Addison (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)(44)

I looked at Addison, who in turn was doing the same to me. “We’re screwed. I’m done. He’s going to drag me into the woods, murder and skin me.”

“No he won’t. We’re not screwed. Just get dressed and meet me downstairs. I’ll handle my brother.”

I dressed quickly, putting the clothes on I’d worn the day before. “You know it’s not that simple. I’m a stranger.”

We met in the bathroom, sharing a toothbrush since I didn’t have one at her parents house. Addison pulled me close, hugging me. “They won’t hurt you because I’m falling in love with you,” she whispered in my ear.

Before I was able to respond she turned around and walked out of the bathroom. I stood there for second, dumbfounded.

By the time I made it downstairs, the three of them were standing together and a blonde I’d never seen before was sitting on the couch. Noah gave me a dirty look then turned his attention back to the girl. Addison motioned for me to follow her into the kitchen. She pulled me along, finally turning around to explain. “That’s my cousin Cassie. She had it out with her parents last night and showed up at Christian’s house with the guy they forbid her to be with. It’s a long story. Anyway, he’s still there with Ethan, while Cassie waits here to talk to her parents.”

“Are they almost here?”

“Apparently everyone is.”

“I should go.”

Addison nodded. “I know. Go on out the kitchen door. Take the golf cart. I’ll walk over and get it later.”

I wanted to talk about what she’d said to me, but chancing an encounter with her family wasn’t worth it in the long run. “Just text me later. I’ll have Minx pick me up for work so you don’t have to take me.”

“I have to go to work. It’s not a big deal. I’ll pick you up at ten. I need to get a shower and send in an assignment for my class. I’ve got to be at the hospital by eleven.”

I lifted her chin while she was still talking and kissed her. “I’ll be ready. Do what you have to do. My first appointment isn’t until one.”

“About what I said.”

“We can talk about it later. We’re good. Don’t worry.”

I headed back to the trailer to shower and get ready for work. Her words continued to echo in my mind. Love. It was a word with strong meaning, a word full of promise. It was a word that could destroy me.

With that being said, I called my friend and asked him to pick me up for work. I shot Addison a message letting her know I went ahead and arranged for transportation. She’d get her feelings hurt, but I needed time to focus before facing her. I needed to reflect on what was ahead and how in the world I was going to buy myself enough time to come up with an excuse for keeping it from Addison, before her father discovered it and ruined everything.

It’s me. Minx is getting me for work. Pick me up whenever you’re done. Text me so I can have my station cleaned up. – C

I told you I’d take you. – A

Do your family stuff. I’m good. I’ll see you later. – C

Is this about what I said to you? – A

No. All is good. – C

Okay. See you later. – A

Minx picked me up early so I could go look at a motorcycle someone wanted to barter a full piece with. Since I specialized in three dimensional art, he thought I’d be a better fit and offered me the job. It was a nice bike. I accepted the offer, especially since I needed my own means of transportation. In good faith, he let me take it with me to try it out and make sure everything ran properly. As soon as I arrived at work I got started on the man’s drawing. In between appointments I’d add more intricate pieces.

Time got away from me. Before I knew it Addison had shown up ready to leave. She’d messaged me and I hadn’t even checked it. I could tell she seemed frustrated. “You’re the one who told me text you.”

“I know. Something came up. I’ve been enthralled with this new piece. It’s going to be epic.”

“My whole family is at the ranch. I wanted us to arrive together.”

“I still need to clean up here. I’ll be another thirty minutes at least. Why don’t you head home. I’ll call you when I get there. You can pick me up and we’ll spend the evening introducing me to everyone.”

I thought she was going to argue, but she sighed and kissed me goodbye on the cheek. I knew she was annoyed with me. She never kissed me on the cheek. “Precious, come here.”

She turned but didn’t budge. “I’ll meet you at the ranch, Cole.”

“Are you mad?”

“I went out of my way to get you. The least you could have done was message me this morning when you knew you had a ride.”

“Hold up,” I said as I chased after her into the parking lot. “Is this about me or something else?”

“I lost someone I cared about today.”

“What? A family member?”

She leaned against her car and started sniffling. I pulled her into my arms and felt her losing it. “Someone from the meetings. He overdosed last night. They kept him on life support until his family could arrive to say goodbye. It just reminded me of why I do what I do. I don’t want to ever want to feel that alone. That’s why I’m happy you’ve come into my life. Before I was a nervous wreck if I was bored. I felt like I’d slip, even though I didn’t want to use. This breaks my heart. I saw them today.”