Where the Heart Is (Hearts Series Book 1) by L.S. Pullen

Author:L.S. Pullen [Pullen, L.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Tense sleep eludes me, and although my body is lethargic, I know the only thing that will help me right now is to run.

I don’t manage to get very far. My legs feel like they are drowning in quicksand, and I didn’t eat much yesterday. I need to have a protein shake or something. A cramp in my calf causes me to cease-up. I lift my leg and grab hold of my ankle. Balancing, I try to stretch it out. Once I think it’s subsided, I head back towards the house.

I hear tyres crunch on the gravel. It’s too early to be anyone for the funeral—it must be Nate.

I walk a little faster as I round the far side of the house, stopping when I hear the echo of voices. It’s Nate. I smile as I see him leaning against the passenger door of a car I don’t recognise. I also see a girl standing close—too close. She moves so she’s practically between his legs, and I strain my ears, trying to ignore my heartbeat so I can listen to what’s being said.

“You sure I can’t do anything else? Do you want me to come in with you?” Her hand touches his arm.

“No thanks, and I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He looks towards the house.

She moves her hand to his cheek. “What about a kiss?”

Oh my God.

She touches him with familiarity, making my blood boil.

My body begins to tremble, as I suck in short, sharp breaths, the air around me thick. The tips of my fingers go numb as I squeeze my fists tightly. My stomach clenches in anguish.

I watch on, frozen where I stand, unable to look away. She goes onto her tiptoes, angling her lips over his. His hand goes up to the back of her neck. An involuntary gasp escapes my lips. I cover my mouth, stepping back out of sight. Bile rises up my throat, and I scuttle back the way I came as I dry heave into the nearest bush.

The worst-case scenario—I thought he might hook up with her. But seeing that? I spent all day yesterday worried about him, feeling guilt over my omission, and covering for him just to be…played. I swipe away tears from my face angrily as I head in through the back door so they won’t see me. I sprint through the kitchen and take the stairs two at a time.

I shut my door quietly as I kick off my trainers. I go straight into the bathroom and start the shower. Stripping off my clothes, I step straight in—not even bothering to check the temperature. I find the flannel and scrub every inch of my body vigorously. I want to rid my body of every touch, every kiss from the past twenty-four hours. My tears mix with the spray of water as it ricochets off my body until my legs give out, and I slump into a crouching position. Then I let myself cry in silence.

After I’m dressed and downstairs, getting everything together for today, my mum arrives.

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.