“This is my house!” Julian moved to grab me, but I was quicker and reached for the Santoku knife.
“GET! OUT!” I swung the knife in his direction and Julian jumped back. “I swear, if you ever touch me again, I’ll kill you.” My voice was shaky.
Julian mumbled a few choice words and stormed out. When the door slammed shut, I slid to the floor, my hands trembling as I slid the knife across the linoleum. I’d reached my max. I was done.
Reality.
Things needed to change.
Reality.
I would file for divorce.
Reality.
I would tell Nate I wanted a life with him.
I remembered the day as if it was yesterday.
A day that would haunt me for the rest of my life.
A day none of us would ever forget.
It was the most breathtaking early fall day. The colorful foliage was still a few weeks away, leaving the trees green and full.
It was three in the afternoon and there wasn't a cloud in the sky as I finished my shift at the diner and rushed home to meet Nate. Delaney was at work, and I sighed with relief when I pulled in the driveway. Rushing out of my car, I ran up the deck and opened the back door. Sliding through it, my gaze immediately landed on Nate who was resting against the sink while Caleb watched TV and snacked on a grilled cheese sandwich.
I clutched my fingers to get them to stop shaking, but it was useless.
“Hey, Aunt B.” He smiled at me, but I could barely smile back. “I passed my math test,” he announced proudly.
“Th-That’s great, buddy.” My voice was weak. I glanced over at Nate, but his attention was focused on my cheek, so I turned my head.
Nate cleared his throat. “Hey, sport, Aunt Brie and I need to chat. We’ll be in my office if you need me.” Caleb nodded, and I followed behind Nate, my hands continuing to shake.
Nate opened his office door and invited me in, watching my every move. His scent wafted through the small room as I inhaled. I felt at home. Tears began to pool in my eyes. Everything was red: the walls, the accent furniture, the little trinkets scattered around. He’d never forgotten about us.
Nate left the door cracked and spun to face me. “What’s the matter?” He searched my eyes for answers. “What happened to your face?” He closed the space between us and brushed his fingertips across my cheek.
“That’s irrelevant.” I pushed his hand away. “We need to talk.”
He cocked his head to the side, his brows pinched. “Brie, you’re scaring me.”
I shook my head and swallowed. “I asked Julian for a divorce,” I blurted. Instantly, the weight lifted off my shoulders. My heart raced as I peered up at Nate. He blinked, staring at me as if he was processing my words.
“I choose you. I want a life with you. Delaney is trying to trap you with another b—”
Nate’s mouth crashed onto mine, and my words were left unsaid. He embraced me, bringing me flush to his warm, hard body. Yearning for this moment, I kissed him back with fervor and desperation. My lips tangled with his until we were both breathless.
“I’ll leave her,” Nate said. His mouth hovered over mine. “I want you for me, Brielle,” he whispered against my lips.
Everything I ever wanted was happening. His words sealed the deal. It was as if the world finally made an ounce of sense.
“I fucking knew it!”
I froze at the sound of that voice. The door slammed against the wall and bounced off as Julian marched past it, his anger palpable.
Nate stilled, and I tried like hell to form a sentence.
“What are . . .”
My words fell flat when my gaze landed on the gun Julian held in his hand. Oh, God. I clutched Nate tighter.
Julian’s other hand sliced through the air, papers flying in their wake, landing like feathers by my feet. Scared, I looked down and noticed it was a cell phone bill. I squinted at the printout, my stomach dropping the second I realized it was a transcript of my text messages with Nate.
“How long has this been going on?” Julian slurred, waving the gun in the air.
A tear dripped down my face. I knew nothing good was about to happen.
“Let me explain.” Nate pushed me behind him to shield me.
Julian ignored his brother as his angry eyes remained glued to mine. “You fucking whore. Running off to fuck him! I traced your cell phone! I read all the fucking text messages!” The vein on the side of his neck was protruding.
“Julian, you’re drunk.” Nate said calmly. “If you’ll just let me explain—”
“Don’t you dare fucking speak to me!” He steadied his arm, pointing the gun at his brother.
Panic flooded my every sense. Without thinking, I jumped in front of Nate. “Wait!”