Page 112 of Halo

“Eh, he’s not that old.” She giggles as I grimace at her. “He’s about six years older than me. He was Matthew’s best friend growing up. They volunteered with the youth group after they graduated high school, and Declan and I spent a lot of time that summer together.”

I stare at her. “When … you were twelve?”

“Okay, I know it sounds bad. But, he said I was mature for my age. We had a special connection. Nothing weird.”

“Leah, that is fucking weird.”

“You’re forty. Are we weird?”

“That’s different, and you know it. You’re an adult, able to consent. That’s the point. Where were the adults? Where was your dad?”

She picks at the ribbed sleeve of my sweater. “My dad loved Declan—my whole family did. Still do.”

It takes everything in me not to jump into my truck and hunt her family down and pulverize them for allowing a man to groom their child into a toxic relationship

Chapter 27

Leah

COWBOY:

how the hell did you guess Flintstones so fast??

Ibite back a smile as I unlock my phone.

It's been almost three weeks since our first date. Nick's life has been especially busy lately. He's juggling work, his first Christmas with Grady, a trip to Fort Worth to see his family, and a guys' trip to South Texas.

As for me, my family has been … well, my family. Add in every church obligation imaginable and hosting our extended family from Louisiana, and I've been stuck in my own chaos of holiday cheer.

Needless to say, Nick and I haven't had much time alone. We both agree we picked a hilariously inconvenient time to start a relationship, but somehow we've made it work. Between quick phone calls, endless texting, and a Christmas night video call after Grady went to bed, we've carved out whatever moments we can. Our newest way to connect? Online Pictionary.

Me:

You forget I teach tiny humans. Half my day is deciphering drawings

COWBOY:

a 5-year-old could've drawn better stick figures

Me:

but you knew to draw the orange shirt and blue necktie

and the cute car :)

COWBOY:

that was supposed to be a couch

Me:

couch* dang autocorrect

COWBOY:

you're cute, but you're full of shit

“Girl, what is with the smile?” Rachel catches my attention, waving her menu at me. “I have never seen you so giddy.”