Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
But now, there’s more to it. This time, there was something I really wanted. I thought I saw a life for myself. And he took it away without asking what I wanted. He put me on the spot, and considering how much he hates when people do that to him, you would think he’d be a little more aware.
And yet, somehow, my best friend fell in love with him. Right now, in this dark mood, I don’t see it. I can’t imagine it.
By the time we gather around the dining room table while the guards eat in the kitchen, my face hurts from faking a smile this long. They’re all laughing and enjoying themselves in there – I sort of wish I was with them, honestly. They sound like they’re having a good time.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you here.” Dad kisses my temple before continuing down the table to take his place at the head. “Something’s been missing all this time.” I notice how his gaze cuts to Romero’s empty chair across from mine. Something is still missing… for both of us.
The pity in Bianca’s eyes doesn’t help. I hate being pitied more than just about anything else. It’s part of the reason I didn’t tell anybody about Kristoff until I melted down. “I’m glad to be here.” That’s the most I can manage to choke out. I really wish it was true.
The table is beautiful. Candles flicker and make the China glow. The fragrance of roses in the centerpiece mixes with the aroma of turkey and all the other dishes in front of us.
“We better get started since I’m sure at least one of us is starving.” Dad winks at me before gazing across the table at Bianca.
“I guess it’s because I’m growing your child,” she points out with a loving smile that twists my heart until I’m surprised it can still beat.
“Then let’s–” Something catches Dad’s attention and cuts him off. Suddenly, he’s beaming, staring at the doorway behind me. Even his voice sounds different when he says, “Look who it is.”
I don’t need to look. I can feel him. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and now the heart that was barely beating races out of control. Bianca shoots me a face that could be either fear, dread, or excitement. Maybe all three at once.
“I couldn’t miss Thanksgiving with the family, could I?” Oh, his voice. I didn’t know how much I'd miss the way it makes me shiver and loosens everything in my body. Tears threaten to fill my eyes. Why? Why did he have to come back?
Why do I want to sob with relief that he did?
“I just thought I’d stop over and say hello on my way to the kitchen,” he explains.
“Absolutely not. Your chair is free. Please, sit down. This is where you belong.”
Romero walks around the table slowly, whistling in appreciation. “Sheryl outdid herself.” He won’t look at me.
“She got a lot of help from me and Tatum,” Bianca offers before shooting me that look again. What, is she afraid I’m going to grab a knife and use it on him?
He looks just the same as when I left — what else did I expect? It’s been four days. They only felt like a lifetime. He settles in across from me, murmuring something to Bianca about how good she looks, asking about the baby. Ignoring me.
Until our eyes meet for the briefest second. Until he freezes me in place while looking straight through me. Something’s different. Something changed while we were apart. There’s a coldness to him. He might as well be a machine, but then, didn’t I used to make fun of him for that? Now, I know I was wrong. There is an entire man under that shell, with thoughts and hopes and feelings.
He’s pushed them about as far away as possible. To get through tonight? Maybe, but then why bother showing up at all?
“This is a pleasant surprise.” Dad’s about ready to burst from excitement as he reaches for the turkey. “I can’t lie and say I wasn’t hoping you’d join us.”
“I plan on joining you for longer than tonight, if that’s okay.” I can breathe once he looks at Dad and breaks our connection. “I decided to sell the house and come back here. For good.”
CHAPTER 33
ROMERO
“So tell me.” We're alone, drinking coffee in the kitchen with what’s left of the pumpkin pie between us. Callum folds his arms on the tabletop and leans in. “What made you change your mind? Don’t get me wrong. I knew you’d come back. I just thought it would take longer than four days.”
The truth would be unacceptable.
I need your daughter like I need oxygen and would rather go through the torture of being close to her than endure the torture of being apart.