AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I need a plan. When I put one together, will you look at it and be honest with me? I really want your thoughts.”
“Hey, when have I not been blunt? It’s kind of my thing.”
Allison looked at the woman who had rescued her from what could have been a hellish disaster. During the long hours of labor, Erica had been at her side, encouraging her, yelling when necessary. She’d been the one to cut the umbilical cord and place Bethany on her bare belly.
“Where’s Killion?”
Erica’s expression immediately tightened as she turned away. “It would be awkward if he were with us right now. The bed just isn’t that big.”
“Why wasn’t he here tonight? It was a big family dinner. He’s family.”
She already knew what had happened—oh, not the particulars, but she’d guessed the second Erica had started talking about what they’d done to Jackson’s room. It had all been about her, Summer and Mara. There’d been no mention of Killion at all, and a project like that was something he would happily take on. He liked doing things for Erica—even if his participation was simply to call a guy he knew.
“Killion’s busy with work.”
Allison continued to watch her friend. “I think that’s the first time you’ve lied to me. What happened?” She held up a hand. “Wait. You broke up with him, didn’t you?”
Erica swung back to stare at her. “How did you know?”
“Because he’s crazy about you and when it comes to giving your heart, you’re a stinking coward.”
“I’m not.”
Allison thought about what she knew about the end of Erica’s marriage to Peter. She was sure it was much worse than she’d been told. As she’d recently learned, her husband had a selfish streak she’d never known was there. There was also a myopic cruelty that if turned on a woman who was still in love with him...
That combined with how Erica had been so out of step with her friends in high school when she’d been more interested in her future dream than in the football captain. Even now, she had trouble connecting with women. She held herself apart, pretending it was because she was busy and they had nothing in common when in truth, she was afraid of rejection.
“I suppose the good news is you’re as flawed as the rest of us,” Allison said lightly. “Just as frail and broken. It evens the playing field.”
“I’m not frail. Why would you say that? I’m a kick-ass bitch. Ask anyone.”
“What happened?”
Erica picked at the blanket. “I told him we weren’t ever getting married. That ours was a relationship of convenience, nothing more.”
Allison winced. “Not exactly what he wanted to hear.”
“That’s not my problem. We had a deal. He’s the one who violated it.”
“How?”
She sighed. “He told me he was in love with me so I broke up with him.”
“Wow, was that a smart decision.”
Erica glared at her. “I don’t need a man in my life. I’m fine without him. Better than fine. He was weighing me down.”
“Then why do you miss him so much?”
“I don’t.”
“Two lies in a night. Don’t make me think I don’t know you.”
“Whatever.” Erica stared at the far wall. “I might miss him a little, but I’ll get over it. I don’t love him and I don’t want him to love me.”
“Of course you do. The man’s amazing. He’s kind and funny and he thinks you’re the most incredible woman ever. He’s proud of what you’ve accomplished, he’d never think less of you. He wouldn’t dare give you the world because he knows you’d have more fun winning it yourself. Why wouldn’t you be in love with him?”
“Then you date him.”
