Page 63 of Knotting Hill
“It’s a bit worse than that,” Josh mutters. “It was Chris who told her.”
It takes a moment for that to sink in.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me?”
“Nope.”
“Jesus fucking Christ!” I roar and fling the sheets back, only remembering then about coming all over them—tough shit. I’ll clean them up later. Right now, this is so dire, I feel ill.
Josh nods. “Yeah.”
“All right. Let's go.”
I get dressed quickly and follow Josh to the kitchen, where JP is already waiting. He is pacing back and forth, his face pale and tight with worry.
JP stops pacing when he sees us. “Storm found out about the trust fund agreement,” he says. “To say she’s not happy is a vast understatement.”
“And why didn’tyoutell her? Why was it your dad?”
He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “When I took her home, we had sex. Amazing fucking sex that was off the charts hot and sensual. I was going to tell her. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but she sidetracked me with her naked body and come-on. I’m weak, and I needed her, so I told myself I’d mention it later.”
“And later never came.”
“Or it did,” Josh interrupts. “But from Chris.”
“That fucking prick,” JP growls. “He was lying in wait. Fuck this shit. We need to go over there.”
“Why didn’t you already?” I ask, pouring out some much-needed coffee.
“I chased her halfway down the road and then came back to yell at my dad. I then figured she needed time to cool down, and we could all go over there today.”
“Oh, so she kills all of us and not just you?” I snort.
“Something like that,” he grouses.
I shake my head. “I’m tired. And to be honest, I’m tired of fighting. Maybe this just isn’t meant to be.”
JP and Josh both turn to me in shock. “No! You are tired and talking through your arse. Go back to bed. Josh and I will fix this.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “No, if you’re going over there, I’ll come.”
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic or anything,” Josh moans. “Anyway, we need the big guns. You two wait here. Russ, go back to bed for a bit. I’ll be back later with all the ammo we need.”
He doesn’t even wait for an answer, he just fucks off, so I follow him to the entrance hall and then back up to bed. I can’t.
I just cannot do this today.
I’m emotionally and physically drained.
As much as I want her, she is going to have to make it easier for us because this has been an uphill struggle. I know she’s worth it, but today, I don’t feel it.
I place my coffee mug down and fall face first into bed, turning away from the cum-stained sheets to fall into oblivion.
Thirty-Nine
Josh
Marchingdown the street towards Gloria Rivers’ house, which is around the corner, I thank God that I remember her address from the few times I’ve posted stuff out to her when she couldn’t get into the store. I have no idea if she will be in or if she will even see me at her home, but enough is enough. Like Russell, I am tired of fighting for this thing with Storm. I know it’s meant to be, and Iwillkeep fighting, but it’s exhausting.
