Page 98 of The Way We Collide

I look down at my leggings around my ankles, our come on my thighs. He steps into the narrow room again, holding a damp cloth. “This will help.”

“Thanks.” I use it to clean up when the alarm on the stove buzzes. “The biscuits!”

Pushing the towel into his hand, I reach down and jerk my leggings up before dashing across to take the pan out of the oven. They’re golden brown and crisp, and I smile, setting it on top of the range to cool.

“They look delicious.” Hendrix walksup behind me, wrapping me in his arms again and kissing my cheek. “When can we eat them?”

“Make some coffee, and I’ll get the butter and honey.” I walk over to the kitchen entrance to check on Haddy, who is now standing in her little playpen looking at me. “And the baby.”

Two cups of coffee, buttered biscuits with honey, Haddy is on my lap, and my gorgeous husband sits across from me, raving about how good they are, and how he’s going to eat the entire pan all by himself, which means I have to make more if I want some.

Smiling, I shake my head. I hold my little girl’s hand, and I think about being alone, doing my best to make ends meet, wondering if I could still have my dream and my baby.

I remember thinking of Hendrix and our brief encounter. I remember all the things we said to each other, and I remember making the decision to ask him for help.

I convinced myself coming here, doing this would be like facing down a hurricane. If I sensed things were getting out of control, if it seemed like my feelings were growing too strong for me to handle or that they might spiral into something overwhelming, I’d have plenty of time to move to safety.

I could protect what I didn’t want to lose, namely my heart. I’d pick up the pieces when it was over, and I’d be okay.

Now I realize how foolish I was. Hendrix Bradford isn’t a hurricane, he’s a tornado. He blasted in without warning and took everything. I thought I was safe. I thought I was in control, but he tore through my little trailer park, ripping out trees by the roots and throwing everything into the air.

He didn’t just steal my heart, he transformed the landscape. My life will never be the same, and even if I rebuild, I’ll always carry his mark.

24

Hendrix

Jack

I can understand not wanting to tell all the guys, but you could’ve at least told me you were married.

Zane

I don’t understand not telling the guys. WTF, Jack?

Garrett

Yeah, dummy, why didn’t you tell us? We love Raven. You finally got your head out of your ass.

Logan

It’s really cool, bro. Congrats.

Garrett

Don’t be a brown-noser, Logan.

We didn’t want to tell you in case it didn’t work out.

Jack

Why wouldn’t it work out?

Zane

Yeah, man, what’s the problem?

Garrett

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