AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s been a while,” I answered honestly.
We sat for a minute. He was patient as I stared at the house and let the memories and pain wash over me.
“Come on.” He pulled on the door handle, and before I could blink, he was on my side, offering to help me out.
I put my hand in his and didn’t let go as we went up the front walk.
“Please tell me you have a key,” he said when we reached the front door.
I dug in my bag and pulled out Grandmother’s old keyring, letting it dangle between us.
“We don’t have to break in.” I put the key in the lock and turned it.
We could’ve called the groundskeeper if I had forgotten, but I didn’t mention that detail. I’d phoned ahead and given the staff the weekend off.
Maybe it was dangerous to be completely alone with Kane.
But I’d wanted this time without prying eyes.
We stepped into the foyer.
Everything was exactly as it had been. There wasn’t even a closed-up house smell because we—I—had caretakers for the property.
I dropped my tote by the door, just as I always had when I arrived.
Kane dragged me forward.
“Where are we going?”
He didn’t answer and he didn’t stop, leading me down the intricate corridors of the house until I realized our destination.
My heart picked up its pace.
Cruel.
Kind.
Cold.
Wet.
Saved.
“You kept them.”
He almost sounded relieved when he caught sight of the avocado-green washer and dryer.
I didn’t tell him how many times they’d been repaired over the years. I’d lied to myself and said it was because they’d belonged to my grandmother.
But standing in the tight space with Kane again, I knew the truth.
I’d kept them because of him.
Memories assaulted me of him standing with the dryer open, taunting me with that cocky smirk.
I’d never known hate like that. I’d neverfeltso much.
And still he was the only one who’d ever made me feel that way.
