Drown In Me: Hudson Hearts Book 1 by Natalie Clarke

Author:Natalie Clarke [Clarke, Natalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

22

The next day it takes everything within me to head downstairs. I know facing Gage is inevitable and avoiding him is impossible considering we share the same house and sleep in rooms only three metres apart. But after yesterday, I hope to God he’s gone into work early.

When I enter the kitchen my heart sinks when I spot Gage standing beside Rafe, craning his neck over his brother’s shoulder as Rafe taps away on his laptop.

He straightens up when he sees me, a trace of remorse crossing his face as a deep line settles between his brows in a frown, like seeing me is painful somehow.

Gage gives me a small but hopeful smile. “Good morning.”

“Hi,” I reply, my voice void of any emotion as I avert my eyes and continue forward, pulling myself up onto one of the stools at the breakfast bar.

“Breakfast, sweetie?” Viola asks with a beaming smile.

“Um, just coffee this morning, I’m not very hungry. Thank you.”

I keep my eyes down, acutely aware of Gage’s eyes on me, his gaze heating my skin. I’m still mad at him for everything he said, but I’m also too stubborn to admit I was wrong and he was right.

“We should probably get going, Gage,” Rafe says, closing the lid of his laptop and sliding off his stool.

“I’ll be out to the car in a minute,” Gage tells him and after a moment, Rafe leaves the kitchen.

Gage takes a step closer to me, running his hand along the smooth cool marble counter top. “I’m going to be gone for most of the day. Will you be alright on your own?”

“Well, I’ve managed by myself this far, I’m sure another day won’t kill me,” I say sarcastically, finally meeting his eye and I can tell by his face he wants to say more, but ultimately decides against it.

“I’ll see you later, and I’d like it very much if we could talk when I get back. Just the two of us.”

I shrug. “Sure.”

“Goodbye, Della,” he says before retreating from the kitchen and I breathe a sigh of relief the second he’s out of sight.

“Whatever that man has done, you can bet your behind he wants to make it right,” Viola comments.

“I know. I’m making him work for it.” I smile.

“That’s the only way to do it, honey.” She laughs. “Listen, I’m visiting my son in an hour or so, he’s in town for a few days and I’m so excited to spend some time with him. Will you be alright by yourself?”

“Sure. I’m sure I’ll find something to do around here. You go have fun. When was the last time you saw your son?”

“About two years. Since then, I’ve got myself a new grandbaby that I’ve never met. Gosh, I’m so looking forward to holding him,” she tells me, and I smile, seeing the warmth in her eyes as she talks about her family.

“You go get yourself ready, I’ll clear up,” I offer.

“Oh, no. That’s not necessary.”

“Viola, go. I’ve got this,” I insist and after a moment, she relents.

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