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I wasn’t sure if Easton opened his mouth or if she had a hunch. Elle had a front row seat to a heated moment between Tilly and I at the charity auction last month. She had asked about it later, and I blew her off. I wasn’t ready to talk about it at the time.
“Yeah. It was a last minute thing.” I clear my throat.
“Hmmm,” she hums before moving over to June.
She leans down to whisper in her ear. June takes off up the stairs and I follow my brother and Elle into the kitchen. I sit down on a bar stool and run a hand through my hair. I had never really voiced my relationship or my feelings towards my best friend’s sister. That’s what she was to me for years. A kid. But when she got older, things shifted. When their mother died and she shut down, Adam came to me for help. It’s something I never saw coming and something I damn sure can’t explain.
Easton somehow just knew. I never had to tell him details. The only thing I ever asked of him was to take care of her while I was gone.
Which is code for I love her, but I can’t be here. Not now.
But time wasn’t a luxury at the moment. I was kicking my own ass. I know it’s what was best. I know she hates me for it.
I was gone for too long.
And just like on the field, the clock was ticking, and I wasn’t about to let some fucker in a sweater vest get my girl. So, I didn’t rely on formalities or feeling out the situation. I look straight at Elle. She’s been close with Tilly for years and she was a straight shooter. No bullshit.
She locks eyes with me, and I ask the question that has my insides burning.
“Is she in love with him?”
She glances at Easton who leans back against the counter before she looks back at me. “It’s not really my place to say how she feels.”
“Eloise.” My tone was sharp. I didn’t need vague. I needed answers. Because this matters.
“I’ve only been around them together a few times.” She chews on her lip before she tilts her head.
“You know her, Elle. So, I’m gonna ask again. Is she in love with him?” I hold my breath.
Fuck, I hate this.
She’s silent for a moment before she shakes her head. “No. Grey.” She reaches out and places her hand on my forearm. “I don’t think she’s in love with him.”
The relief I feel is overwhelming.
“She’s reacting.” She squeezes my arm. “I don’t know what happened between you two in the past or what the story is, but all I will say is this.” She steps back. “Don’t play with her heart, Greyson. Either make it yours, or let it go.”
Let it go? I haven’t let go in seven years. Why would I do it now?
Chapter 4
Tilly
“Knock knock.”
I peer up from my computer to see Lucy in my doorway. Lucy is one of my former students, who turned into a volunteer, who’s now an employee and I would consider a good friend. Her father had lost his hearing and they both had to learn ASL to communicate. We formed a pretty tight bond, and the girl makes my job a heck of a lot easier.
“Patty called. Tara has the flu so she can’t make her class today.” She enters the room, my favorite coffee in hand.
“Aw. Poor thing.” I bring my hand to my mouse, clearing out the slot for Tara from my schedule.
That gives me an hour to hopefully get this office somewhat organized. It’s a mad house in here.
“Yeah. Apparently, it’s going around.” She smiles, extending the delicious cup of caffeine. “So careful on the tonsil hockey with your new fiancé.”
I laugh, but it’s not hearty and light. It’s nervous as I take the cup from her hand. “I guess everyone’s heard about it by now?”
“It’s Timber Creek, Tilly.” She grips the file folder that’s placed under her arm.
