Spin My Love (My Love #1)(28)

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, brows furrowed. I wait quietly.

“Go ahead and ask,” Tane says suddenly.

I turn to look at his profile. “What?”

“I know you want to ask how he died, so go ahead.”

“Tane, you don’t have to—”

“He died from a drug overdose,” he continues, as if I hadn’t said anything.

I look at his profile. His hands grip the steering wheel. “Tane, I’m so sorry.”

“I was with him the night it happened.”

My breath leaves me.

Shit.

I reach over and grip his thigh with my hand, a silent show of support.

“Don’t comfort me, Giselle. I don’t deserve it,” he says quietly.

“Shut up Tane,” I growl, squeezing his thigh.

He sighs and touches my hand with his own. “I didn’t mean to ruin our date.”

“You didn’t, and I asked.”

Was Tane taking drugs with his cousin that night? Is that why he feels like he doesn’t deserve comfort? I want to ask, but I feel like this isn’t the right time. Not when it’s clear he’s hurting.

I sigh, my heart feeling heavy. I still don’t regret asking. I need to know these things about Tane, to understand him and get to know why he was how he was.

I’m not going to judge him.

At the end of the day he’s still Tane, and everyone deserves a chance at redemption.

“I think this conversation shouldn’t be included in what constitutes date number one,” he suggests.

My lip twitches. “Deal.”

*****

“Justin and Parker want to go to the beach,” Levi says as he walks into his kitchen. I put down my glass of milk and grin at him.

“They do, or you do?”

His lip twitches. “All of us do. Are you coming?”

“Sure, give me ten minutes to get changed,” I tell him, walking to the guest room and changing into my red bikini. I put a pair of black board-shorts over the bottom, then slide my feet into my polka-dot-printed thongs. I grab my beach bag, sunscreen and a couple of towels, along with Justin’s and Parker’s swimwear.

The kids have several changes of clothes that stay here. They spend so much time at Levi and Gage’s that it’s just more practical that way. Beach gear in particular is vital, since we always end up in swimwear, especially if Levi is involved.

I walk out and don’t miss Levi’s gaze lingering on my body. For the first time it makes me a little uncomfortable. I try not to dwell on it. I head into Gage’s room where I find the two boys watching Frozen.

“Do you two want to go to the beach?” I ask them.

I take their screaming as a yes. After both of them are dressed, we get in Levi’s car.

“So, how’s things with Tane?” he asks casually, keeping his gaze straight ahead.

I shrug, even though he can’t see the motion. “He’s really good with Parker.”

“That’s not what I asked, Giselle,” Levi says, followed by a sigh.

“We’re not a couple, if that’s what you’re asking. He did take me out on a date the other night though,” I add, because I don’t want to lead him on. I don’t want to hurt Levi. He is one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met; he just isn’t for me. Whoever does land him will be one of the luckiest women in the world.

“So you’re … dating, then?” he replies, disappointment lacing his voice.

“Levi …” I whisper.

“I know, I know,” he replies. “It just sucks.”

“Uncle Levi said a bad word,” Parker calls out.

I roll my eyes. “Uncle Levi can say it. You can’t.”

“Well, that’s not fair,” he says from the back seat, sniffing.

“Nothing in life is fair,” Levi says under his breath.

I sigh.

“I can see the water,” Parker calls out, pointing towards the strip of blue visible ahead. Justin cheers with him.

Levi grins, and the atmosphere in the car turns playful. “Hope you two are ready to catch some waves.”

More cheering.

I glance at Levi and smile at him. He smiles back, letting me know that no matter what we are going to be okay.





Chapter Fourteen

Giselle

Second-date night rolls around. This time I pick him up. He hadn’t been happy about that, but I insisted. When I pull into his driveway, I have to admit his house is beautiful. Located right along the beach, it’s simple yet modern. Elegant, almost. I get out of the car and approach the door. It opens before I can knock.

Tane looks fantastic. He’s wearing dark jeans that are tucked into black boots. He’s wearing a tight black V-neck that is partially covered by a denim long-sleeved button up. He leans down and kisses me on the cheek.

“You look great,” I say with a smile.

“You look better,” he responds with a wink. “Want a quick tour of my house?”

“Sure.” I step in and am surprised by how homey the place is. “Did it come furnished?”

Tane smiles at me. “Why? You don’t think I can choose tasteful furniture?”

“Well,” I begin, “I’m sure you could if you really tried, I’m just doubtful.”