Page 53 of Let Me Love You

“Kids are smart these days! Trust me, she can use my cell phone better than I can.”

“I can see I’ve missed a lot over the years.”

She gives me a small smile and nods. A few silent seconds pass, and Annie speaks up. “So…you two hooking up?”

“What? No.”

Doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about it more than I care to admit.

She narrows her eyes. “Why not? I could feel the sexual tension all the way in Wyoming. She’s gorgeous, and I see the way you two look at each other.”

I release a steady breath. “It’s complicated. She’s off-limits.”

“Is she wearing a chastity belt or something?”

I shake my head.

“She’s dating someone else?”

“No. Tyler’s very protective of his sister and has made it crystal clear to both of us that he doesn’t approve.”

“What? Because of your past?” she asks, confused.

“No, nothing like that. He thinks I need time to restart my life before rushing into a relationship, and Everleigh’s not the settling down type. He doesn’t want either of us to get hurt or make it complicated since we’re roommates. I’m just as protective as you, sis, so I can’t fault him for it.”

Sadness flashes in her eyes, and I know she’s thinking about that night all those years ago. After sucking in a deep breath, she speaks up. “Yeah, I can see where he’s coming from, but you’re old enough to make your own decisions. If you believe you’re ready for a relationship, then that’s all that should matter. Perhaps if you told him how you felt, he’d be fine with it and⁠—”

I shake my head. “It’s a terrible idea. He’s done way too much for me, and I don’t want there to be any bad blood between us. He trusts me, and I don’t wanna give him a reason not to. I have a really good thing going and don’t wanna mess up this opportunity to start fresh, ya know?”

“I suppose.” She doesn’t sound convinced.

I think about how much Tyler talked about Everleigh in prison. He loves her and just wants her to have the very best. Can’t say I disagree because I’m certain she could do a hell of a lot better than me.

“So, I thought I saw Krystal in the grocery store the other day,” Annie tells me, lowering her voice to a near whisper.

My brows furrow. “Chad’s sister, Krystal?”

“Yeah, I thought it was strange too. Why would she be here of all places?”

Thoughts race through my mind as I try to understand why she’d be in Wyoming, considering Chad’s family lives in Vegas.

“Are you positive it was her?”

Annie sighs, chewing on her bottom lip. “No, but it looked like her. Before I could confront her, she turned down an aisle, and too many people were in my way. I mean, it probably wasn’t her, but I thought I’d mention it because it’s making me anxious. She knows that restraining order means she’s not supposed to be anywhere near me.”

“I know. Keep an eye out,” I demand.

“Anything weird been happening to you?”

Not wanting to worry her even more, I keep the sightings of the Escalade I think is following me to myself. “Not really. Please stay safe. If at any point you notice anything else, call the police. Get it documented right away.”

“I’m on high alert, but it may just be my paranoia since the anniversary of…” She forces a smile. “You know how I get around the holidays. It could also be an overload of stress too.”

“You need sleep. You’re exhausted.” She’s been working longer shifts at the hospital since Thanksgiving.

“I know, I know. But Santa came, and school is out, so no rest for the wicked. Anyway, I should probably go make sure she isn’t buying the entire app store right now because I haven’t figured out how to turn it off yet. Sadie can probably figure it out before I can,” she says with an amused laugh. “Don’t be a stranger. Text or call me if you’re lonely.”

“Sure thing. Merry Christmas. I love you guys.”