Page 18 of His Daggered Heart

Kohen doesn’t respond and just watches me.

“You don’t have to apologize, Alex. We all made mistakes when we were kids and young. It doesn’t feel like it, but we are. Also, we are human. I wasn’t on anyone’s side. I saw Kohen’s heart and you’re my best friend. I just think a lot of that pain could have been avoided had we all just talked, like we are now.”

“I think whatever happened was meant to be, it’s not going to be perfect all the time or easy but it’s clear the growth one summer had on all of us. We have been through shit, dealt with it, and we stand here today. Different.” Kohen’s voice breaks at the end and my eyes well with tears, one escaping. I look over at Levi and I can tell he wants to come to my aid but isn’t sure. I check in with Kohen and he is watching me. I go to him.

Hesitantly he wraps me up in his arms and whispers, “I’m sorry, angel.”

“For what?” I ask, looking up at him.

“For pushing you into another man’s arms.”

“It isn’t like that-” He interrupts my sentence with a kiss. It’s deep and passionate and begs for my heart, my soul. So I give it to him. I give him all of me in this kiss. Letting him know he has nothing to worry about. It’s me and him against the world.

I don’t know how we got here in the thick of this conversation that was much needed, but it was still unexpected. Just then, a deep Southern voice slices through the tension in the room.

“Hello, Miss Cora, it’s nice to see you again.”

I turn in Kohen’s arms as he cages me against the countertop. My best friend’s cheeks flush and her eyelashes flutter.She likes him!

“Hi.” She pushes her hair behind her ear. “I’m pregnant,” she blurts and her hand slaps over her mouth. I spit out some of the cookies I just ate.

“Cora!” I shout, laughing again.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I don’t know why I said that.”

“Maybe because you’re happy and proud that you’re baking a little blessing,” Levi says, causing Cora to stare down at her tummy. “And I already knew, but thank you for letting me in on your fine news.” He smiles, extending his hand for hers. As she places hers in his, he brings it to his lips and plants a soft kiss on her knuckles. “And may I say, you look absolutely beautiful.” He releases her and looks up at us.

“Now, are we watching movies or should we go into part two of this therapy session? It’s okay if we are but we weren’t due for our appointment until Wednesday, sweetness.” I roll my eyes and Kohen squeezes my ass.

“Stop being a brat,” he whispers as he kisses the little spot behind my ear.

“Me? A brat. Could never.”

“Let’s go to the theater room, cowboy. The ladies will finish up their baking. Cora likes everything a certain way and will not let man’s hands touch anything.”

With that, they leave the room and Cora’s eyes meet mine. Unspoken words pass through us. I nod and she knows why. I approve of her pursuing Levi. “Just don’t hurt him, if anything is going on between you and Edward, do not lead him on.”

“Nothing is going on with anyone, Alex. I promise. Also, Edward isn’t the father but I don’t want to talk about it. I’m not ready.”

I’m shocked. This is the first time I’m hearing this and I wonder if Kohen already knew. I don’t push her on it, even though I want to. My mind flashes to the hospital room. What happened? I need to center myself before my mind reels. I take a few quick breaths and let it go with the exhale of the last breath emptying my lungs completely- just like the way Levi taught me.

“Okay, Cora, we don’t have to talk about it but when you’re ready, I’m here. I won’t judge you.”

“Thank you, Alex. I just want to get to know him. He is so sweet, even if it’s just friends. I need all the good friends I can get.”

I nod and lean over to kiss her on the cheek. “Let’s go.” We join the guys in the theater room, snacks in hand, feeling like everything in the world makes sense. For now, anyway.

Chapter 16

Alex

Themovienightwasa huge success. Kohen and I cuddled up, while Cora and Levi spent some time together and shared popcorn. Both of them were giddy and smiling every single time they talked. There were several times that they got excited about the same parts of the movie we watched. Kohen and I kept staring at each other and smiling. My best friend became his best friend and my new best friend became my other best friend’s love interest.

This is going to be a wild ride.

I gave Levi her number and they have been texting. We haven’t all hung out together again, in fact, it’s been a couple of weeks since I have spent any time with Cora or Kohen. Levi and I still hang out every day. It feels odd. Kohen and I are back together but it isn’t like before. Not yet, anyway. I feel like I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Hey, Lee!” I shout to him while he showers. Steam escapes from under the door, swirling around in the light that filters from the restroom.