Read My Mind

by Natasha Preston

  She shakes her head. “It’s embarrassing how much you underestimate me.”

  “We’ll see.”

  To be honest, she’s probably right. Mila mostly bounces back after a night out. I can’t wait to see her hungover in ten years’ time.

  “Want to play?” Callum asks, holding up a football.

  “Where did that come from?”

  “One of Lexie’s bags.”

  “Are you serious, Callum? That’s why I could barely fit her spare clothes in?” Phoebe scolds, waving her hand around.

  “We always play ball.”

  “You usually carry it!”

  I put my beer down, squeezing Mila’s shoulder as I get up. “Don’t think I’m going easy on you.”

  “Easy on me? Are you kidding? I’ll wipe the floor with you, Walker.”

  “Fighting talk for a man who tripped over it last year and almost broke his ankle.”

  Mila laughs.

  “I didn’t nearly break anything!”

  “You sat down for five minutes and massaged it. I thought you were going to cry.”

  Callum scowls. “Rematch. Right now.”

  “I’ve got time to beat you,” I reply, taking one more swig of beer.

  I make the mistake of looking at Mila in that moment. Her wide eyes are full of emotion, her thick lips parted in wonder.

  I swallow so I don’t choke, and then I walk away from her, knowing that the farthest I’ll be able to leave her from this moment on is a few metres.

  Forty-Two

  Mila

  Reid, Eric, and Callum play football outside after some really shit trash talk. When Reid is chilled, playful, and at home the way he is with his family, I can’t help but smile.

  I’m trying to focus on Kelly and Phoebe, but Reid is super distracting. He’s in my line of sight. Sometimes when he’s playing, his top comes up and reveals those abs. I can confirm that his are better than Callum’s, although I’m heavily biased at this point.

  “You’ve been at Reid’s a lot, I hear,” Kelly says, sipping an alcohol-free beer while trying to stop Lexie from yanking her hair out. She’s serious about having Lexie all to herself.

  “He’s been letting me read manuscripts, old and new. I love seeing how they evolve.”

  She nods. “And now you’re working with him.”

  “Kind of, but I haven’t started anything yet. I’ll go to the office occasionally. Mel said she’ll want to talk through the manuscripts with me so that I understand the feel of the novel before I start. Then again after I’ve finished. Hopefully I won’t screw it up.”

  “I’m sure you won’t. Reid said you’re one of the best proofreaders he’s seen in a long time,” Phoebe adds, sipping her prosecco.

  I wonder if she hasn’t moved onto something else because she doesn’t want to be off her face, too. We still have dinner to go. It’s only one in the afternoon.

  “Yeah, he told me the same, though he totally didn’t say the part about being one of the best.”

  “You two never really did anything together when we all lived there, did you?” Phoebe asks.

  I have a feeling she knows the answer to this, although it seemed like she was never there. She was older, probably out with her mates.

  I sip my prosecco. “No. To be honest, I always thought he was a bit… I’m not sure. Not stuck up but just uninterested in people he didn’t know. Does that make sense? Like, he’s got his friends and that’s all he needs.”

  Kelly leans closer to the table. “What do you think now?”

  “I think that’s only half true, and I think that I was kind of the same. I didn’t really look too far outside of my circle. I thought everything was perfect. I didn’t need anything or anyone else. I guess it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re used to.”

  Phoebe raises her brow. “You had a long-term boyfriend, right?”

  “Liam, yeah. We’d been together for years—since we were teens. In the end, we only stayed together through habit. He was pretty much all I knew, and I was holding onto plans we made when we were different people.”

  “Do you still have feelings for him?” Kelly asks.

  My eyes slide to Reid, who’s still running about after a ball with his dad and brother-in-law. When I look back, Phoebe’s eyes are wide as she looks at her mum, silently telling her it was not her place to ask that.

