Glimmers of You (Lost & Found, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

“I don’t think grief is linear. Some days are easier. Others will take you out at the knees.”

I shrugged, not wanting to reveal the truth: that I watched Caden with a single-minded fascination. So, I’d seen the change. It had come on slowly and yet all at once. A darkness that hadn’t been there before. But it was a part of him, and I couldn’t help but love it the same way I loved the rest of him. It just made those glimmers of his light shine that much brighter.

Caden might have saved my life, but he had slammed the door on our friendship, taking away my secret keeper, my resting place, my person, and replacing him with a coolly casual acquaintance. So, when I’d woken up from the coma, I hadn’t just lost the normal future I’d planned for. I’d lost everything. Because I’d lost him.

At the first touch of Caden’s lips, I was lost. Heat and need swirled around me as my lips parted on instinct, and his tongue slipped inside, stroking. A buzz lit low in my belly—one I’d never felt with any other kiss, no matter how much I’d searched for it. That buzz deepened into a hum that spread through my muscles, making my knees weak. When Caden finally pulled back, I blinked up at him and could only think one thing. He’d completely ruined me.

Kissing Grae was like downing a shot of whiskey set on fire. She burned through my system in a way that would leave scars in its wake. It was hard enough to ignore her pull on a good day. Now that I’d tasted her? It would be nearly impossible.

“I think I’ve got something that can solve both of our problems.” She looked up at me skeptically. “What?” The corner of my mouth kicked up. “Be my girlfriend.”

Everyone laughed. I jumped as an arm slid around my shoulders. Looking up into mischievous hazel eyes, my heart hammered against my ribs. Caden grinned down at me. “Hey, babe. Missed you today.” As his lips brushed my temple, everyone froze.

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“I’ve always known Gigi was special. It only takes a second in her presence to realize that. But when I came home this time, I just couldn’t stay away. She has this pull. Makes you want to lean in and get as close to that light as possible. Makes you want to do better. Deserve her. I’m just lucky she gave me a shot.” My throat tightened. Had Caden gone to acting school while he was in New York? That performance deserved a freaking Oscar.

I glanced over my shoulder to see my brothers descending on Caden with what looked like murderous intent. He just grinned at me and winked. Freaking winked. Who winked when they were about to get murdered? I was starting to think that Caden had a bizarre death wish.

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“That’s true.” Roan’s voice cut across the room. He hadn’t moved, but he stared me down with a lethal gaze. “But her heart’s more tender than you’ll ever know. And if you hurt her? I know lots of places to hide your body where no one will find it.”

He glanced down at me, our gazes locking. “I thought you wanted to murder me.” I shrugged. “Murder’s my love language, remember?”

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“I can’t stay away from you anymore. I tried. I tried so damn hard it killed something inside of me. But I can’t do it anymore.” “Why?” I whispered. Fear flashed in those gorgeous hazel eyes. “I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you.”

My fingers tightened around his biceps. “I’m right here. I’ve always been right here. I thought you didn’t want me.” Caden shook his head, and I saw so much pain in his eyes. “I’ve wanted you for longer than I ever should’ve. I tried to hide it, to shove it down. But only one person has ever owned me. You.”

Caden shifted, framing my face in his hands. “You make me want to be a better man.”

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