Page 23 of Secrets Among Us

Relief flooded through me until I heard her speak.

“She’s going to need our support, no doubt. But she shouldn’t be working. She needs to stay here until everything is figured out.”

Zack laughed. “You try to tell her that. I was outvoted in that conversation.”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s not going.”

I entered the kitchen to see my sister’s arms crossed over her chest, a scowl plastered on her face, and a resigned Zack staring back at her.

When his gaze caught mine, a rush of butterflies battled it out in my stomach. The stormy look in his gaze made my entire body respond. After this many months, I would have thought lust would have dropped out of the equation.

But it didn’t help that his towering presence and muscular forearms peeked from his grey plaid flannel.

A smile touched his lips as Elena turned to see me.

Her scowl immediately turned into my sister’s famous grin as her arms flew in the air and she rushed over to hug me.

“Surprise.” She hugged me tight, and I tried not to stiffen as the warmth of her embrace comforted me.

“I told you not to come.”

She took a step back and laughed. “And when do I ever listen?”

“So, it’s a family trait?” Zack teased, his eyes staying on mine.

“For the record, I’m going to the coffee shop. I’m not going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs all day long.”

“I don’t like it.” Elena shook her head. “And I’m your big sister.”

I reached for a banana from the kitchen island. “Tough bananas.”

Zack chuckled as I took a bite.

“Besides, Zack is going to be there.”

Elena looked over at him, and he nodded. “All day. In fact, my brother’s going to meet me there this morning.”

“As long as you’re buying lattes and croissants, you’re more than welcome there too.” I smiled at my sister.

“I just might take you up on that since I flew all the way across the country not to let you out of my sight.”

“Speaking of, I saw a message from the attorney. I haven’t listened to it yet. I didn’t want to ruin my good morning.”

Zack gave me a sympathetic smile. “It’s actually good news. Carmella is not here. They have eyes on her in Brooklyn.”

It was like the weight of the world lifted for the day, and I could take a deep breath again.

“Seriously? It’s like I hit the lottery.”

Elena rubbed her hand along my arm and shook her head. “Soon, you won’t have to worry about any of this. I’m sure of it.”

I nodded quietly and glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’m actually glad to have you here, but I don’t want to be late. Melanie’s counting on me.”

Elena smiled and took a step back as I finished my banana. “Jaxson will be here in a couple of hours, and then maybe we’ll head out to get some coffee?”

“Just let me know when you leave, and I can arm the house remotely,” Zack said, grabbing his jacket.

“Will do.” Elena gave me another quick hug, and I followed Zack down the hallway to the garage.

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