Page 43 of Timber's Line

“I know what you’re going to say—he wanted to go see her so he could find closure.”

“Oh?” I feel like a bitch.

“Before the fire, we grew up in a shit hole. And he felt like he couldn’t protect himself. He felt like he needed control. He hates change, and when it happens, he doesn’t know how to handle it. I know you are insecure about his past relationship, but I also know it’s over on her end.”

I don’t know about that. I don’t know if I’m strong enough for him.

“I would always feel like I was second place.”

“Just think about everything. There’s more to his story. I don’t know what happened to him during the ten years we were apart besides his fights. Just don’t give up on him.”

I only nod. I don’t think Dayton is for me. Not because of his past, but because I’m not a strong person. And with my own past, who would want me?

Brice leaves, and I stare out into the darkness for a bit, wishing my life was different. I understand Dayton’s demons more not, but I have mine to fight as well.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

DAYTON

I watch her and Brice talk. I know what he’s telling her. He’s telling her about the night of the fire. I wish I could take back that night, but I can’t. I hate hurting the people I love.

“Just give her some time.” He takes a seat next to me. “She’s fighting some of her own.”

“Yeah, I know some of it.” I wish Ever would tell her. She needs to know.

“She’s a sweet girl,” he says, and I look away.

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to darken anyone else with my black heart.”

“Sometimes when we find someone, we look past all that. It still beats.”

“Yeah.”

“You want to tell me about the time we were apart?”

“Just that the streets are a horrible place to live.”

He nods and pauses. “I met someone.”

“What?”

“Like I said, sometimes we meet someone who makes our black hearts beat again. Wasn’t easy. But she’s everything.”

“I . . . I . . .”

“I want you to meet her. She wants to meet you. She’s the one who pushed me to finally make the call.”

“Wait! You’re with someone and came on a dating show?”

“I did, just to talk to you. Sal knew.” He chuckles.

I laugh and shake my head. My brother can be a little crazy sometimes.

“She will be here tomorrow. Shane is having a big potluck for all the guys and crew. Timber can meet the guys without a camera on.”

“Oh.”