Chapter 84

And if I said that enough, I would absolutely believe it. Yup, I would.

* * * *

Toward the end of August, Thorn bounced into the kitchen early on a Sunday morning after his shift had ended and informed me that he had been offered a full-time position at the grocery store, with benefits.

“That’s great!” I exclaimed, hugging him tight and spinning us around the room.

He laughed at my silliness, but when our eyes met, the burn in his caused my gaze to skitter away like roaches did when the light was turned on. I let him go and stepped back, feeling my face heat.

Ever since our talk that evening when we’d moved into the house, Thorn had been cordial, but he hadn’t spent much more time than was necessary in my company. I should have been happy he was keeping his distance, but that didn’t stop me from yearning like a dumbass for more. I found myself watching him surreptitiously, wishing I could admit my feelings but knowing it was best I didn’t. I was too old, too fat, too…everything.