Page 9 of Let’s Be Real

There wasn’t anything she could say that would make him turn away. Yes, he stuck by me, Rome, and Ben, but that was a biological imperative. Our DNA tied us for life. The only thing tying him to Samantha was their bond. Which, as far as I could see, was unbreakable.

He poked his bottom lip out and reached for her hand. “I don’t think you’re pitying me enough. I’m fucking miserable, Sam.”

She leaned down, smoothing his hair from his forehead. “I pity you plenty, Ade. That’s why you’re going to stay with Nate and let him be there for you. We both know you need it. Stop fighting and let it happen.”

He slowly exhaled, turning his gaze up to me. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I’m going to be a pain in the ass.”

“I offered,” I said. “If it’ll make you feel better, Samantha is welcome to stay too.”

She raised her head, her forehead crinkling. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t mind. It would actually be easier on me if you were there. You keep him in check.”

Adrian sputtered but didn’t deny it. Samantha bounced on her toes like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“Thanks, Nate.” She beamed. “You’re the best.”

The best? I was far, far from it, but I let that lie.

Chapter Four

Nate

I lost track of how long I’d been reading and rereading the text from my mother when my front door opened. Samantha had let herself in with the key I’d loaned her and quietly closed it behind her.

She tiptoed to the kitchen and leaned against the counter to remove her heels, probably expecting me to be asleep since it was two in the morning. That thought was confirmed when she spun around and yelped, catching sight of me in the living room, slumped on the sofa.

She pressed her hand to her chest. “Holy hell, Nate. You nearly caused a cardiac event.”

“Sorry.” I tucked my phone in my pocket and pushed to my feet. “I should have said something.”

She sucked in a deep breath and shook her head, smoothing her hand over her hair. “No, I should have been paying attention.” Tilting her head toward the back hallway, she asked, “Has Adrian had a rough night?”

“No. No rougher than normal.” I crossed the living room and joined her in the kitchen, filling a glass with water. Before I drank it, I turned to her. “Do you want something to drink? Eat?”

She chewed on her bottom lip for a beat then nodded. “Actually, I’m starving. Would raiding the cupboards be bad manners?”

“Feel free.” I leaned against the counter and sipped my water as she shuffled over the tile to my pantry. Before picking anything out, she doubled back to the island and slipped off her black blazer, laying it down, leaving her in a silky black tank. She let out a long sigh as she shook her arms loose.

“Was your night rough?” I asked as she peered into the pantry again.

“No rougher than normal.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “Don’t tell Adrian I said that. He’s certain the club is going to fall apart in his absence, and I don’t want to take that away from him.”

She peeked around the cabinet, a crooked smirk on her painted pink lips. “I’m always ravenous after work, and I can never settle down right when I get home. I fall asleep better with a full belly.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself.” This was her third night staying here, and she’d been very careful, dancing around me, asking permission before she did anything. “Really, Samantha, you’re welcome here.”

She bustled to the island, arms laden with food. “You say that now. We’ll see how you feel after I eat you out of house and home.” She pulled down a plate, then raised an eyebrow. “Do you want nachos? It’ll be more fun if I’m not eating alone.”

That got me to chuckle. “How can I say no then?”

“You really can’t.”

Pulling out a stool, I sat at the island while she made our nachos. When I found myself watching her more than I probably should have, I pulled out my phone, immediately realizing my mistake.

The message was still there, glaring at me.

Louise: I miss you, Nathan. It’s important we talk. Before it’s too late.