  “Not in any way that really matters,” I tell her. “I’ll love Liam as the guy I grew up with; a guy I had a lot of firsts with, and a man who always wanted to take care of me, even if he stopped knowing how to do that.” I shrug. “I didn’t know how to take care of him, either. Or I did, but it wasn’t ever going to work. I wouldn’t go back there. I’m so much happier with who I am now, and I won’t ever risk that.”

  “I had a Liam,” Phoebe says.

  “Oh God, you did,” Kelly says, her shoulders slumping at the mention of it.

  “What happened?”

  “Well, we were together from the age of sixteen to eighteen. The last year was on and off. Finally off when I caught him kissing another woman.”

  “Wanker,” Kelly mutters behind the neck of her pretend beer.

  “I second that.”

  Kelly nods her head at me, smiling as she kisses the top of Lexie’s head.

  “It wasn’t like that with Liam. Well, as far as I know. I didn’t love him the way I should anymore. If I’m honest, I don’t think I ever really loved him the way you’re supposed to.”

  Phoebe tilts her head. “Why do you say that?”

  “We went through that infatuation stage, but after that, I never felt like I couldn’t live without him. At first, Wren and Indie—my best friends—said that it was because I was enough on my own. Later, they were agreeing with me. I see the way they are with their husbands, or almost-husbands, and it wasn’t the same. I could never have married Liam. He probably would have asked eventually just because that was the next logical step.”

  Kelly shakes her head. “The rest of your life is a long time to settle.”

  “Yep. Took me long enough to realise, but I’m so glad I did.’

  “What are you three gossiping about?” Reid asks, jogging back inside.

  I look up and smile. “Nothing.”

  We haven’t spoken about Liam since we saw him in the club.

  Reid sits down. “I find it impossible to believe that you have sat here in silence.”

  “‘Nothing’ is what you say when you’re talking about the person who has just interrupted you. Go play football again so we can continue talking about you.” I push his chest for no other reason than I want to touch him.

  He smirks.

  “Yes, Reid, go,” Phoebe says, backing me up. “This is girl talk.”

  “It’s about me, and this is my birthday.”

  “Wow, I did not have you down as a birthday brat. Oh my God, Phoebe, he totally did sprain his wrist to steal your thunder!”

  “See!” Phoebe points at Reid. “We’ve got you.”

  “Christ,” he mutters, sipping his beer.

  “Oh, you’re really staying.”

  “Making me feel awesome on my birthday, Mila, thanks.”

  Laughing, I nudge him, my palm lingering a second too long on his abs. “Fine, birthday boy. I’ll just have to talk about you all day at the spa.”

  “You’re developing an unhealthy obsession.” Tell me about it. “And I did not sprain my own wrist on purpose!”

  I laugh along with Kelly and Phoebe.

  “He did,” Phoebe mouths.

  I reply, “I know.”

  “It’s lovely to have another girl here,” Kelly says.

  Phoebe points at Reid again. “You’re to bring Mila to every family event.”

  “I don’t think I’ll get away with not bringing her in the future.”

  “That’s true, you won’t,” I say in agreement. “I’ll know as well because I’ll see your car pull out of your drive if you try.”

  “You go
ing to constantly watch my house from your window?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll install a camera.”

  He shakes his head, laughing, and his hungry eyes never leave mine.

  It would be so inappropriate to kiss him right now, especially the way I want to kiss him, but, damn, I’m dying to. He’s barely touched me since we got here. I’m a junkie on a comedown.

  He blinks like he’s trying to clear his thoughts.

  “I think Lexie needs changing,” Kelly says. “Can you grab her changing bag, Phoebe?”

  Kelly walks away from the table, towards the bathroom, leaving Phoebe to grab the bag and run after her. She could have taken the baby and the bag.

  “Your mum is subtle…”

  “Mmhmm.”

  “What are you thinking?” I ask, sliding an inch closer to him. He has his legs either side of the bench, facing me. I want to crawl into his lap.

