Lena didn't say anything at first, just buried her face in the crook of my neck.I stroked her hair, teasing, "Missing Nate already, huh? It hurts, doesn't it?""It's worse than when I was just crushing on him," she sighed dramatically."Well, duh! You just got a taste of what you've been wanting for, like, forever, and now you're left hanging. Of course it stings," I said, nudging her with a playful grin.Lena flashed a bold grin. "Who says I have to wait? I could hop on a plane and be with him whenever I want."That reminded me of their convo from last night. "Wait, are you seriously thinking about it?"She sat up on the couch, tucking her legs under her. "I don't know yet."Which meant she was seriously considering it. I mean, who wouldn't? After years of secretly crushing on Nate, she finally got him, and now he's miles away."Take your time," I said, giving her a playful nudge. "But come on, spill. How was last night?"Lena poked me in the arm. "Didn't you say what I have
"Lena—" I started.But before I could say more, she cut me off. "Do you think I can still catch Nate if I chase after him now?"She definitely shouldn't, even if she had a shot.She couldn't go back to work yet, but she also couldn't just leave Kehlmark while the investigation was going on."Don't overthink it. Tanya's just lashing out, like a cornered animal." Lena paused, then added, "Honestly, we should be the ones recommending her for a psych evaluation."Her attempt to lighten the mood didn't land for me. She flicked her fingers against my forehead, reading my mind. "Stop. This isn't your fault."How could it not be?Tanya's whole problem with Lena was totally because of me. Plus, I'm the one who called Lena in when Tanya's condition got worse.If I hadn't called her, Lena might not have even been the one to do the surgery."Fault or not, I still have to deal with her," I said, already moving toward Tanya's room.Lena grabbed my arm. "If you go in now, she'll think she's
Brad's face went full-on tomato at my comment. "Quit talking about wolves or puppies or whatever. Don't insult me. We're even now, okay? It's in the past."Watching him squirm, trying to keep his cool, had me grinning.I took a step forward, and he immediately backed up, arms crossed like I was about to actually throw hands. I snorted. "What's wrong? Scared I'll actually do something? Chill out. I'm just curious why you're suddenly playing nice.""What's wrong with that? Or were you hoping I'd still—" He stopped himself mid-sentence. "Don't even try to bait me. And stop coming any closer, or I'll record this for... evidence."I rolled my eyes at his empty threat. "Sure. Now spill. What did Wayne do to get you all obedient like this?"His eyes darted around, avoiding mine. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Now move, I've got places to be."I stuck my leg out, blocking his path. "Cut the act. I know you're working for him. Why else would you turn on your own sister?"His
I kept my focus on the match playing on the TV. It was intense, two of the best players going head-to-head. Every point felt like a work of art.Without bothering to look at her, I casually asked, "So, who do you think's gonna win this?"Tanya didn't bother answering. Instead, she snapped, "You've got some nerve showing up here."I shrugged and pulled a chair next to her bed, eyes still on the game. "Weren't you waiting for me?"I mean, her whole attack on Lena? That was definitely meant for me."It doesn't matter," she hissed. "I'm gonna make sure you pay for this. Trust me, the pain you'll feel is gonna be way worse than if it happened to you directly."On screen, my favorite player nailed a killer forehand smash, winning the set. The crowd roared.I glanced over at Tanya. She looked like a ghost—pale, gaunt, lips tinged blue. Honestly? Pitiful."I don't know what price I'm paying, but you..." I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. "You're not looking so hot these days, huh
Tanya flinched so fast I couldn't help but laugh out loud.Still chuckling, I grabbed the remote she'd tossed aside. "What, you're scared of me? Relax, I'm just getting the remote."Her face turned a weird mix of red and pale—like she couldn't decide if she was embarrassed or just pissed.I had already turned the TV back on, the match tied at 8-8, both players neck-and-neck. Whoever took the next point was set to win the set."Get out!" Tanya snapped, sounding frustrated as hell.Instead of leaving, I pointed the remote at her like it was some kind of weapon. "Chill. Let me finish watching, and then we can talk."I wasn't even just messing with her—I genuinely wanted to watch the match. Forget pop stars and influencers; I was obsessed with the girl on screen, clawing her way to the top in the world of sports. She was fierce. Unstoppable.To my surprise, Tanya actually quieted down. I smirked and decided to push her a little. "Wanna make it interesting? Let's bet. Pick who you th
I sat there, just as tense as they were. The camera flicked back to the table just in time for the opponent's return shot to fly out of bounds, and the arena exploded. My girl raised her paddle in victory, grinning.I couldn't help but smile too.As the victory music blasted, I spun my chair back to face Tanya. "She won," I said, grinning like a proud mom.Tanya wasn't impressed. "You've watched your dumb match. Now, why are you really here?"I pushed off the floor and slid my chair closer, crossing one leg over the other.I was still rocking the black silk skirt from last night's dinner with Nate and Lena. Standing, the slit was subtle, but now? Sitting? It was showing off most of my thigh.My skin, smooth and flawless, practically glowed against the dark fabric under the harsh hospital lighting.Tanya's eyes went straight to my legs. Even though she was a woman, even though she loved showing off too, I saw the flicker of envy.I got it. She hadn't had the chance to flaunt any
"What the heck are you doing? Give me my phone!"Tanya freaked out, practically launching herself at me, hands outstretched like she was going to tackle me.Yeah, right. If she wasn't hiding something, she wouldn't be acting like this, which made me even more curious.I dodged her, holding the phone just out of her reach. In the chaos, my thumb slipped, and the call connected.It rang once, then whoever it was hung up.Not answering? Suspicious much?I redialed just as Tanya jumped off the bed, barefoot and desperate. "Keira, what the f*ck is wrong with you? Give me my phone!" She was swearing up a storm, lunging at me like a maniac.Finally, someone picked up."Why are you calling again when I already hung up?"Wait...that voice... Retta?I froze for a second, the puzzle pieces clicking into place.No way. Retta? Miss Perfect? And now she's getting shady just to land a guy? Wow."Prof. Roane, sticking your nose into OB-GYN now?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.Dea
I blinked. Was she serious? Did she think this was some kind of easy jackpot?"No," I said, shutting her down without hesitation."Why not?" she pressed.I didn't even bother. But, of course, she couldn't leave it alone. "Is it because Jace gave it to you?"Her imagination was wild."Didn't you hear what his dad said at the grand opening?" I reminded her.Tanya let out this snide laugh. "That was just for show."Ugh, there was no reasoning with her.I wasn't wasting more time, so I cut to the chase, "Why do you even want the park, anyway?""Because it makes money. If I had it, I wouldn't have to worry about anything for the rest of my life," she said, trying to sound all practical.Honestly, it seemed fair enough—except I wasn't buying it."Tanya, let's be real. You want something from me, but you're not being honest. How am I supposed to say yes to that?" I called her out.Her eyes flickered, like she wasn't sure if she should spill the truth. "You really want the truth?"