AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Clearly not for anything besides money.” She hung her head, and I said fuck it. I picked her up and cradled her to my body. I moved the blankets back and slid in, cuddling her against me. “What are we doing?”
“When I was ten, I was upset about some dumb thing at school. My mom’s best friend had a kid who was like a brother to me, but he made me mad. So, it felt weird to be so upset at someone who was like a brother at the time. My mom brought us to my room, shut off the lights, and said we could say whatever we wanted in the dark. I could be mad at her, at Curtis, and it was okay. I didn’t have to hold back because the lights weren’t on. So that’s what we’re gonna do. Now where is your light switch?”
“By the door.”
I quickly shut it off and was back in bed with Audrey. “I’ll start. I’m fucking angry that your family makes you think less of yourself and asks you for money. It’s so selfish and unnecessary. Now yours.”
“I’m angry because I do so much for Quentin, and it’s all for nothing. He lies to me, avoids me, and all I wanted was a best friend. We’ve been through so much, and I thought he’d be my forever friend, but he’s not, and it hurts so badly.”
“I’m angry because he doesn’t deserve you as a sister.”
She sniffed, and I held her tighter against me. Her head rested on my shoulder, and she fit there perfectly. “I’m angry because even though I have all these feelings, I know if he calls me, I’m gonna answer. I wish I could just cut him out of my life because he only hurts me, but I can’t. I even picked up tutoring slots this week so I could send him money for fun.”
I didn’t like that, but this was her time. “Because you care so much about him. You have the biggest fucking heart, Audrey. It’s incredible.”
“It feels broken sometimes.”
“Nah, it’s not. I know it.” I kissed the top of her head as she snuggled deeper. “I’m so sorry you went through this.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“Sure, but I’m fucking sorry you’re sad. It’s killing me to see you sad.”
“I’m sorry I turned inward earlier. You were right to call me out on it. I’m not used to someone else caring, and it’s out of routine for me.”
“I’m angry that your life has you feeling this way, but I care so much. Too much. And I won’t stop, okay? Tell me you need space, but don’t shut me out. Please?”
It was the please that got her. She was tense as a board until I added the last word, and she relaxed against me. Almost like she gave up fighting me. “I’ll try to get used to it, but like I said, having you care about me is so strange I might forget.”
“Then I guess I better do a good job at reminding you then.”
We lay there for ten, twenty minutes before her breathing slowed. Her hand moved toward my chest where she dug her nails into me, like she was afraid I’d leave. I was already hooked on her, but after hearing her open up tonight? There was no way she’d get rid of me. Zero.
Even when doubts intruded, I shoved them away. Who the fuck cared about Quentin and his three friends? They were dicks, and the team knew it. Instead of trying to repair anything, I should blow the team dynamics up. Show Audrey who he really was.
But no. I couldn’t do that. Not when she admitted she’d forgive him no matter what. Fuck. I wanted her to punch him in the face.
She sighed in her sleep, just as my stomach growled like a whale. Damn. I forgot I was still hungry. I never got to finish.
“S’that you?”
“It’s fine, baby, go back to sleep.”
“You’re hungry.” She pushed up to her side and a part of wanted to yank her back against me. I liked her there. Wanted to keep her there with her little hand clinging to me.
“I like cuddling with you.”
“But I’m the reason you didn’t eat twice.” She scoffed, her annoyance evident. “You need to eat. Come on.”
She climbed over me and switched on the light. With a shy smile, she put my leftovers onto a plate and popped it in her microwave. Her bare legs were distracting as hell while she had her back to me. She had a mole behind her right knee and another one on her calf. I smiled, once again pleased I knew these secrets about her.
“I like your moles.”
“My what?” She faced me. “Moles?”
“Back of your legs.” I pushed up and lowered myself to draw a line between the two of them. “It’s sexy knowing you have these cute birthmarks back here.”
“I never realized I did.” She gave me a bashful smile and shoved her hair behind her ears. “Thanks, I think.”
