Page 9 of Lost in the Light

“And we’re all on team Addy,” Eli added.

“You traitor, Adam!” Jordan yelled, then a snowball was flying right for Adam’s head. His fast reflexes had him dodging it at the last second, then they were all running for Jordan and taking aim at him. He retreated, but not fast enough and withinseconds he was hit square in the face by Eli, who just laughed his ass off at the great shot.

I joined in, attacking Jordan and hiding behind one of the others every time he took aim at me. Even Asher had joined in and he was amazing at getting the best hits on Jordan.

Eventually, exhausted I had to stop just so I could breathe. I bent over and braced my hands on my knees, my whole body aching. But it had been so worth it. The snowman was only half done, but I’d had the most amazing time and I couldn’t stop smiling.

“You okay, baby?” Adam asked as he jogged over and crouched before me.

“Yeah. Just tired,” I assured him with a full smile. “That was so much fun.”

“It was. It was a great idea to get everyone out here. We needed it,” he agreed. “Let’s head in and make some hot chocolate, okay?”

“Sounds good.” I stood and took Adam’s offered hand. Even through the both of our gloves I felt the power of his grip around my hand and I loved it. Every time he touched me, all I ever felt was safe and secure.

“Come on guys. Let’s head in!” Adam called loudly to the others who were still horsing around. Instantly they all stopped and looked up.

“Are you okay, Addy?” Asher, who was closest to me, asked.

“Just ready for some hot chocolate,” I replied with the smile I just couldn’t seem to take from my face.

He approached me and wrapped his arm across my shoulders, pulling me into his side. I kept hold of Adam’s hand too, not wanting to lose the connection to him.

“Did you have fun?” Asher asked.

“Yes. Did you?”

“I did. I’m glad you forced me into this. Thanks, sweetheart.” He kissed the top of my head and there was still a gentle smile on his face as I looked up to him. I wanted to see him relaxed like that so much more often, and I decided, there and then, I’d work hard to do just that.

***

The lightness of the morning so far continued as we all settled at the kitchen counter in dry clothes and feeling much warmer. Adam had made us all hot chocolate and coffee. A plate filled with home baked chocolate chip cookies laid between us and we were just laughing and joking together.

I grabbed a cookie and sank back in my seat happily as I started to nibble on it. Adam and Jordan were having a hilarious debate about the fact Adam had taken my side over his brothers, during the snowball fight. It just all felt so normal. The noise in my head and my out of control thoughts were all quiet and I just felt relaxed and at ease, safe with all of these people who really seemed to care about me. It was more than I could ever have wished to have, and, even though I knew the noise and madness would return eventually, I was happy to just bask for as long as I could for the time being.

“Sorry, bro, but Addy’s just prettier than you,” Adam joked as he turned to me with a smile. He was sat beside me, so close I could feel the heat from his body. Part of me just wanted to crawl intohis lap, curl up and close my eyes while I had so much peace within, but I wasn’t that brave, especially not in front of Jordan who’s lap I would be equally happy to curl up in.

“Hey! I’m pretty too. Tell them, princess,” Jordan demanded with mock outrage, making me smile over to where he sat beside Eli.

“Sorry. I think that snowball to my head might have scrambled my brain. Did you say you were pretty?” I teased.

“Just you remember who started the whole thing!” he accused.

“I do. It was you,” I laughed.

“You’re never gonna win, Jord. Best to just admit defeat now,” Eli chuckled as he slapped his friend on the back good naturedly.

When the kitchen door slid open, the laughter died down, as we all turned to look at Kane walking in. I knew instantly that the expression on his face could not mean anything good.

“Sorry to interrupt. I need a word, boss,” Kane said solemnly.

“What’s happened?” I asked. Kane looked to me and I saw pain even though he was trying hard to keep his face neutral. He couldn’t hide that pain and panic in his eyes though. I knew it too well.

“I’ll be right back,” Asher said as he got to his feet, but I reached out and grabbed his arm.

“No. If this has something to do with me, or what happened, I want to know,” I demanded.

“Addy…” Eli tried, but I cut him off.

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