Page 97 of I Knew You
“He’s texted a million times! I’ve had theDNDsetting on.”
“How did you get my call then?” Kallie asked.
“I had you set up as an exception, of course. He’s on his way here!”
“Do you want to see him?”
As if on cue, an engine roared into the driveway.
“I don’t want to talk to him,” I gasped. “I’m going to hide in the hallway to hear what he has to say, but don’t let him get to me. Can you handle him?”
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for this,” Kallie said with a grin, rubbing her hands together, looking like a cross between the Grinch and Mr. Burns fromThe Simpsons. “Go on. I’ve got this.”
I pressed myself up against the wall where I couldn’t see the door. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweating, and I felt dizzy and hot. I hoped I didn’t pass out.
The knock on the door was explosive, and I startled. Kallie wasted no time and threw it open. I couldn’t see their expressions, but their conversation echoed throughout the house.
“I’m looking for Julianna. You must be Kallie. Nice to meet you. Is she here?”
My best friend dramatically scoffed. “You could start by introducing yourself. And like I’d tell you if she were here, Bram Winchester.”
A few moments of complete silence between them made my racing heart skip a few beats.
“Kallie, look, I know you don’t know me, but?—”
“Oh, I know you. I know everything I need to know. From the moment I learned about your existence, I have been waiting to tell you what I think about you. What kind of coward do you have to be to leave a girl alone on a mountain road in the cold with a broken back? And then what kind of man comes to a girl’s hospital room on the day of her grandmother’s funeral and tells her he doesn’t want her, after youtoldher how much you cared for her? I’ll tell you what kind of man does that?—”
“Calm down. I was a bastard. I own it. I live with the guilt every fucking day.” There was a desperation in his voice that twisted my heart. I almost stepped out from around the corner to go to him, but stopped myself. “She’s too good for me. You don’t have to convince me of that. Is she safe?”
My heart had dropped to my feet.
“She’s safe,” Kallie replied, her voice calmer. “She needs some time. It’ll be good for her, and for you, I think. At least be apart for this next week until I’m gone.”
“I want to talk to her first, for a moment.”
“Not possible.”
“She’smywife.”
I heard Kallie’s footsteps shift. “And she’smybest friend. You decided to be without her for fifteen years. I’m pretty sure you can do another week.” The snark in her voice could not be mistaken. “Give her space. She needs it. This has all been a lot on her, and she’s still healing.”
I heard his feet move, and I thought he had retreated until I heard his voice again.
“I’ve been living half alive for so many years. But now I’ve had a glimpse of how it could be, howIcould be if she chose me. I might not deserve her, but I want her. And I won’t give her up.”
Without a response, Kallie shut the door. I knew it was over, yet I didn’t come out from around the corner until I heard his truck start up in the driveway.
I met the eyes of my best friend, and they were wide, staring at me in shock. “Julianna Joy East. Why didn’t you tell me he was so hot?”
I deflated, moving toward her with loose arms, and rolled my eyes. “Are you serious? That’s the first thing you’re going to say to me after all that?”
“I’m observant! My God, the guns on that man… and his hands…Damn. Fire emojis everywhere.”
I put my head in my hands, shaking it profusely. “I’m married to that.”
“Yes. Yes, you are.”
I groaned. “I should call him now and hear him out.”
