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Against my better judgment, I pry open one eye to hazily see my pillow is made of flesh—warm, supple, muscular flesh. The intricate tattoos reveal that chest belongs to Saxon.

Cataloging through what I can remember, I recall ending one of the funnest nights of my life in Saxon’s bed, where I still remain. Something has shifted between Saxon and I, I can feel it. I don’t know what, but I know it’s something which makes me happy. My mood dampens however when I remember Sam.

I don’t know where he is, or if he’ll ever be back. He’s made his feelings perfectly clear and I have to accept it, whether I like it or not. It hurts, but what other choice do I have? I can’t force him to remember. And I certainly can’t force him to love me.

“Mornin’.”

Saxon’s hoarse voice reminds me of his promise—his promise to look after me for as long as I want him to. It wasn’t fair of me to ask, but I can’t do this without him. It concerns me that “this” is living.

“Good morning,” I reply croakily.

“How you feeling?”

Considering the amount of alcohol I consumed and the fight with Samuel which triggered my alcoholism, I feel okay. “Better than I thought I would.”

“Good to hear.”

We’re both very aware that I’m wrapped in Saxon’s arms, snuggled tightly against his chest. I should shift away, especially since I’m wearing nothing but a bra and boy shorts. But I don’t want to. The thought turns my stomach.

As if on cue, my belly grumbles.

“Are you hungry?” Saxon asks, chuckling.

“A little.” Shifting slightly, I draw back so we’re sharing the same pillow. We’re inches apart, breathing in the same air, and it’s nice.

The early morning light highlights the rolling green swirls in his eyes, which seems to complement the heavier beard lining his strong jaw. It’s funny. When looking at Saxon, I no longer see Samuel. In my eyes, they’re no longer carbon copies of each other, a fact which I’m sure Saxon would be thrilled about.

“I’ll make us some breakfast. And coffee.”

The suggestion of food and coffee has me groaning in excitement. “Yes, please. Feel free to serve up anything greasy or fried.”

“I think I can manage that.” I melt when a dimple hugs his left cheek.

He pulls back the sheet and slips out of bed, appearing unconcerned that the only thing he’s wearing are a pair of black boxers. I avert my eyes, only for them to stubbornly rise back up again, zeroing in on his magnificent body.

He’s lean, but muscular, his frame radiating nothing but strength. A true rugged, masculine body.

When my gaze lingers on his flank, he turns his back and quickly retrieves the discarded t-shirt off the floor. I scold myself for openly staring, making him feel uncomfortable.

“I’ll meet you out there,” he says, stepping into his jeans.

“Okay.”

He gives me a final look before closing the door behind him.

Sighing, I throw an arm over my eyes, embarrassed and angry at myself for being unable to control my emotions around Saxon. We’re friends, he’s also Samuel’s brother—I need to remember that.

I slowly sit up, the room spinning as I try and gather my bearings. When I think I’m steady enough, I pull back the blanket and stand. The room is a little lopsided, but I manage to walk across the room without bumping into anything or tripping over my two left feet.

I feel beyond wicked standing in Saxon’s bedroom in only my underwear and decide to hunt through his drawers to borrow a t-shirt. My shirt and shorts have way too many buttons and zips to hurdle through. I find a Harley Davidson shirt which I recognize as the one he wore the first time I saw him at the hospital. I remember how happy I was to see him. How I threw myself into his arms without any reservations and how he caught me just as freely.

Drawing the shirt to my nose, I take a big sniff, relishing in his familiar, comforting smell. Slipping it on, I smile when it hangs to my knees. Just as I’m about to close the drawer, I see his journal sitting hidden underneath his clothes.

Peering at the door nervously, I slip my hand inside, inexplicably needing to run my fingers over the source of Saxon’s most intimate thoughts. I wouldn’t dare read what’s inside, as I know how private a diary can be. I also know however, that inside lies the reason why Saxon and Samuel don’t get along. I could sneak a peek and finally uncover why the two brothers are mere strangers. I could…but I won’t. If I ever find out the reason why, it’ll be because Saxon or Sam wants to share their story with me.

Quietly closing the drawer, I gather my clothes and boots off the floor, goose bumps painting my skin when remembering Saxon undressing me so intimately. It’s a memory I’ll never forget. Tiptoeing through his room for some reason, I close the door behind me and pad down the hallway to my bedroom. I have no idea why I feel the need to sneak around. I doubt Sam is home, and even if he were, he wouldn’t care where I slept last night.

With that thought in mind, I yank open my bedroom door, ready to shower and face another day of the unknown. My confidence takes a nosedive however when I step into my bedroom and see a sight I never thought I’d see.

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