Page 3 of Taken With You

“Good stuff, right? As to your question, I don’t know. I don’t really know if I’m ready to move out. But my friends and I all want to get a place while we’re in school. You know? I don’t really want to stay with Cameron forever, even though I kind of do.”

I nodded, understanding, even though I hadn’t really had that growing up. Then again, maybe I had. I’d moved in with a group of friends when I was about Dillon’s age. But they’d gotten me into a whole shitload of trouble. Stuff that I couldn’t erase, even though I wanted to bury it. I’d moved in with them not for college like Dillon, but because I’d thought they were my family. Blood in and blood out and all that shit.

Jesus, I needed to get those thoughts out of my head. I’d been thinking about my past a lot lately. And I had a feeling I knew why. And that reason was currently standing on the other side of the room.

I ignored her—I had to.

“Cameron’s been taking care of you forever. He’s like another dad, right?”

Dillon nodded. “Yeah. Ever since Mom did her thing. I’m okay, though.”

I gave him a look that said I didn’t really believe him, but I knew he was better than he had been. Honestly, he was probably the steadiest of us all. That meant I needed to watch out for the kid. Anyone who was that solid usually had something to hide. And since I knew most of the kid’s background—as much as he let anyone know—I had a feeling that when Dillon broke, he would need all of us. After all, I’d needed people when I cracked. Sadly, I hadn’t had anyone.

I wouldn’t let that happen to Dillon.

“Anyway, I’m excited to move out. It’ll be nice for Cameron and Violet to have their own place. Without me killing their buzz.”

“Knowing those two, I’m sure they find ways to get together without having to worry about you.”

Dillon visibly shuddered, even as he grinned. “Yeah. I don’t really want to think about that. But it’ll be nice not having to tiptoe around if I need something to drink in the middle of the night.”

“I can see how that might be a little weird. But if you ever need anything, let me know. Okay? I know you’re close to your brothers now, but I’m here for you, too. Just say the word.”

Dillon smiled, his eyes warming. “You’re a good man, Beckham.”

I wasn’t good. I was anything but. There was a reason they said you had to atone for your sins. And I was working my way through that. There would never be a happy ending for me. That was something I had learned long ago. But I could at least try not to be the person I once was.

So I smiled and took a bite of my chicken before Dillon wandered off to talk to the rest of his family.

When I was finished with my appetizer, I set down my plate and went to wash my hands.

I didn’t know why I was still here. I usually showed up at places and events and then left as soon as I could. But I figured it’d be good for me to at least pretend like I belonged. Not that I always felt that way.

I leaned against the wall, watching everybody dance, smile, and act like they were having a good time. When Meadow walked by, I wasn’t even sure she noticed me. It took everything within me not to notice her. Or try notto. But I couldn’t help it. She was always there. In my thoughts, my past. And, lately, physically right in front of me.

And so, without thinking, I reached out and grabbed her hand.

She froze, her eyes wide as she turned around. I wanted to curse at myself.

I knew where she had come from. And, in general, I knew you didn’t just go around touching women like that. Especially not when I had a feeling Meadow had been through hell.

I was such a fucking asshole. I slowly let go of her fingers and slid my hand back into my pocket.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound casual. Attempting to come across as if I hadn’t seen the fear in her eyes, or the way she looked as if she were about to run.

There was fight or flight for a reason, after all. And I was bigger than Meadow. So, flight was the logical response.

Damn it.

“Hi,” Meadow said, her throat working as she swallowed. “Having fun?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Yeah. The Connollys sure know how to host a party.”

“So I see. It looks like everyone is having a great time.”

A voice slid out of the speakers, and we froze. “Okay, now this is where we’re going to have fun on the dance floor. Before the bride and groom do their thing, they want you guys to come out. So, find the person nearest you, doesn’t matter who it is, and take them out to dance. Let’s make this wedding memorable.”

The announcer’s voice echoed in my head, and I wanted to curse. There was only one person near me. The one I shouldn’t dance with. And because I knew it would be better if we didn’t, because I was really good at doing what would cause the worst pain, I held out my hand.