AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was anything but.
She now holdsallthe power, whether she knows it or not.
For the first time since I was ten years old and watched my mother die at my feet, I realized my heart still works, and it’s screaming at me, telling me that I am irrevocably in love with Everleigh.
And I have no idea what the hell to do about it.
Pressing the button, I wait for the elevator doors to open, knowing I’ve just shocked the hell out of my best friend. Some people are worth the risk though. If he hadn’t said those words to me, I would have remained a coward and not taken a chance with Everleigh.
The risk was more than worth the reward.
Bryan hurries after me, stopping beside me. He turns to me, frustration on his face as he rubs the back of his neck. “It doesn’t matter what I feel for Savannah. She’s not into me, Will. You saw how she was sitting, her side plastered against the wall. She looked ready to climb out the window and flee.” Heaving out a sigh, his muscles are tense and rigid beneath his shirt. His jacket is slung over one arm, which is unlike him. Bryan is a creature of habit. He never steps into a building without putting his jacket on.
That’s how I know Savannah is causing him to come undone.
As the elevator doors open, we step inside. Pressing the button for the top floor, I turn to him, assessing his expression. His face is full of pain and… hopelessness. It tugs at my heart, remembering how badly I hurt when Everleigh vanished. I know it’s not the same, but still, I feel bad for my friend. He’s got it pretty bad for her, judging by his sad, puppy-dog eyes.
“I don’t know the story, but Everleigh indicated Savannah has experienced trauma. Despite the fact that she’s Everleigh’s best friend, I don’t know Savannah that well. When Everleigh lived with me in California, Savannah was still on the east coast, so I only met her once when she flew to California after Everleigh’s accident to ensure she was okay. Savannah has always been very skittish toward me. From what Everleigh has said, Savannah is like that toward all men.” Giving him a sympathetic look, I say, “Trauma impacts people differently. While I don’t know exactly what happened to her, I did notice she relaxed around you when you talked with her about food and music. She was very animated.” I watch him slip his jacket over his shoulders, deep in thought. “My advice is to keep being friendly and polite to her. Stop challenging her so much when the two of you are doing research. Try being respectful when she finds information and see what happens.”
He slowly raises his head, his smile hopeful. “That’s some pretty mature advice, Will. It’s amazing to see how much growth you’ve experienced, particularly from when you abducted Irelynn until now.”
I grimace, swallowing the lump in my throat as shame fills me. Staring at the floor, I cross my arms over my chest.
“Will, I don’t mean to upset you. That was supposed to be a compliment. You have grown so much in a short time. Not only did you reconcile your past with Irelynn, but you’re friends with her and Max, as well as Darin and Vanessa. Since Everleigh has returned…” My gaze lifts, meeting his. “You’ve really gotten your shit together. I’ve never seen you so happy and content. Now you’re about to be a married man, and expecting a baby…” He trails off, shaking his head. “I remember the William persona from high school that you cloaked yourself in to avoid being hurt. You were a cold, intimidating bastard.” Leaning over, he lightly punches me on the arm. “But now… Well, what can I say except you will be one helluva husband and father.”
His words make my heart squeeze inside my chest, gratitude filling me. “You’re wrong about one thing. We’re expecting two babies.” I grin, then swallow hard as I process the rest of his words. “That means more than I can ever say.” Heaving out a breath, I rein in my emotion before continuing. “Thanks, man.”
Bryan chuckles, lifting his hands in the air. “I stand corrected. You’re having twins.” The elevator doors open and we step inside. He claps my shoulder, a big smile lighting up his face. “You’re welcome. I’m glad to see you so happy. You’ve been through hell and back. But now, good things have finally come into your life and most importantly, are here to stay.” He squeezes my shoulder. “No one deserves this more than you.”
I rub the back of my neck, thoughtful. “Trauma can really make you grow if you learn the lessons from it. More importantly, the right woman walked into my life and made me realize what’s important. I’ve never had to pretend to be anything other than who I really am with Everleigh. It was a freedom I’d never experienced before. Before I knew what happened, I was head over heels in love with her.” Stepping back, I shove my hands in my pockets, leaning against the elevator wall. “She’s my entire world.”
Bryan grins. “I know. And you couldn’t have fallen in love with a more perfect woman for you.” Respect fills his eyes. “She is badass. I pity anyone dumb enough to mess with your kids.”
I chuckle. “Even I’m no match for mama bear. Just don’t tell Everleigh that. I like her to think I’m in control.” I wink at him.
Bryan laughs. “I think Everleigh knows she’s in control. She just allows you to live under your delusions.”
I lightly punch him on the shoulder, laughing. “What can I say? She knows me well.”
“She certainly does.” Bryan’s smile turns wistful. “You two are really lucky. I hope to find a love like the two of you have. Someday.” He gives me a quick grin that doesn’t reach his eyes.
As the elevator stops, I say, “I doubt Everleigh will let up about you and Savannah. I tease her about meddling, but she really wants the two of you together. She’s bound to play matchmaker.” The doors open and I step out, waiting for him. “I’m taking her to dinner tonight. Let me see if I can find out anything helpful. I’ll let you know. In the meantime, take my advice. When you were nice to Savannah, the façade she wraps herself in started to crumble and I saw a genuine smile on her face.”
Bryan’s face brightens. “For once, we weren’t arguing, and she wasn’t pissed and swearing at me before stomping off.”
I glance at him as we walk down the hallway, heading to meet my real estate agent. “Sometimes that can lead to really hot hate sex. But you can’t antagonize her all the time or you’ll never make progress.” Clapping his shoulder, I give him a devilish grin. “You can’t ever tell anyone I told you this, but Everleigh said that Savannah thinks you’re really hot. Stop aggravating the lady and show her you’re a nice guy.”
He gives me a look, raising his brows. “She thinks I’m hot?”
I give him a look, shaking my head and slugging him on the shoulder lightly. “You know you’re hot, asshole.” Rolling my eyes, I say, “Yes, Savannah thinks you’re hot.” The smile that lights up his face makes him look like a kid on Christmas day, surrounded by presents and holiday magic. I hold up a hand. “But, if she’s been hurt before, she will have her defenses up. It will be even worse if she’s traumatized. The only way to scale the walls she’s built around her is to prove yourself. Prove that you are real.” Turning down the hallway, I say, “Stop being an ass and arguing with her. Change tactics by being nice and listening to her. Give her what she needs.”
He chuckles. “Is that how you got Everleigh?”
My smile is wide as I say, “You’re damn right. I listen to that woman and give her whatever the hell she wants.”
We laugh, the mood lighter.
“Thanks, Will. I appreciate the advice.”
