Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I hesitate for a moment before asking, “Have you ever thought about acting in a romance?”
Easton moves closer, and taking the script from me, he drops it on the couch. “I’ll never act in a romance. I’ve actually asked Sylvia to include a no-kissing clause for future projects.”
“Oh.” It suddenly sinks in that we’re alone for the first time, and the thought instantly has nerves spinning in my stomach.
Easton tilts his head. “Just so you know, I wasn’t acting with you.”
My gaze flies to his, and unsure how to respond, I can only stare at him.
Luckily, Easton changes the subject by asking, “What are your plans for tonight?”
“I’d like to take a shower,” I say as I start to walk toward the stairs. “My feet feel like slippery eels from all the lotion they put on.”
God, things feel super awkward.
When I reach my bedroom, I let out a sigh, wondering if it’s a good idea for me to stay in the mansion after the kiss.
It feels like I’m fighting a losing battle, and I’m being torn in all kinds of directions. I love Easton, and now that I know he’s attracted to me, it makes it really difficult to ignore the sexual tension between us.
Lainey should be my only priority.
After grabbing clean underwear, a pair of leggings, and a T-shirt, I head into the bathroom. Opening the faucets, I let the water warm while I get undressed.
My reflection in the full-length mirror against the one wall catches my eye, and I stare at my body. This is the longest I’ve been bruise-free in years.
No broken ribs. No busted lips. No black eyes. No angry handprints.
I notice that I’ve even picked up weight.
Only six weeks with Easton, and I look healthy.
I don’t have to worry about scrounging money together for rent.
I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will come from.
I don’t have to worry that I’ll be beaten.
Even though my emotions are a mess and my grief for Rachel is still raw, a sense of safety wraps around me, and it’s all thanks to Easton.
I step into the shower, and the warm water feels soothing. While I wash my body, I replay the kiss and conversation that followed for what feels like the millionth time.
My resolve falters, and I wonder if I’m making the right decisions.
I wish Rachel were here.
I close my eyes against the wave of sorrow hitting me square in the chest. With no one around, I give in to my grief and let my tears mix with the water. Every memory I have of Rachel flits through my mind. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone.
Eventually, my tears dry up, and I shut off the faucets. While I’m drying my body, I try to push all my emotions down.
God, I’m tired of overthinking everything.
My next session with my therapist is in a few days, and I plan to talk to her about my current circumstances. Maybe she’ll be able to give me some guidance.
Chapter 26
Nova
When I’m done showering and I step out into the hallway, I glance at Rachel’s bedroom.
Taking a deep breath, I walk inside, and when I smell her scent lingering in the air, my heart constricts.
Hi, Rach.
I walk to her dressing table and look at all the flash drives. Just needing to be close to her, I sort them into neat little stacks before I look through the envelopes.
Lainey’s 1st birthday without me.
Lainey’s 1st Christmas without me.
Lainey’s 12th birthday.
There are letters going up until Lainey turns twenty-one, and ones for when she starts dating, her prom, her wedding, and when she has her first child.
Rachel thought of everything.
When I look at the next envelope, it’s addressed to Easton, and the last one has my chin quivering.
Nova. Open after I’ve self-destructed.
I let out a sputter, something between a burst of laughter and a sob.
God, I miss your sense of humor.
With the letter in my hand, I walk to her bed and sit down on it. Folding my legs beneath me, I reach for the bedside table and grab the box of tissues. I place it on my lap before I open the envelope. My hands tremble as I unfold the page, and then I can’t read the words fast enough.
Hi bestie,
I’m sorry for the epic disappearing act I threw on you. Trust me, I didn’t want to leave you.
I suck in a quivering breath while blinking like a crazy person to keep my sight from blurring.
I need you to listen to me. Okay?
I know your love language is acts of service, but girl, you need to start putting yourself first. Please. Do it for me.
Don’t weave your entire life around Lainey. I want you to love my daughter and be a mother to her, but I also want you to be happy.
If you haven’t yet, go to Easton and tell him you love him. I promise your heart will be safe with him. He’ll never hurt you, and he’ll give you the life you deserve.