Page 132 of Dark Tangled Truths
Given Heather’s wide-eyed expression, that wasn’t universally known. Evan turns red and looks down at her hands in her lap.
Adam clears his throat.
“We do think you should be aware EvanAnn has received some threats and someone had a social media account with threatening language on it about her. That’s down now thankfully.” Adam leans forward and clasps his hands. “We’re taking it seriously, and the police have been informed, but we want to make sure she’ll be safe while we’re gone.”
“Threats?” Mom touches her necklace pendant and looks worriedly at Evan. “Are you going to be okay staying with Hawk? Because if not, we can stay home and you can stay with us. We just updated our security system.”
“She’ll be fine with us,” Paul says. “It’s only one night, and if you can visit Yale, you really should. Hawk’s been looking into Yale as well. As an option. His first choice has always been Columbia.”
Hawk glances my way. Fuck, this conversation is getting out of control. But I guess I’m going with Damon to Yale, and Evan is staying with Hawk until we get back.
“Crowne Mawr has already made Damon an offer to be on the team next year.” Adam glows with pride. “We wanted to check out Yale and what they have to offer before we commit.”
There’s a possibility we all won’t get into Yale even if that’s Damon’s decision. I hate to think about commuting to each other, but long distance will be worth it to stay together. Just harder to find time to be together.
“Cam’s been looking at Crowne Mawr too.” Dad glances my way. “I think it would be an easy decision between Yale and Crowne Mawr. Yale has an established D1 hockey team and excellent degree programs.”
“But,” Mom says before Dad can get on a rant. “Crowne Mawr is closer to home. It’s established academically and rivals Yale in programs. You get so caught up on having a legacy sometimes you forget it’s not you who gets to go back to college.” Mom smiles at me and winks. “Cam will do what’s right for Cam, but I agree we should tour the campus because it will give you a feel for the school.”
I love my mom. Dad nods, and the conversation turns to hockey and how the college teams are stacking up this year. When we walk into dinner, I linger behind to walk in beside Evan.
“Is that all right with you, goody?” I can’t help asking, because I’d prefer to stay cuddled in bed with her and Hawk than tour Yale.
She catches my hand. “It’s a great idea for you to go visit Yale. You’ve never really given it a chance before.”
She’s right. I was so determined to not be like my dad that I dismissed his school choice. But now it is a real option with thefour of us. If I want to give it a shot, I should really explore it as an option.
I walk with her to her spot at the dining room table and hold her chair out for her. I take her other side since Damon is already seated beside her. Hawk sits on the other side of Damon. Our parents sit across from us with Adam at the head of the table and Heather beside him.
I pause for a moment to remember this. Because this is our extended family if we get through this. This could be Christmases, weddings, birthdays, celebrating any kids we have. Fuck, this could actually work.
Damon
“I don’t like this.” It’s Saturday and we’re getting ready to leave.
Evan sits cross-legged on my bed behind my suitcase. If I could pack her in my bag and take her with me, I would. But she has rehearsal tomorrow, and it’s tech week. According to her, this is when it all comes together, and sleeping becomes an option.
“You have the opportunity to see what it’ll be like if we go to Yale.” She smiles softly at me. “It’s just like the week you were gone to Crown Mawr, but shorter.”
“Jackson will still be here,” I say, which means it isn’t exactly the same.
“And it’s been weeks since anything really happened.” She climbs off the bed and comes over to hug me. Her suitcase is already packed and waiting in her room. Hawk’s supposed to be on his way to pick her up. As well as Cam and his family to join us at Yale.
I put my arms around Evan, and the temptation to fuck her one more time before I go crosses my mind, but everyone should be here shortly. I don’t think they’ll be cool with waiting for me to finish. Besides, sometimes it’s just nice to just hold Evan.
“I’m going to be fine. Hawk can take care of me for one night.” She blushes as I pull away.
“He’s going to try bondage tonight?” I arch an eyebrow.
Her eyes flare hot. He’s been talking about it nonstop all week. I kind of wish we could be there, or that they’d do it here in my room where I can watch.
“I packed the camera you gave me,” she says as she lifts her stormy eyes to mine.
I smirk. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. Now finish packing.” She gestures for me to hurry up and sits on the edge of the bed.
“You don’t go anywhere without Hawk.” I put the last of my things in my bag and zip it up. “Promise me?”
