Macey’s death grip on my hand means that I’m tugged along with her to the side of Nana’s hospital bed.

Macey and Nana hold hands, and we stand there in silence as the two woman just study each other, both with tears in their eyes. It’s a heavy moment, and I have no fucking idea what I’m supposed to say. Nothing seems right, so I stay quiet.

“You scared me,” Macey says, her voice shaky as a tear slips from her eye.

Nana frowns. “I’m not going anywhere. These doctors are just worrywarts.”

Macey smiles and leans down to kiss Nana’s forehead. “You better not go anywhere.”

Nana’s eyes land on me next, and I stiffen. I feel as though she can see straight through me, like she can read all of my intentions. A pang of fear flashes through me, and I want to hide the depraved man I’ve become from her all-knowing eyes.

Then a slow smile lifts her mouth. “I always knew you two would end up together.”

Macey opens her mouth to correct her, but I give her hand a firm squeeze.

“I’ll always be here for Macey,” I say forcefully, filling my words with resolve.

Macey glances up at me curiously. Tears are still glistening in her eyes, and I don’t know if the emotion is for me or for her nana.

The last time we were together we fought at Hale’s engagement party, and she looked sickened by my strange kink. I used her body in thoughtless ways, and left her afterwards naked and alone. I’m not proud of myself, and even though I know I can’t fix the past with one declaration, I hope it’s a start.

I lace my fingers with hers, unwilling to let her go.

Chapter Twelve

Macey

It was sweet what Reece did for me—coming to the hospital, sitting with me, listening to my nonsense, comforting me with his presence insisting that I go home and rest, and then accompanying me into Nana’s room. He was there for me when I needed it, but I can’t mistake that one act of kindness for something it’s not. I gave him a chance, and he showed me who he really is now. I hate that he’s this damaged man now, incapable of a real, loving relationship with a woman. Both Chrissy and Brielle tried to warn me. But the stubborn side of me, all gusto and bravado, wanted some kinky fun. Too bad that didn’t work out.

Still, I have a lot to look forward to. There are a lot of good things happening, like the job at the news station I started yesterday with a boss who seems like she’ll be a great mentor, and Nana is recovering better than the doctor’s expected. Still, I can’t seem to shake the black cloud following me around.

I grab my purse and keys, and head for the door. I’m meeting Brielle for a celebratory drink tonight. She said she wanted to congratulate me on my new job. If it meant free margaritas, I don’t need a formal invitation. Besides, maybe some alcohol will numb the pain I feel whenever I think about Reece.

When I arrive at the little Mexican restaurant, Brielle is already seated at a high-top table in the bar area, so I make my way over to her. The server approaches just as I do.

“Two peach margaritas, ladies?” he asks.

“It’s like they really get me here.” I smile and nod at him.

Brielle giggles and tells him, “Yes, plus an order of chips and salsa, please.”

He scurries away, and I take my seat across from her. It feels good being here in her presence, and I’m happy that we’re starting to build what I know will be a real friendship.

“How was day two at the new job?” she asks.

“It was great. I think I’m really going to like it there. Good boss. Good assignments so far.”

She frowns. “Then why do you look so defeated?”

“No, we’re not talking about that tonight. We’re going to have fun. We’re going to discuss you and my brother, and wedding plans and babies.”

She smiles at me and pats my hand. “We’re not getting married until next summer. We want it to be a small affair, so we have plenty of time for wedding planning, and babies are still a ways off. Listen, I know something happened between you and Reece, and I’m here if you want to talk.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. I’m not sure if I’m ready to go there yet. I still have some healing to do.”

The server delivers two margaritas and a basket of chips with salsa, and I waste no time pulling my glass toward me. Swirling my straw in the icy concoction, I can’t stop my thoughts from wandering to Reece—his strong, muscular frame, that sleeve of sexy tattoos, and the pain I saw buried in his gaze whenever he met my eyes.

It’s like he was trying to hold himself back from me, like he purposefully distanced himself from feeling anything for me. Why would he do it? It’s not like he’s in love with me all these years later.

Unless . . . he still feels something for me, just as I do for him.

No. That’s crazy. It’s just wishful thinking on my part, the romantic side to me that wanted to believe the cheating ass Tony was boyfriend material. Just because I want it to be real doesn’t mean it is.

Shaking myself free of my thoughts, I say, “I just don’t understand it. I thought things between us were going to be light, casual, and fun, only that’s not how it turned out at all.”

“I know, sweetie. Reece is a complicated man. He and Hale have been fighting, and I hate it.”

Something about that strikes me as odd. “They shouldn’t still be fighting. I thought Hale would be happy that Reece and I are done. I’m sure Hale will get over it, if he isn’t already.”