And now she was continuing her service to her country in the only way Erin supposed she knew how. “Mrs. James,” Erin said, surprised to hear the wobble in her voice. “I was so sorry to learn of Colonel James’ passing. If there’s any—” she cut herself off, feeling her cheeks heat. She’d been out of this family’s life for four years—by her choice, and she supposed by Zander’s, too. What right did she have to offer anything now?
Without missing a beat, Zander’s mother squeezed her hands, just as if Erin hadn’t called the cops on her youngest son four years ago and ruined his life. “Thank you so much, dear.
We’re holding a reception back at the house, later. I know Zander would be pleased for you to be there.”
Erin could only stare, unable to form a response as Mrs. James gave her a last, reassuring smile. Now she had two invitations to the house. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. She just needed a few questions answered, nothing more. Then she’d scuttle away, more than ready to leave this family alone, once and for all. She turned forward once more, moving in lock step with the person in front of her, even as Zander’s mother welcomed the next person in the receiving line.
It was as if her brain had forgotten the math of who was left to greet, who was next in line. Because suddenly the path in front of her cleared and there was only Zander, standing at attention. Zander, looking bigger than life. Zander, glaring at her with a clenched jaw and stormy eyes. Erin stiffened, her pulse jumping wildly, not knowing what to do, what to say, what to—
“Zander,” she barely managed. “I’m so—sorry.” She didn’t even realize she was holding out her hands until she felt him take them both in his, exactly the same way his mom had. But the moment Zander’s fingers touched hers, Erin’s heart almost exploded, all of her carefully scripted questions forgotten. Tears stung the back of her eyes and her throat felt thick, clogged. “I’m so sorry,” she said again, not even sure what she was apologizing for. Her head spun, her skin overheated, and the only thing grounding her in reality was Zander’s grip, holding her still, holding her upright.
In that moment, Erin flashed to a younger, far more boyish Zander. The one she’d first seen when she was all of thirteen years old, then idolized for summer after summer until finally—they’d connected. They’d gravitated toward each other as if it had been the most natural thing in the world to do. The dreamy, too-serious girl and the laughing, wild-eyed guy who’d been so full of life it’d practically burst out of him, so full of energy nothing could slow him down—not his family, not school, especially not her. And maybe, a distant part of her brain teased, maybe enough years had passed. Maybe there’d been enough time for Zander to forgive her for being so scared that night, so furious and scared, that she’d just wanted somebody—anybody—to come and make him stop. Come and keep him safe, him and the other kids that were always so willing to follow him over any cliff, into any car, up the side of any building. Maybe there’d been enough time for her to forgive herself for the arrest that had unexpectedly—shockingly—resulted in the end of Zander’s West Point dreams.
Then a voice from her past brought her sharply back to the present, a voice that was as flat and deadly as a knife to her heart.
“Erin.” Zander said, the word brutally clipped. “How nice to see you again. Thank you for coming.” And just like that, he was already turning away.
No! She couldn’t let this happen! Erin drew herself up sharply, gripping his hands hard. “Zander, wait,” Erin blurted. “I need—I have to ask you something. Please.
Chapter 2
Staff Sergeant Zander James had pulled many impossible missions in the last four years, certainly since he’d shipped out to a desert life of blazing days and freezing nights, his unit constantly thrust into the worst of every possible situation. At this exact moment, however, his mission was brutally simple: to let go of Erin Connelly’s hands, and allow the woman who’d well-and-truly jacked up his life four years ago to crawl back to whatever miserable existence she was living, never to betray him again.
Unfortunately, it appeared that said mission had already been compromised. All his careful strategies and well-laid plans to handle this fucked-up little reunion had completely fallen to shit.
Because something was wrong.
Erin was scared.
Love stories you’ll never forget
By authors you’ll always remember
eOriginal Romance from Random House www.readloveswept.com
Follow us online for the latest new releases, giveaways, exclusive sneak peeks, and more!
readloveswept
readloveswept
Fake It Page 26
