Free Broken Pieces (Cape Isle, #3): A Cape Isle Novel by Allie Able Page A

glass to my lips again.
    He looks me over from top to bottom and shakes his head with a smirk. “Wine and HGTV night? How bad was your day, Angel?”
    I roll my eyes and gesture for him to come inside. “It’s all your fault.”
    After he walks in, I shut the door behind him and walk back to my couch. I’m not letting his presence deter me from my plans. Plans that involve wine, House Hunters, and more overthinking.
    I cover myself with the blanket and sink down in the couch. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Zack slowly walking into the living room. He hesitates, before sitting down on the edge of the coffee table in front of me. I try my best to ignore him, but he’s blocking my view of the television. I lift the wine glass to my lips again, but it’s suddenly taken from my hand. I glare at Zack and I think I actually growl in response.
    “Slow down, killer. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?” He looks concerned and I hate that look on him. I don’t like him worrying about me, but at the same time, it’s his fault I’m like this right now.
    “What are you doing here anyway?” I ask, avoiding his question.
    “You didn’t answer your phone and I wanted to check on you. We didn’t get to talk much this morning and I wanted to make sure you were okay with everything that happened.”
    I shake my head and make grabby hands towards my wine. “I need wine.” My brain is so jumbled; I barely know which way is up. I’m still trying to make sense of everything and I’m not sure I’m ready to talk to him about it yet.
    “Nope, no more wine for you,” he says with a smile.
    I don’t answer him and just continue to stare at his handsome face. Suddenly his smile drops and his face becomes serious.
    “Talk to me, baby,” he whispers.
    My nose begins to feel tingly and my eyes start to burn. Damn, wine. It always makes me over emotional. I shake my head and lower my eyes to the blanket.
    “I don’t know what to say. I think I’m over thinking this.”
    “You think?” he asks, with a chuckle.
    I squeal when he slips one arm under my back and the other under my knees and picks me up. I grab onto his neck and hold on for dear life. A combination of the wine and him moving so damn fast has made me dizzy.
    “Damnit, Zack. Put me down,” I demand.
    He chuckles and kisses the side of my head. He turns us around and holds me close to him as he sits down on the couch.
    “There, that’s better. Now, tell me what’s bothering you, Angel. I’ll make it better.”
    His eyes patiently watch me and I love that about him. He never rushes me to get my thoughts out, he just waits. I realize right then what I’ve been missing in every other relationship. Someone who really loves me, sees what a mess I can be, how moody I can get and how hard I am to handle, but still wants to be here. I’m quickly realizing how deep his feelings run for me and it becomes clear that I’m falling in love with my best friend.
    I can’t figure out if I need to run or if I need to hold on as tight as I can.

Chapter Ten
    Zack
     
    I STARE AT L EXIE AND patiently wait for her response. I'll sit here all night, if that's what it takes. I hate seeing her like this and I hate that I have caused her to feel this way. I run my hand through her soft hair, trying to soothe her. I know this is a lot to throw at her and that's why I've avoided doing it. I know it's shocking.
    “I just don't know how I never noticed the way you felt and I kind of feel like an asshole,” she mumbles.
    “I never told you, Angel. That's on me not you, okay? I want to move on. I don't want to dwell in the past.” I pause, gathering my thoughts. “Do you want to be with me?” I hold my breath, waiting for her response, but luckily I don't have to wait long.
    “Yes. That's one thing I'm not questioning. I have deep feelings for you and I want to try a relationship with you, but, Zack, what happens if we don't work out? I will lose my best friend.”
    “Tell