Page 38 of Second Goal

“Why? That’s what sisters do. Talk about things. Like boys andsex.”

Sisters. God, that sounds so good. And looking at her smiling face, I feel that connection.

But then there was a time when I’d thought of Amy as family too. And I’d betrayed her in the worst way possible. A shiver ripples down my arms and I rub them, frowning.

“Sorry,” Brynne says. “I shouldn’t have asked. You don’t have to tell me—”

“No. It’s okay.” I shake away the dark thoughts. Or rather push them back into the shadows of my mind where they always linger. Cruz said I have until Friday to get the money to him, but Friday came and went, and I still haven’t heard from him or Amy. Which is good, because I only have half of what they asked for.

“You’re sure?” Brynne asks, concern pulling her brows down.

“Yeah.” I force a smile and take a sip of my tea, then set it on the coffee table. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to about that kind of stuff.”

She reaches over and squeezes my hand again. “You really like Blake, huh?”

“No.” I sigh. “I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with him.”

Her eyes brighten. “That’s great.”

“Is it?” I chew on my bottom lip.

“You’re scared. Trust me, I get that. But I’ve known Blake for years, you won’t find a nicer guy. Just don’t tell Kane I said that.”

I laugh. “He’s more than nice. He’s… well, he’s Blake Starowics. And I’m...” I sigh. “I’m me.”

“You are amazing, Kiley. And I see how he looks at you. I’m pretty sure you’re not the only one falling.”

I see it too. I’d be blind not to. Every time I catch his gaze, I want to fall into it, to be consumed by the heat, the intensity, the promises I see there. And his fear.

If he’s afraid of falling for me when he has this ideal version of me floating through his mind, how terrified will he be if he actually knew the truth of who I am?

I don’t realize I’ve said the words out loud until I catch Brynne’s frown.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve done things, Brynne.” My voice shakes when I say the words, but my secrets are getting harder to contain. “Bad things.” An intense need to tell her everything fills me. Because I’ve already made up my mind what I have to do.

I can’t keep hiding.

She moves to sit closer. “We’ve all made mistakes, Kiley.”

“Not like this...” The words spill from my lips like they’ve been trapped inside a bottle that’s finally been open and I can’t stop them from overflowing. “I did something. Something terrible. I thought... I thought I could run from it, but it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I’m tired of lying.” Tears burn my eyes and I blink them away, but not before a few fall down my cheek. “I’m tired of keeping it a secret. But I can’t...”

“Whatever it is, we can help you.”

“No.” I shake my head, knowing no one can help me. “Cruz will just keep asking for more.” I drop my face in my hands and try to get control of my emotions.

A warm hand rests on my back. “Who is Cruz?”

“Shit,” I mutter, knowing I’ve just ignited an explosive that will destroy everything. Fear presses on me. I thought I was ready, but I’m not. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Just forget what I said. Please.” I stand quickly. “I have to go.”

“Is it about money?” Brynne follows me when I start toward the door. “Let me talk to Kane. If you owe—”

“No.” I turn abruptly and beg her, “Please don’t tell him. He already hates me.”

“You’re wrong, Kiley. Kane loves you and so do I. Whatever trouble you’re in, we’ll help you.”

“This isn’t something you can fix.” I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly, knowing I’ve already incriminated myself.

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