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It was all my fault we were here now, almost one hundred miles between us, not knowing where I stood.
I’d wanted to wait, to know with absolute certainty that he was the one before I slept with him. But maybe it wasn’t that at all. Maybe I’d kept him at arm’s length to protect myself. Because if I gave him all of me—if I went all in—and then he left me, I wasn’t sure I’d survive it.
Because I’d already lost Dalton.
“Oh, Dalt.” I blinked away the tears and closed my eyes, clutching the photo.
I’d loved my big brother more than anything in the world, and he’d left me.
He’d broken my heart.
And it had never healed quite right.
Maybe it never would.
* * *
After my self-pity party, I slept like the dead. I didn’t even make dinner. So it was no wonder I woke the next morning starving.
Mom cooked up a feast: Pancakes, bacon, eggs, granola, and fruit.
“Whoa, Mom. This is a lot for—” The doorbell rang, and I glanced over my shoulder. “Expecting someone?”
“I invited Aiden. That must be him.”
“What?” I balked, eyes widening with horror as I realized the state I was in—tatty-worn pajamas, messy topknot, and weary, tired eyes.
Why does it matter what you look like?
With an inward groan, I dropped my head onto my forearm.
“You look perfectly fine, sweetheart,” Mom chuckled.
“What is that supposed to mean?” My head snapped up, and she gave me a knowing smile. “I have a boyfriend,” I reminded her.
“Yes, and how is Josh getting on in Toledo?”
“Low blow, Mom, low freaking blow,” I called after her, but she disappeared down the hall without a care in the world.
Seconds later, the unwelcome sound of her and Aiden’s laughter filled the house. “Thanks for the invite, Mrs. Benson.”
“Nonsense, sweetie. It’s nice to have company. Isn’t that right, Dayna Bug?”
“Sure thing, Mom,” I gritted out.
“Morning,” Aiden said, giving me a small nod.
“Hey.”
He took in my morning appearance and smirked.
“What?” I barked as Mom went over to the coffee machine.
“Nothing. You look very—”
“Don’t.”
“Someone’s a ray of sunshine this morning.”
