Page 174 of Craving Consequences

That whole time we had her. All the things we carted to the church donation bin. She wasn’t cleaning up. She was removing things she didn’t want taking space.

“Did you guys know?” Lauren faces us.

“She never said,” Lachlan murmurs.

“She seemed upset,” Teddy adds softly. “I haven’t filed them officially yet just in case she changes her mind.”

She’s not going to. I don’t have to say it. I can see in Lachlan’s eyes that he knows it, too.

She’s running.

She’s trying to protect us by cutting herself from our lives. She’s giving up everything to give us a chance in a town that would shun us if they knew.

“The cabin,” Lauren says even as I come to the same conclusion. “It’s the only place. She loves it there. Says all the time she’d live there forever if she could.”

“Then that’s where we’re going,” Lachlan states, already starting towards the truck.

“I’m coming,” Lauren blurts, turning like she’s headed for the bike.

I grab her arm. “Truck’s this way.”

She pulls away and scowls up at me. “You’re acting like a crazy pants. I’m going with Teddy.”

The sharp glower I shoot him wipes his stupid grin. “He’s squirrelly. I don’t trust him.”

“I am not ... you’re right,” he corrects quickly when I narrow my eyes at him.

“Because he’s being confronted by a mentally unhinged nut job,” Lauren snaps. “Look at the size of you. It’s like a giant facing off with a nervous Chihuahua. Who wouldn’t be squirrelly?”

Teddy grimaces. “I wouldn’t say a nervous Chihuahua.”

“You’re not driving three hours on the back of his bike clinging to him.”

“I am a very safe driver,” Teddy pipes in, the hopefulness unmistakable.

“How old are you?” I bark at him. “Are you even done growing?”

His chuckle is awkward. “Uh, twenty-nine and maybe? I mean, I definitely think there is room—”

“Don’t answer anymore of his weirdo questions.” Lauren continues to frown at me even as she takes his arm. “We’re taking Teddy’s bike.”

“Actually,” Teddy clears his throat, “while I love the idea of a three-hour bike ride with you, it’s getting dark, and you’renot dressed properly. I mean I love what you’re wearing. The red really brings out your—”

“Great. It’s settled. Get in the truck.”

“If you like,” the shit stain continues, “I can drive us back to the apartment and we can take my car.”

“Done!” Lauren snaps when I open my mouth. “Let’s go, Teddy.”

I watch with a pinch in my temple as she drags him back to the bike. The turd stain is staring at their joined hands like a teenager with his first crush. I half expect him to start skipping.

I hate him.

But that’s a problem for a later time as I exhale slowly and turn to the truck.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

LACHLAN

---