Free Safe With You by Sophie Lira Page B

sighs, tugging me into his side and giving me a quick squeeze. “Don’t let him get to you.”
    Totally easier said than done, bro. “I should be used to it by now.”
    “No you shouldn’t, Liv. Aubrey told me it was your birthday soon, so we’re all taking you out.” He smiles, giving me another hug. “I forgot something in my car. I’ll be up in a minute.”
    I nod and smile. Maybe we can help each other if no one else can.
    Within minutes, all of the shit that made my day plummet seems to dissipate. The night flies by in a blur and the only tears in my eyes are from laughter. My stomach is heavy from too many wings and beer … and I’m totally okay with that.
    Kyle’s apartment is incredible. I roll the edge of my beer bottle on the counter and sink back further on the high chair. The huge bay windows overlook part of the harbor and the twinkling bulbs of the city below string along the street like Christmas lights. I should have expected one of the two apartments on the penthouse level to be his. Everything in his kitchen is black granite and stainless steel, polished and sparkling. Low-hung lights glow softly above my head and I don’t want to leave. Ever.
    This place feels like it should be a home. It feels right.
    And that fucking terrifies the shit out of me.
    Aubrey and Zach left, and Noah is passed out on the giant beanbag chair in the corner of the room. Kyle’s been missing for a few minutes to take out the garbage and I’ve been using the time to pat myself on the back for having such a great night, uninterrupted by thoughts of what Kyle and I should be.
    I slide off the stool and place my bottle on the counter next to the rest of our empties. I pull a tumbler from his cabinet, complete with frosted doors, and turn on the faucet. As the glass is filling, I glance to the piles of papers next to the refrigerator. Right on top is a letter addressed Iris Avery Botany Foundation and Estate, c/o Kyle Avery. More things snap into place, and I realize that his obvious wealth could be from old Texas money.
    The front door unlocks and Kyle comes into the kitchen. “Hey, if you’re tired, I can drive you home.”
    I startle a little and turn off the faucet as water overflows into the sink.“I, uhm, actually wouldn’t mind talking for a bit. I mean, if you’re not tired.” I take a sip, the cool, crisp water dousing my nerves on the way down. I’m so close to him that I can smell his fresh cologne and whatever soap he used in the shower that still has me drowning in my own drool.
    “I always like to talk to you.” He winks and nods to the living room. As we sit, his hair falls onto his forehead, and I’ve never wanted to run my fingers through someone’s hair so much in my life. The light reflects off his massive knee brace and he stretches out his leg in front of him. A flash of the video sneaks into my thoughts and more screams resonate. “Are you okay? You seem like you’re off in some other world.”
    I know Kyle’s keeping things from me. There are so many things I want to ask him about the accident. But I can’t bring myself to be pissed off when I haven’t told him anything about my past, especially when we’ve both had so much fun tonight. I would hate to ruin it with a fight, but I do owe it to him to tell him something.
    I stare at my glass because I don’t have the courage to look at him. “You should know why I was so standoffish when we met. It wasn’t anything to do with you. Where I came from wrecked me emotionally and mentally. I have a really hard time trusting people’s intentions. You’ve been nothing but generous and kind to me these past few weeks. I’ve basically been ungrateful and … ” I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or his trusting pull, but my long-winded admission even surprises me.
    “Where you came from?” He tilts my chin up, his eyebrows pulled together. “What do you mean? I just thought you were a little shy, honestly.”
    Woman up, Olivia. Tell