Love At First Hate (Love At Firsts Book 2)(65)
“That’s low.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“No need. Consider it me making it up for all the years where I did nothing and let Robert torment you at family functions.”
“Alright, brother. I still can’t believe he killed my mom.” I sigh.
“I know. I was shocked when I found out. I’m still shocked he’s gay and has been repressing those feelings for so long.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Sorry for teasing you about it too.”
“Will you stop apologizing? We’re even. You saving my ass is enough to make up for it.”
“Alright, keep your panties on.” He chuckles. “We’re here.” He parks in front of a nice little cabin secluded from the city and other cabins.
“Did you stock up the fridge with beer?” I ask getting out of his car.
“Yeah, I know you.” He comes to my side and helps me out and to the front door.
“I stocked up the fridge, and I’ll come back whenever you need me to. Just call or text, and I’ll be here.” He unlocks the door and walks me inside.
“My phone is at the bunker,” I groan, frustrated with myself.
“I figured you’d need it.” He takes it out of his pocket and hands it to me.
“I could kiss you.” I try to smile.
“None of that.” He frowns.
“Do I look that disgusting?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks for sugar coating it.”
“My pleasure. You should get some rest. The bedroom is to your left, the bathroom is attached to it, and the rest is an open plan as you can see so you won’t have to deal with stairs. I have to get back to work, but let me know when you wake up. Need anything before I go?”
“Thanks for everything and no, I’ll be alright.”
“Don’t mention it.” He pats my shoulder, and I wince. “Sorry!”
“Let’s just shake on it.” I hold my hand out, and he shakes my hand. Not a very brotherly thing, but it’s the best I can do right now.
“Call me later.”
“I will.” I walk to the bedroom and fall onto the bed straightaway. I check my messages and see a few more from Matt.
Matt: I hope you’re alright. I’m really worried.
Matt: Whatever I did wrong, tell me how I can fix it.
Matt: I love you.
Matt: Please call me. I can see you reading my messages.
Matt: You’re killing me, Nate.
I hate this. I hate that Robert was willingly tormenting Matt just to get back at me because I had the guts to stand up to him and follow my heart.
I type a quick message to Matt. Hoping he’ll understand.
Me: I love you too, Matt. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. It’s a long story. I just got my phone back. I wasn’t the one checking my messages. I need to get some sleep. I’ll call you as soon as I wake up unless it’s in the middle of the night. I love you <3
I put the phone on the nightstand and fall asleep as soon as I close my eyes.
I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. I pick it up and answer.
“Hello?” I mumble, both from sleep and pain from my lip.
“It’s good to finally hear your voice.” Matt sighs in relief, emotion taking over his voice.
“Babe.” I smile and wince as I hear his voice.
“Are you alright?” he asks worry lacing his voice.
“I’ll get there. How are you?”
“Better now knowing that you’re alive. All of the bad things that could happen to someone crossed my mind. Even alien abduction.” He chuckles softly.
“Trust you to think of that, but I didn’t get any anal probing these past couple of days. Don’t worry.”
“That’s reassuring. Where are you, and when are you coming back?”
“To be honest, I’m not sure where I am. I’m at a cabin in the woods somewhere, and I need a couple of days.”
“How come you don’t know where you are? Why do you need a couple of days? You’ve disappeared for days, Nate.” He’s getting annoyed, and I can’t blame him.
“Frank dropped me off here, and I just do. Trust me, it’s for the best.”
“How can it be for the best, and why is your voice muffled? What’s wrong, babe?”
“It’s a long story I’m not willing to go through again right now. I promise I’ll tell you everything when I come back.”
“How can I be so sure that you’re going to come back? You promised me in Hawaii that you weren’t leaving me or dumping me, yet you went and did just that!”
“I didn’t dump you! I left you like a coward because I knew you would either try to stop me or come with me, and I’m f*cking glad I didn’t tell you because I dread to think what would have happened to you,” I say in a soft voice.
“I’m not a fragile little thing, Nate.”
“I know you’re not. Babe, I really don’t want us to fight. I just need a couple of days, and I promise I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay.”
“You know what? Fuck this. I’m tired of being lied to and kept in the dark about things that obviously include me. I love you, and that won’t change, but I can’t keep doing this.” He hangs up on me before I get the chance to say anything else. I groan to myself, this is why I didn’t want to do relationships!