Page 72 of Theirs to Treasure

Reeling, I drop my phone.

I’m still dazed when my phone vibrates, skittering across the coffee table.

There’s a text. From Zev.

I’d like to talk to you. May I come over?

I’m unsure how to respond.

There’s no way I can avoid the pair forever. After all, there are a ton of realities to deal with. But still, I’m not in the mood for arguments. Or being bossed around.

A few minutes later, a second message follows the first.

I’m alone.

That information helps me relax a little. Still, I don’t want him in my apartment. It’s too personal.

I can meet you at Mocha Muse.

It’s my favorite place, but since it’s close to the home we’d shared in the West U area, I haven’t been there since I left. My craving for one of their hot chocolates with its layer of sweet whipped cream and chocolate syrup drizzled on top suddenly becomes a full-on obsession.

I’m happy to pick you up.

I quickly refuse.I’ll meet you there.

When I arrive, he’s already at a corner table, and when he sees me, he stands.

His handsomeness makes my pulse flutter, and I have to battle a wave of emotion as I make my way to him.

“May I hug you?”

My self-preservation instincts urge me to say no. Resisting either of them when we’re close is impossible. If I embrace him, I might lay my head on his shoulder and never want to move away.

And yet… I can’t deny him the one thing I want.

I had convinced myself that moving away from Zev and Forrest was my only choice to help settle me, but not having them in my life has done the opposite.

My days are too lonely. My bed is too empty.

“Yes,” I whisper.

Gently, tenderly, he takes me in his arms, holding me close but not too tight.

We breathe together, and I draw in his strength and the scent of masculine reassurance. He’s there for me, no matter what, but in a totally different way from his brother.

Someone brushes past us, jarring me.

Reluctantly I move away from him.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

I grin. “Your teeth might fall out when you find out what I order.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Together we go to the counter. He orders a decaf Americano, black.

“You don’t have to stay off the caffeine because of me.”