Beyond the Wall (Bayport Cove Book 1) by Ani Thomas

Author:Ani Thomas [Thomas, Ani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ani Thomas
Published: 2024-11-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

While everyone began to circle Gabe, my eyes were locked on Callie across the porch. As she stared back at me, I could see a storm of emotions swell in her blue eyes, and I wished more than anything I could delve into her mind to find out exactly what she was thinking.

After Saturday night, I’d felt off all week. I don’t know why seeing that damn bracelet affected me the way it did. Maybe because it was even more of a stark reminder of how far we’d fallen. But just because I was thrown off-kilter didn’t mean I’d given up.

“Look at this ugly mug.”

My daze was broken when Blake stepped in front of me with his signature dimpled grin. “Hey,” I greeted him with a chuckle. “It’s good to see you.”

We shook hands, and he pulled me in and clapped my back. “You too, big guy.”

“I think we all know who the big guy around here is.” Wes puffed his chest out, trying to imitate Blake’s natural stance.

“I don’t know”—Blake grinned—“you look like you’ve been skipping out on leg day, Callahan.”

“Fuck off.” Wes laughed as they shook hands.

“How the hell are you guys?” Blake looked between us. “I know we’ve talked on the phone and shit, but it’s different catching up in person.”

“I’m great, as usual,” Wes said with a grin. “Luke here, however, has seen better days.”

“Oh?” Blake looked at me, arching a brow in question.

I cut Wes a look before glancing back at Blake. Thankfully, before I could respond, Gabe appeared. “You little shit.” He playfully punched his brother’s arm before embracing him.

“Who the fuck is he calling little?” Wes teased, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Gabe was lithe but lean and just under five foot eleven. Blake was broad, brawny, and stood six foot four.

Gabe grinned as he stepped back from their brotherly hug. “I can’t believe you put this together.”

“Well, I was craving a roast, and it seemed like a perfect excuse,” Blake joked.

“I see how it is.” Gabe chuckled before he glanced over his shoulder when someone tapped it. “Hey!”

Morgan grinned as he pulled her into a quick hug. “We figured we would wait until the crowd dispersed.”

“And I take it you had a hand in some of this?” Gabe gestured around.

“Only the balloons and some supplies.”

“Well, thank you.” He smiled before looking beside her with a grin. “Hey, Callie.”

“Hi,” she replied with a smile. “Congrats on the house.”

While Gabe talked about giving her a tour later, I found myself fixated on her again. I swore every time I heard her voice, it felt like a shot right to my heart. Not that I didn’t want to hear her voice. I did. But I wanted to hear it while she talked to me.

“Callie, have you met Blake?” Wes asked, breaking my stare.

“I did.”

Her gaze finally flickered to me. And unlike the last time I saw her, I managed to utter a quiet greeting. “Hey…”

She forced the smallest smile she could muster with an imperceptible nod of acknowledgment before looking at Morgan.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.