  “I think it’s probably quite clear.” He reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. Then, his finger trails along my jaw before he cups my chin. “Jesus, Mila, no one compares.”

  “Reid, we have a very long time until I can curl around you.”

  He swallows hard and drops his hand. “It’s my birthday. I say we ditch this and go to a hotel.”

  “Tempting. I would actually like to be invited back, though.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “I like your family. You’re not too bad, either.”

  “Spoken from the heart, huh?”

  “You can’t get rid of me. That should tell you something.”

  I really, really like Reid Walker.

  Forty-Three

  Reid

  The fact that I can’t get rid of her tells me a lot. The fact that I don’t want to tells me even more. We’re right where we need to be: on the cusp of everything.

  “You’re relaxed here,” she says.

  “Mostly. I’m not at home.”

  “You are. There’s something different.”

  Yeah, you. I shrug. “Same old me, Mila.”

  “Literally old. Mid-twenties. You’ll soon be drawing your pension.”

  “You’re not too far behind.”

  “Far enough to tease you,” she says, leaning in.

  I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer. Who cares if my family see? According to Phoebe, it’s obvious every time I look at Mila, anyway.

  “You’re really ditching me tomorrow for a spa?” I ask, circling my thumb on a strip of her skin between her jeans and top.

  “I’m sure you’ll cope without me for a while, and I promise to talk solidly the whole way home to make up for it.”

  “Not really the talking I’ll want you to make up for.”

  Laughing, I block her arm when she tries to elbow me. “You’re not getting any tonight.”

  “Yeah, all right.”

  “I mean it, Reid. I’m not putting out.”

  “You don’t want me to sneak into your room later?”

  Her eyes narrow. “No, thank you.”

  “Okay. I’ll just see you in the morning.”

  “Reid.”

  “Yes, Mila?”

  She sighs. “I want you in my room tonight.”

  “Yes, Mila.”

  She laughs and lowers her eyes. “Going to a hotel so we can be loud tonight sounds good.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “Spencer and Indie are getting married in a hotel.”

  “It’s a popular choice.”

  She lifts her gaze, her lip between her teeth. “You could come.”

  “To a wedding I’m not invited to?”

  “Well, that’s the thing…” She takes a sip of prosecco and places the glass on the table.

  “What’s the thing?”

  “Will you give me a second?” She scowls. “Indie and Spencer said that I could invite you. You know, to be my plus one. Maid of honour gets a plus one.”

  “That’s very generous of them.”

  “You twat, you’re not making this easy.”

  “Why is it hard?”

  She frowns like it never actually occurred to her to have a reason for it.

  “It shouldn’t be. It’s not.” Straightening her back, she nods once and adds, “You’re coming to the wedding with me.”

  “There she is,” I say, laughing.

  “Ugh, as if I had a total girly moment. We’re going to share a hotel room. I love the sneaking around, but I just want us to go back to the same place.”

  “Sold.”

  “I thought that would sway it for you.”

  “I was coming before that.”

  “Ha, yes you were, sucker.”

  I’d tell her she doesn’t need to sweeten the deal with nudity, but that doesn’t sound much fun for me.

  “Hey, what time do we need to go back to your parents’ place?”

  “Not until after dinner.”

  “Dinner? We’re eating here?”

  My smile grows. “Yes.”

  “You come here for a drink after brunch, and then back for dinner?”

  “Yes, only we don’t go home. After dinner, we move to a bar down the road.”

  “Your tradition is weird. Reid, it’s not even two in the afternoon yet.”

  “Get comfortable.”

  “You’re serious?”

  “Dead serious.” I pull her closer. “Want to come play football? My dad and Callum are still going.”

  She shuffles closer and leans against my chest. “Yes, but can we just sit for a minute first?”

  “Whatever you want,” I reply, resting my chin on the top of her head. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Nowhere else I’d rather be,” she whispers, and I’m not sure if I was supposed to hear that or not.

