Page 99 of The Road Less Traveled By

He presses a kiss to my forehead, and a few minutes later, I feel his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The next few days are going to be rough, but this time, I’ll be the one helping Vince get through it. It’s my time to return the favor.

A single napkin led us both here, and now, we’re tied up in one another, and neither of us wants to let go. It’s crazy how some things in life work out, but I’m thankful I ended up being at that hotel the same day Vince Evans was there.

I knew that day would change my life, and looking back on all that I’ve endured, I’d do it all again, knowing this is where the two of us would end up—tangled up in one another and never letting go.

Chapter thirty-one

Three Weeks Later

— SAFETY NET BY ARIANA GRANDE FT. TY DOLLA SIGN

“My final read ofthis month was this new hockey romance that just came out. I’m obsessed with it, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves the sports aspect as much as the romance in sports romance books. This one had such a beautiful mixture of both,” I say to my camera as I put the book down. “Thank you to the author for sending me a copy along with some goodies! I absolutely adore chatting in your messages about how unwell I was.”

I pause to set the book down, and when I notice Dr. Anna calling me, I quickly say an outro before I snap my camera shut and answer my phone.

“I’m sorry for the wait. I was filming a video and thought I had a bit more time.”

“That’s alright, Bree. How is everything going? I have to admit, when I got your message earlier, I found myself a bit nervous. I haven't spoken to you in a few weeks, so I assume we have lots to catch up on.”

That’s the understatement of the century, but for once, not all of what I have to talk about is bad.

Thanks to Vince—my boyfriend—I’ve had more good days than bad in the past few weeks. After he was released from the hospital with a cleanbill of health, we came back home and spent some time with each other. I barely left the house, and Vince and I took two weeks off.

We went on walks around my property, made a bunch of sweet treats, bingedTed Lasso, and he even taught me some new self-defense moves, with Nico’s help.

Nico clocked us dating when he found me asleep on top of Vince. When I woke up, Nico was sitting in the chair with a huge smile on his face.

And that was that.

I haven't told anyone else that we’re official; Vince and I have simply been enjoying each other's company without all the cameras and judgments that could possibly come with it.

“Yeah, I have a lot to catch you up on. I’m not really sure where to start.”

“Why don't we start with how you’re feeling today? You sound cheerier than usual. Is there a reason for that, or is it one of those days where the pot of water is on a low simmer?”

“There’s definitely a reason. I’ve found myself in a new relationship, and it’s going well. Really well, actually.”

“Wow, Bree. That’s not what I’m expecting. When and how did this happen?”

“Well, it’s a long story, but you remember my bodyguard, right?” I launch into the entire story. It sounds insane when I say it out loud, but I wouldn't change anything about our relationship.

“That’s wonderful, Bree. It sounds like this new relationship is good for you, and I’m happy you have someone who chose you for once, despite your interesting career.”

Yeah, my career. Because of that and the media attention, Vince and I have decided to keep our relationship on the down low. In the public eye, I’m technically still dating Alex. We have one fake date left, and thenour contract is over. I tried to get Connie to void it since he’s been seen with a bunch of different women—even one of my so-called friends.

He hasn't been spotted since he showed up at my event, and I’m thankful for that, because I don't know how much more of this cheating scandal I can handle. My comments everywhere have been a shit show, and since I don't talk about it online, my side of the story will never be told.

If I said anything, I would breach my NDA, and that is something I do not want to do.

Vince hates that I still have to be a part of this thing with Alex, but since there’s only one more date, and he’ll be near me during it, he thinks it’s best if I finish out the contract. That way, we’ll be free of Alex, free to show off our relationship anytime we want.

And you bet your ass I want to show my handsome boyfriend off. I swear, Vince gets prettier every time I see him, and I can't help it if I want to take a thousand pictures of him working out and laying in my bed with me.

I’ve spent too much time hiding in the past few months, and for the first time in a while, I want to shout to the world that I’m happy.

“Thanks. It feels good to talk about something positive with you for once. It always felt like I was talking to you during a spiral.”

“I’m here for you during any mood, Bree. Now, what was the reason you asked to meet today? I assume it has something to do with your new relationship?”

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