Forever Too Far Read Online Free PDF Page B

and stepped back. “Fine. Run from me, sweet Blaire.
    You have five seconds before I decide I don’t care what you say.”
    Moving my legs was difficult but I managed to turn and flee to the kitchen. Rush’s laughter grew
    louder and I couldn’t help but laugh too.

RUSH
    The turkey had been great and I had to admit I was impressed that Dean could cook like that. Blaire
    had seemed genuinely happy as she talked with her dad and mine during dinner. She’d even laughed
    when Bethy had asked my dad to sign her napkin.
    Dean came and sat down beside me on the sofa and let out a contented sigh. He had enjoyed himself
    too. This was the first Thanksgiving I’d actually eaten in my house with family and friends. The first
    time I’d had turkey, pumpkin pie and corn casserole. Normally my Thanksgivings were spent in Vail.
    I would eat with friends and get drunk in bars. Nothing memorable. Today had been different. It was a
    taste of my future with Blaire.
    “You got yourself a sweet one,” Dean said.
    “Yeah, I know.”
    “She’s in there washing dishes with her dad. Figured I’d leave them alone. Give them time together.
    Shit thing he did to her but I’m glad they’re finding a way to make amends. Abe was a good man once.
    When I’d heard he was back with your momma I wondered what the hell had happened to him.”
    I’d betrayed Blaire too. I’d hurt her. But she’d forgiven me. She seemed to be able to do that. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do the same. “I don’t deserve her. I’m probably the luckiest sonuvabitch on the
    planet.”
    Dean let out a hard laugh. “Glad she makes you feel that way ‘cause boy, your life hasn’t been an easy
    one,” he paused then shook his head. “I wish I’d done better by you. Kiro’s girl, Harlow, has been
    around lately. Part of the problem with Nan is Harlow. She ain’t real happy about Kiro having a
    daughter he took care of. Kiro might not have been around for Harlow but he made sure she was well
    taken care of. Her grandmother raised her right. She’s a good girl. It’s hard to believe she’s Kiro’s.
    Poor girl’s grandmother died a few months ago. She’s not happy living in LA but she’s a little lost
    right now.”
    I’d only met Kiro’s daughter twice. We were kids and Kiro had brought Harlow home for a visit. I
    was there too and all I could remember was big innocent eyes and the way she only whispered when
    she talked. Then a couple years ago I’d met up with her again while I was visiting Dean. She’d been
    all grown up but very proper and still very innocent. We had gotten along easily enough that weekend.
    She stayed at the house most of the time. So had Kiro. It had been the only time I’d ever gone out
    partying with the band while Kiro had stayed behind. Dean had said he was real protective of
    Harlow.
    I couldn’t imagine Nan was handling the existence of Harlow well. Just another thing I had to deal
    with. “As soon as Blaire is ready we’ll leave and I’ll handle Nan. She just needs someone who cares
    about her to talk to her. She’s hurt and insecure. She has been her entire life.”
    “I have pie and coffee. Anyone want some?” Blaire asked walking into the room wearing her apron
    again. Seeing the small baby bump outlined behind it made the caveman instinct to carry her off and
    protect her pound in my veins.
    I stood up and walked over to her. “They can get their own coffee and pie. I want to talk to you about
    something. You’ve fed and entertained everyone long enough,” I told her, slipping an arm around her
    waist.
    “Okay, but I don’t mind,” she replied. I knew she didn’t mind. I did. Seeing her all smiling and happy
    made me want to please her more.
    “Just a few minutes,” I assured her and led her back to the hallway and up the stairs.
    “Rush, what’s wrong?” she asked.
    I kept my hand on the small of her back and walked us back to the office I’d promised to take her in
    earlier. No one used