Page 184 of Craving Consequences

“That’s why I’m asking you to stay, and we can figure it out in the morning. Please?”

“I can’t.” She drops her gaze to the boards under our feet. “Teddy drove me.”

“He can stay, too,” I say quickly. “I would honestly prefer it. I don’t want you out there in the dark.”

Gingerly, I brush my fingertips along her arm. When she doesn’t pull back, I hook her up in my arm — my good one — and tug her to me.

She doesn’t resist.

Her arms snake around my middle and I’m pulled a little too tightly against her.

“You’re never getting rid of me,” I tell her quietly.

I feel her twitch with a silent sob. Her back shudders and I tighten my hold.

“I fucked up a lot,” she croaks into my shoulder.

Despite the burn in my own eyes, I roll them. “You were trying to help.”

“I just want things to go back to the way they were.”

I sigh and blink up at the wide canopy of navy blue stretched overhead. I stare at the cluster of stars. The dark points in the distance where the tree line begins. It’s a still night. The kind begging for a hot drink on the porch with a blanket.

“Let’s go to bed, okay? It’s been a really long day.”

It’s not the answer she wants, but I can’t give it to her. I don’t want things the way they used to be. She may have put a dent in our friendship, but because of her, I have my boys. I’m free of Bron ... forever. Yes, I’m still upset with her, but I’m also grateful.

“You’re right.” She sniffles.

I smile and draw back.

Taking her hand, I tug her back inside. We close and lock the door before making our way to the kitchen and the trio sitting in awkward silence around the table.

Van pushes to his feet when we return. His gray eyes find my face before moving to the figure next to me.

Without a word, Lauren releases me and steps into his waiting arms. They fold around her and crush her close. He murmurs something into her ear.

Giving them privacy, I face the solitary figure watching the scene with confusion and concern.

“I’ll grab you some bedding if you don’t mind crashing on the couch, Teddy.”

His green eyes leave Lauren and fix on me. “Oh, I don’t want to impose.”

I wave away his protest. “The roads aren’t great in the dark and I’d feel better if you spent the night. I insist,” I press when he looks on the verge of arguing again.

He offers me a faint smile. “Well, I’d hate to refuse such a lovely offer.”

I turn to Lachlan. I don’t need to say a word. He leans forward in his seat, pinches the corner of my t-shirt and drags me to him. I go willingly and climb back into his lap. It feels so right, so normal. Even when he brushes a kiss to my mouth and I nuzzle my face into the side of his neck.

“Love us?” he murmurs into my temple.

I smile and wiggle closer. “Yes.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

EVERLY

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