Page 6 of Hard to Judge

It says with me there is nothing easy and nothing easier.

I blink back the sentiment and turn to place the book on the shelf. That’s when I notice the hardcover.

It’s the one I threw at the bathroom door when he ran away from me after our first sexual experience with a third person in the mix.

“Keep it,” Arlo demands. Then he adds a please to the end.

I nod and hug it to my side.

“Come with me,” Hailey says, wiping tears from her smiling cheeks.

“Why are you being nice to me?” I tug Hailey into an alcove at the top of the stairs. It’s easy because she’s clinging to my arm like I need her to hold me upright.

I don’t.

It feels too fucking good to have that kind of support. Which is treacherous.

Her smile is bright and refreshing, like a spring day. Honest and storm-bringing. And storms fuck shit up.

They uproot hundred-year-old trees, tear down houses, and clear-cut lands. After the damage comes clarity, rebuilding, and stronger foundations.

I pull my arm from her grip, grab her shoulder, and settle her against the wall before dropping my hand to my side. The book burns a hole through my side. Its words seep into my soul.

The arched nook isn’t big. Only a handful of centimeters separate me and Hailey, but it’s better than her touch. Her smooth skin on mine makes the blood flow directly to my dick. Right now, I need all my wits about me because nothing makes sense.

Not Arlo’s poem.

Not Hailey’s kindness.

“You should hate me.” I brace one hand on the leather belt around my hips while my other continues to grip the book Arlo gave me. The collar of my shirt is suddenly strangling me. I draw a deep breath and will her to speak instead of taunting me with her pretty lips and sweet smile.

“Just the same as you should hate me.” Her words are a whisper in the close confines.

Worry wrinkles the space between her eyes.

Lifting one hand, I press my thumb to the ruffled skin and smooth it out. I run it up over her brow and down across her orbital bone before pulling away. “I can't hate you.”

“I’d venture a guess that it’s the same reason I can’t hate you.” Hailey draws both of her hands up and cups my cheeks.

Warmth radiates from the tender contact. Though I know I shouldn’t, I sink into her comfort. It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself consolation from anyone. No one is close enough to earn that right. Until this moment, I haven’t imagined anyone besides Arlo giving it to me.

“Why is that?” I ask, closing my eyes for just a moment and breathing her in.

“Because we both love Arlo and want what is best for him.”

“Are you a shrink or something?” I open my eyes and narrow them on her with a smirk, trying to ease the tension ratcheting itself in this confined space.

Her serious gaze says she won’t be thwarted in this conversation.

“That’s one reason I can’t hate you,” I relent.

“There’s more than one?” Her cheeks go pink. “I may have more than one also.”

“Interesting.” If she was any other woman, I’d call her out, demanding to know another reason.

You liked the way I devoured your pussy and drank your cum?

But she’s not, so I don’t. “Very interesting.”

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