Page 83 of Timber's Line

“Some of us have done things we aren’t proud of,” Rome agrees.

“But what I did . . .”

“You survived,” Ty replies.

“That’s not . . .”

“They lied to you, all of them. Believe me, I know what it feels like to be lied to like that. There were times I wished what they said to me was true, and I couldn’t help but think it was. I wanted to believe that girls liked me for me, not what I could give them,” Easton says.

“I took money.”

“Maybe you did, but still didn’t make what they did any less wrong. Good men don’t lie just to get blow jobs or sex. We all make mistakes. You’re not damaged, Timber. It takes courage to do what you did, and then to tell all of us, some of us you hardly know. That takes courage,” Noah replies.

I have no idea what to say. I felt like they would have run for the hills.

“This is a new beginning for you,” Harrison says, standing.

He’s usually quiet, this is probably the most he’s ever said.

“Where are you going?” Tobias asks.

“I think we need to have some fun.” Harrison takes off to the lake, stripping the whole way. I giggle.

“There it is.” Silas grins.

“What?”

“Your smile.” He pats the seat next to me as Nash and Garrett take off after Harrison.

“I think I’ll get my dad’s grill,” Ever says and Memphis heads inside with her.

“The only thing I didn’t understand about what Ethan said was how my family didn’t want me.”

“I think he was just trying to upset you more,” Kash says.

“Thank you for being understanding,” I tell them.

“Anytime.” Axel smiles at me.

“Timber,” Sal says as he sits next to me, “I’m sorry.”

“You did nothing wrong.” I hug him.

“I asked you to come on this show, and you didn’t want to at first.”

“I knew something would happen. I just didn’t know I would fall for a guy I couldn’t have,” I say sadly.

“You still want to continue?”

“I do. Maybe the man of my dreams is one of these guys,” I tell him and Silas smirks.

“It might not be you, don’t get cocky.” I giggle, and he mock frowns.

“I’m not cocky, just sure of myself,” he says, and I laugh.

Memphis and Shane pull out the grills, and Ever brings out corn and steaks.

“Want to go swimming?” Axel asks.