Page 128 of Mended Hearts

“No more dogs,” Grey muttered, but Alice didn’t even flinch. I just shook my head. If Alessandra Hart wanted a Frenchie, Greyson would have her flying to Paris tomorrow to hand-pick the most genetically superior one on earth.

“Oh!” she added brightly, completely oblivious to the way the air had gone still. “And Leighton hopped on Paxton’s flight tonight—the shithead. Guess the Florida sun was calling her name.”

The words slammed into me like a truck.

My chest seized. My ears rang.

The room tilted.

I turned to Greyson, searching his face for denial—an eye-roll, a smirk,somethingthat said this was a joke. But his lips curled tight against his teeth, his gaze dropping to the floor like he couldn’t bring himself to meet mine.

“Grey?” One word. Just one. And I hated how much it sounded like that six-year-old version of me, the one who’d screamed his name when the rattlesnake coiled next to my ankle. I was just as helpless now.

Fuck. I’d done it again.

Pushed too hard. Reached for control when all I had to do was trust her.

Grey sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well… shit. You’ve done it now, kid.”

“What—?” Alice stepped forward, frowning between us. “What did I just walk in on?”

19

There’s No Such Thing As Ready

LEIGHTON

Olliver Hart

I’m so sorry, Trouble. I’m an idiot.

If I were in your shoes, I’d feel the same way, and I’m so sorry. My anxiety got the best of me. Please forgive my lapse in sanity. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that, or ever make you feel like anything other than the love of my fucking life.

This baby is a blessing, Leigh. Not something to cover up. You deserve the world, and so does she.

Call me when you’re ready, please. I promise not to freak out on you twice in twenty-four hours.

I woke up to the sound of my niece giggling maniacally—no doubt under attack from a pair of merciless tickle monsters disguised as my brothers—and for a blissful second, that sound was a balm to my bruised heart. Warm, familiar, safe.

But reality came crashing back the second I rolled over and checked my phone.

Ollie’s name lit up the screen like a siren.

Texts. Plural.

Had the man even slept?

Judging by the timestamps… I was going with a firm no.

My chest squeezed.Big, dumb, beautiful idiot. Somehow, I was equally annoyed and concerned, which made no goddamn sense. Why was it that I could be somadat someone, and still want to hug them until my arms gave out?

If that’s what love felt like, maybe I didn’t want it after all. It was way too confusing. Way too much.

Still scowling, I tapped out a response.

Leighton

I’m safe at my parents’ place. We’re okay, Ollie. Breathe. Just…give me some time to process, please.

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