say we’re meant to be and not give me time to adjust?”

Connor walked to the couch and sat down. “Julie, is it?”

“Yes.” Her friend narrowed her eyes as she looked at him.

“Have you ever been in love?” Connor’s voice cracked at the end of his words.

“I was married for two years. I loved him very much. I thought…” Julie let out a ragged breath. “What’s your point?”

“Channing and I love her. Do you know what it’s going to do to all three of us if you take her away? She’s going to physically hurt at us being separated, not to mention Channing and I will be going through pain, too. I ask that you please don’t do this.”

“It’s not up to her.” Melissa grabbed Julie and pulled her backwards, toward the door. “Now, don’t follow us. Just give me space. You’ll both move on. You’ll see. Everything will be fine.”

Agony like nothing she’d ever experienced swarmed her insides, and she hadn’t even made it out of the door. Her words were enough.

“Let’s go, Jules.” Opening the door, Julie gripped her hand tightly and pulled her down the stairs. With every step down, she felt the pain intensify. By the time they reached the Mercedes, tears streamed down Melissa’s cheeks.

“I’ll take care of you, Mel. Don’t cry.”

They both got in, and Julie raced toward the highway that led to Corpus Christi. Sobs wracked Melissa’s chest while she grabbed the hand her friend offered. She leaned over, burying her face in Julie’s shoulder.

“Jules, tell me everything’s going to be all right.”

“Everything will be fine, honey. I promise. You’ll see. We’ll get your mind off of those men. It’ll be like they never existed, if that’s what you want.”

“No, I’d never be able to forget them. God, why did this have to happen?”

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