Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
This is what I wanted.
Seattle. Art galleries. Recognition for my work. Paid commissions.
So why does it feel hollow and unfulfilling?
Because you’d rather be chasing after the woman you’re quickly losing.
Rather than ruining the only other good thing in my life, I force myself to stay despite wanting to run after Sloane. Nothing will be achieved by me going after her. Maybe a shameful argument in the parking lot that involves Sloane and my parents. I won’t do that to her.
Mona pulls me aside, chatting about the opportunity she’s presenting me. It sounds too good to be true. On one hand, I’m thrilled and proud to be acknowledged. On the other, I’m disgusted at myself that it’s because of my love for Sloane.
After I make it through this evening, I’ll go to her.
I’ll make it right.
At the very least, I’ll make her understand how sorry I am.
Knowing she’s upset and hurting is almost too much to bear.
“You want me to go with you?” Gemma asks from the passenger seat. “I can try to help smooth things over.”
I shut the Tahoe off and shake my head. “I need to do this alone. Are you okay to wait? I’m not sure how long this could take.”
“I’m good. I’ll make some content for my socials. It’s quiet and I look good.” She flashes me a wide grin. “You’ve got this, Dempsey. She’ll understand you didn’t mean to hurt her.”
Earlier, I never did see Dad’s reaction. My parents and Sloane were gone by the time I finished socializing with everyone. Gemma found me later and told me she witnessed the whole thing. At first, I didn’t want Gemma to know about my crush on Sloane, but having someone to talk to about it helps.
Plus, twins take secrets to the grave.
I climb out of the Tahoe, softly closing the door behind me. Then I prowl through Sloane’s dark yard to the back of her house where her window is. I’m not about to disturb Kaden. For all I know, she pretended everything was fine around him. I’ve embarrassed her in front of the entire town. I’m not about to extend that humiliation to her nephew too.
All the lights are off at her house even though it’s not that late. Her curtains are drawn, not allowing me to peek inside. Gently, I rap on the window.
Nothing.
A heavy sigh rattles out of me. I’d avoid me too if I were her. I tap at the window again with my knuckle, hitting a bit harder to make the sound carry.
Crickets.
I’m about to pound on the window but try to lift it instead. To my surprise, it’s not locked and easily lifts. I climb through it, pushing past the curtains, hoping I don’t get myself accidentally shot. When I fully make it through, she’s standing a few feet from it, arms crossed over her chest, frowning. She’s still wearing the notorious blue dress. The moonlight highlights her sad face, making her seem decades younger, and it fucking kills me.
I did this.
Fuck.
She bites on her bottom lip, eyebrows scrunching as I prowl toward her. I expect her to shove at me or back away. Instead, she holds her ground, lifting her chin to meet my stare. Like she’s made of porcelain, I cradle her cheeks and stare into her glistening eyes.
“I’m so fucking sorry, babe.”
Her eyes close when my lips brush against hers. She says nothing, so I continue.
“You were never supposed to see.” My voice trembles and comes out raspy. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“Is that how you see me?” she chokes out, lip wobbling. “So lonely?”
“Not anymore,” I murmur, kissing her supple lips again. “Not with me.”
A ragged sigh rattles out of her. “It was so raw…”
“And beautiful. Everything about you is so goddamn beautiful, Sloane. You—You’re art to me. Something worth putting on display and sharing with the world.”
“It just…” She swallows hard. “Took me by complete and utter surprise.”
“I know,” I grunt. “I should have told you or warned you. It’s all my fault and I fucking hate myself for it.”
She shakes her head, fingers whispering up my chest. “Do not ever hate yourself, Dempsey. You’re so talented. You’re a good, worthy man.”
My heart stutters to a stop at her kind words.
“What I saw tonight,” she continues, “took me by surprise, and obviously upset your parents, but the vulnerability I saw in your art was breathtaking.”
“You thought so?”
I don’t even want to think about the lectures I’ll receive when I finally make it home. Sloane was the first and most important place for me to be. Everything else can wait.
“I did.”
“I wanted to come after you,” I explain. “But I also didn’t want to make it worse. Old me would have. When I’m around you, though, I want to think things through and do what’s right for everyone involved.”