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At that, I laughed. Margo was never secondanything.
Ever.
Emotion welled in my eyes. I blinked at the screen and struggled to find the words. “Lee, you remember how things were before you left?”
His eyes searched mine, confusion written all over his handsome face.
I shifted so I could look directly at him, andgodthat was difficult. I placed my hand on top of his. “We were all friends, and you and I would cut up and laugh all the time. Margo was always so ...”
“Jealous.”
A nervous laugh trickled through me. “I don’t know thatjealousis the right way to explain it. But when you went overseas, Margo had asked—”
“Stop.” Lee’s hand gripped mine, and pain was evident on his face. “I don’t want to talk about Margo right now.”
“Lee, this is important.” I cleared my throat and took a deep, shaky breath.
“Annette.” My eyes searched his. “Tonight I want to enjoyyou. No one else. Just you. I want to sit in a blanket fort and watch a shitty movie and laugh with my best friend. Can we do that? Please?”
I pulled my lips in and willed away the tears. It was thepleasethat broke me.
This is too good. I can’t ruin it yet.
I managed only a nod and cuddled into the nook of his arm.
He sighed and brushed his lips across my hair. “See this? Right here with you? This is perfect. Best day of my life.”
Shame and guilt consumed me, but selfishly, I shoved the past back into a box in the back of my mind and focused on Billy “Barspin” Crammel making his BMX dreams come true.
TWENTY-SIX
ANNIE
Nerves rippled through me,and the aroma of meat loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy filled the air as I set the table at Tootie’s farmhouse for an impromptu Sullivan family dinner. Though I was more than content in the barn apartment, I’d asked Tootie to borrow her kitchen and have all the Sullivans in one place to tell them what I had discovered. The farmhouse was abuzz with excitement, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anxiety deep in my stomach. They were completely unaware of the important revelation I needed to share with the family, something that could change everything they knew about their family history.
As I smoothed the tablecloth and arranged the silverware, Lark was in the living room finishing up a delicate french braid in Penny’s hair. Kate was chatting animatedly with her boyfriend, Beckett, their laughter filling the room. Kate’s green eyes sparkled with happiness, and I couldn’t help but smile. Seeing her so content made me realize how much I cherished the bond we shared and how grateful I was she had moved back home.
My attention was diverted when Lee entered through the front door. With his broad shoulders and easy smile, he exuded an undeniable charm that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. Only this time I didn’t have to turn away and pretend not to notice. He caught my gaze and winked, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks.
“I thought you had work?” I asked.
“I do, but I can spare a few minutes to kiss my girl before my shift starts.” Lee wrapped a possessive arm around me and pulled me in for a deep kiss.
My girl.
Heat flooded my cheeks as a fresh awareness of the Sullivan family eyeballs set squarely on us. If there was any doubt about the status of our relationship, Lee had cleared that up with one highly inappropriate kiss.
A low cluck drew my attention to the front door. Just beyond the screen, Henrietta was staring me down.
“Looks like someone’s jealous.” I laughed when he released me and quickly averted my eyes.
Kate rounded the table and leaned in so Penny couldn’t hear. “That’s because Horny Henrietta can’t get enough of Lee’s attention.”
He smirked and swiped a few pieces of lettuce out of the salad bowl. I watched his back as he opened the door and tossed Henrietta her treat before offering a few neck scratches.
“You’re only making her fall more in love with you,” Kate teased.
I knew she was talking about the chicken, but heat flooded my cheeks.I feel your pain, Horny Henrietta.
