Page 155 of Surprisingly Us

“No. Not at all. In fact, it makes a lot of sense now that you’ve explained it.”

“But I don’t want to live that life anymore. And I’m worried that it’s too late. That I’ve fucked everything up.”

“Do you want to be president to beat Jerrod or because you want the position?”

“It started out as wanting to beat Jerrod. Our old rivalry got to me. But it’s more than that now. I like connecting with people and their nonprofits, learning about their missions and what motivates them. I didn’t realize I’d enjoy it so much.”

“That’s great, Rhys.”

“It’s because of you.” I tell her.

She shakes her head. “What?”

“Seeing your work with Leg-Up and your passion not just for ballet and dance but to help others. And, of course, your visits to the children’s hospital. You inspired me.”

“So, what happens if you don’t get the president position? Can you still sit on the board?”

“Under Jerrod?” My jaw tightens, but Lettie’s hand on my arm eases the tension there.

“If that’s the only way to be involved?” she asks.

“I don’t know.”

“I think it’s okay to not know.”

“Really? You have everything planned out.”

She laughs. “If I had everything planned out, I would have been promoted to principal two years ago.”

“You’re a phenomenal dancer. You’ll get there even if the timeline is different.”

“Thanks.”

She shivers.

“You’re freezing.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “We should go in.”

“Yeah.”

As we walk past my parents’ lake house, I can’t help but think that while I’m here for Lettie, today was a good step toward healing my own family wounds.

CHAPTER 47

Colette

Watching my parents awkwardly fumble around each other at dinner was exhausting. It was like watching a first date but in reverse. People who knew each other like they knew themselves turning into strangers that barely talk.

I’m over this day, but also wanting it to linger. When I wake up tomorrow and walk out of this house, I’ll never be back here again.

“How’s your book?” Rhys asks as he turns the bathroom light off and walks into the bedroom, shirtless, a pair of gray lounge shorts sitting low on his hips. Those deep muscular Vs on either side of his pelvis taunting me from across the room.

“Good.” It is a good book. A good distraction from what is going on in my life. This sad weekend saying goodbye to a lake house I love and cherish, trying to navigate the new dynamic with my divorcing parents, and my growing feelings for the man that just climbed into my bed.

That’s right. A small detail I didn’t consider when Rhys showed up earlier today. With everything going on, it wasn’t until my mom retired to her bedroom, and my dad started making up the couch, that I realized the only place for Rhys tosleep would be with me. My parents didn’t even flinch. We’re engaged after all.

My eyes dart back to the pages where I’m working on my poker face. The goal is to read about the sweet, sunshiny girl getting railed by the tattooed bad boy and not give anyone around me, especially Rhys, a clue as to the contents.

“I saw it on your nightstand the night we were making tutus and you fell asleep.”

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