  It’s the best present I could ask for.

  Dinner and the rest of the evening passed quickly. Mila and I sat on Mum’s sofa for two hours after we got home, pretending like we didn’t have things to do.

  I run my finger over the picture of Nan and Grandad on the dresser. They were so happy. I would give anything to remember them like this picture, smiling bright, instead of the last haunting memory I have – her lying on the floor with the step ladder on its side. Him slumped in his seat, still clutching his heart.

  But now it’s almost one a.m., and I’m finally going to her.

  Creeping out of my room, I walk quietly along the hallway. I waited thirty minutes, but I’m not sure if that’s long enough. She knows I’m coming and will likely wait up, even if she tries to go to sleep.

  She’s lying on her side in bed when I reach her room. I quietly close the door behind me and walk towards her. Crawling on her bed, I pull the quilt down.

  Mila rolls onto her back, and her smile makes my stomach clench.

  “Hi, Reid,” she whispers.

  “Hi, yourself. Christ, you’re naked already.”

  “I was going to leave the lace on but I didn’t want anything in the way.” She slides her hands down my sides and pushes my boxers down.

  I groan as her warm hand wraps around my erection.

  “I have your present,” she says.

  My eyes snap shut as she gently pumps me in her hand. “Yeah, like that.”

  “This isn’t your present. It’s on the bedside table.”

  “Later.”

  After giggling when my mouth connects with her neck, she pushes me away and squirms out of my grip. “Down, boy.”

  “You didn’t need to get me anything.”

  I groan when she sits up and flicks the lamp on.

  Her breasts are above the quilt, and it takes me a minute to notice the gift-wrapped flat box she’s holding out.

  “Open it.”

  I take the box from her. She watches with an excitement you rarely see in from the gifter.

  “I can’t imagine what you’re like when it’s your birthday.”

  “I love other people’s just a little bit more. Well, people I like, anyway.”
/>   I peel open the first corner. “Nice to know I fall into that category.”

  “We’re in bed naked together. You couldn’t guess that I like you?”

  My eyes snap to hers. That’s the first time she’s said those exact words.

  “Reid, you’re the slowest at opening presents!”

  Chuckling, I pull the rest of the paper off. My mouth drops. She’s bought me a black leather notebook with my initials embossed into the front.

  “There’s nothing out there to match how awesome you are, so I went with—”

  I seal my mouth over hers while my heart tries to rip itself out of my chest. The notebook drops out of my hand to reach for her.

  She smiles against my mouth. I grab her hips and pull her onto my lap.

  “I love it. Thank you.”

  We spend the next hour touching, tasting, and feeling. I don’t let go of her hand as I take her over the edge again and again, and she holds on to me like she’s scared I’ll disappear if she doesn’t.

  In the morning, I leave Mila to get ready in the bathroom while I go downstairs to make coffee—brushing my fingertips over the leather notebook as I go.

  Mum and Lexie are in the kitchen. Lexie is stuffing sliced banana and strips of toast into her mouth with Mum watching on.

  “You’ll put her off her food, staring at her like that.”

  Mum looks up and smiles. “Morning, love.”

  “Dad not up?” I ask, walking over and dropping a kiss on the top of my niece’s head.

  “Not yet. Lexie had us up from two until four last night. I’m surprised you didn’t hear… you know, since you were sleeping in the room next to ours.”

  Oh, she knows. I smile and walk past them to the coffee machine.

  “I bet Callum and Phoebe are still asleep. What time are they coming back?” I ask.

  “I told them not to rush. It’s not the first time Lexie has had a sleepover, so Phoebe is no longer texting me every three minutes and turning up on the doorstep at six in the morning. Is Mila up?”

  I start the coffee machine and turn to her, leaning against the counter. She’s watching me with her eyebrows raised and lips pursed. I know that expression. It’s the same one she used through my teens whenever she was waiting for me to own up to something.