Fighting for Us (Bailey Brothers, #2)

by Claire Kingsley

“I don’t need your help. Go home.” He flinched like I’d slapped him. “Grace—” “No. I don’t need you.” “Just let me help.” The pain in his eyes reflected mine. This was killing us both and it made me furious. And I snapped. “I waited for you for seven fucking years.” I knew it had nothing to do with what he’d just said, but the words tumbled out just the same. “And now I’m realizing everyone who thought I was crazy or stupid was right. I should have listened to you that day in the sheriff’s office. You laid it out for me. You told me the truth. You said it had to be over. But did I listen? Nope. I dug my heels in and convinced myself this was just a bump in the road.” I paused to swallow and wipe my cheeks. It was hard to speak clearly but I couldn’t stop this avalanche of emotion. “I used to imagine your release day. When things were hard or I was missing you more than usual, I’d stare out the window and picture it. They’d open that big gate and you’d come walking out. And I’d be standing there next to my car, wearing something cute I’d picked out for the first time you saw me again. I’d run right into your open arms and you’d hold me and it would mean we’d never have to be apart like that again. But that was just a stupid fantasy.” “I tried, Grace. I wanted to make this work for you, but I can’t.” “You didn’t try,” I shot back. “What else do you expect me to do?” “Get some fucking help. Would it have killed you to just talk to someone?” He crossed his arms and his jaw hit...