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“Like, whether we were both ready to commit. You chased me, but I know you like the chase.” A low laugh rumbles in my throat, but shecontinues. “But when you didn’t remember me, I was brought straight back to that ten-year-old girl who was always forgotten.”
My heart hurts hearing her admit that. “I’m so sorry, Ad. I can’t begin to tell you how it feels to know you were getting me through each day, while I was doing nothing but hurting you.”
“We were in separate worlds at the time, Bill. You were coming out of something, and I was only entering. We both had to get to the other side for it to work.”
“I know, baby. It was unfair for me to expect you to be there without knowing the whole story.”
“You didn’t, though Billy. And that’s the thing, youneedto expect it. You need to know you’re worth it.”
“You show me every day, Queen.” Taking her hand, I kiss each finger before entwining mine with hers and holding it against my heart. “You need to know you’re worth it. Your dad? That asshole before me? If I was to come across them, I’d shake their hand and say thank you.”
“What?”
“I’d tell them thank you for being such fuck ups that it gave me a chance to show you what a good man really is.AfterI was done fucking up, of course.” She laughs, shaking her head at me, so I continue, “I’m serious! I needed a push. I had to learn how to be the best forme, so I could be the best foryou.”
She smiles, closing her eyes before her breathing evens out and she drifts off again.
“Thank you for loving me.” I whisper, and she murmurs and snuggles in closer.
It’s then I realize I haven’t thought about a drink or felt my body craving it since I came home tonight.
Sure, it’s only been twenty-four hours, but each hour adds up to keep pushing me forward.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
BILLY
Slammingthe door to my brother’s house, I walk in to find Cash sitting on Tom’s couch, so I ask, “Why are you always here?”
Chief Hunter hired Cash as Tom’s replacement when he deployed a few years ago, but ended up keeping him on, even after Tom’s return. Those two hated each other for the first few months Tom was home, but once they realized their importance to each other, everything changed.
“I told you a long time ago, Bill. You’re out and I’m in.” He shakes his head and smiles good-naturedly. “I wish you’d understand this. It’s getting to be a real drag having to remind you.”
“It’s going to be a real drag when your boss finds out about your girlfriend.”
His head snaps my way so fast I’m afraid he got whiplash, and I bark a laugh as I come around the side of the couch and fall onto it next to him. “Bro. You’re not fooling anyone.” His eyes bore into mine and I can tell he wants to talk. “Come on, you can talk about itwith me.”
Chief Hunter’s daughter, Angelina, is the Occupational Therapist at the rehab Cash has been going to since getting shot in the shoulder, and every time he leaves there, he seems happier. I don’t think anyone is the wiser, but when I went to visit him in the hospital, Angelina had come by to check on him. Watching their interaction, I knew there was more to the relationship than her just being his nurse. I’ve also passed her house a time or two and found Cash’s truck in her driveway. For a cop, he’s not too stealthy.
I don’t know the Chief’s daughter well, she’s a decade younger than us. I was also smart enough to stay far away from her. It’s possibly the only smart thing I’ve ever done, but I think she and Cash would be great together. As long as Chief Hunter gets over the age thing. Cash is twelve years older than Angelina, but Vincent is twenty years older than his girlfriend, who is also Angelina’s best friend. Never a dull moment in Christmas.
He opens his mouth, then shuts it, then opens it again, searching for words. I can’t help but laugh in his face again. “I’ve never seen you speechless, Cash!” I slap his thigh, just as Tom opens the slider and walks in carrying a plate of burgers.
“Tom, we’ve finally found a way to shut this guy up!”
Cash punches me in my leg. “Ow! Fuck!”
Tom smirks as he places the plate down on the kitchen island and begins pulling out condiments. “What’s he speechless about?”
“His new girlfriend. I told him Hunter isn’t going to like it.”
Tom whips around and eyes me, too. “How do you know?”
“Tom!”
“Cash!” He yells back in the same exaggerated tone and laughs.
“Don’t yell at my brother. It’s obvious. Dude, you’ve been going to rehab,” I use finger quotes, “forever now. You got shot in the shoulder. Work it out and get back to work.”
