A Life Without Fear (Life #2) Read Free Page A

what I did to them and put them through.
    “Angelica, we know why you did it. Like I said, we don’t agree with your choices, but we understand why you did what you did. Well, to an extent we do. Let’s not talk about that, okay? Let’s move on and enjoy this meal.” Smiling at my granddad, I nod my head.
    Dinner goes smoothly and light conversations are going on throughout the meal. My grandfather tells us they’ll be leaving tomorrow evening after a few meetings. They left in such haste they didn’t delegate the ranch to anyone. Just got a family friend in to feed the animals, but they need to go back and put everything in order. Joey assures him that upon his departure, he will be my shadow. Rolling my eyes at him, he catches me and smiles bigger. He knows I hate being babysat. Blake’s been silent the whole meal, only speaking when spoken to. After dinner, we all clean up and my granddad and Betty head up to bed, they’re staying in one of the spare rooms. Joey leaves shortly after; he has a big shoot early in the morning. He offered to cancel, but I wouldn’t hear a word of it. After walking him out, I return to the kitchen in search of Blake only he’s not there. Walking around the whole first floor I don’t spot him, and then I hear a noise coming from the backyard. Blake and Rodger are playing catch and it puts a smile on my face. Slipping on some slippers I keep by the back door, then slowly open the door. Both heads turn in my direction, Rodger runs to greet me, but Blake only smiles.
    “Is everything okay, Blake?”
    “Why do you ask?”
    “Well, you were reticent during dinner, you seem to be elsewhere.” He finally moves and sits in one of the patio chairs and I follow suit. “Is this situation too much for you? I want you to know that I wouldn’t think any less of you if you wanted to just go your separate way. This is a lot to take on, hell, I’m a lot to take on.” I feel the lump in the back of my throat and swallow hard. Breaking eye contact, I stare at my feet. He tilts my chin up until my eyes meet his. Standing, he reaches into his back pocket and he pulls out a leather wallet. Unsure of where he’s going with this, I simply watch him. He retrieves a piece of folded paper then sits back down and hands it to me. Gingerly, I take it out of his hands and begin to unfold it. Immediately, I know what it is and feel the tears on my cheek.
    “You really did print out the email.” I laugh softly.
    “ I’m not going anywhere…don’t forget it,” he recites part of the email back to me.
    “Well, to be fair, I did tell you I was going to push. There are so many other women out there, women with no strings or issues. I wouldn’t fault you, that’s all I’m saying.”
    “Angelica, this is always going to be a thing with you isn’t it? Always telling me that there’s better out there for me? Easier? Less complicated? So what if there is? I don’t want that, I want you. Now give me back that email, I’m sure I’m going to need it again soon.” Smiling I hand it back to him and lean back in my chair looking up at the sky.
    “I’m sorry, Blake. I’m sorry that I went to your brother’s club and I’m sorry for whatever happened there.” The tears are back once again. It’s such a horrible feeling not knowing what happened that night.
    “Angelica, look at me.” I shake my head. “Please, Angelica...” Taking a deep breath, I turn my head toward him. “You didn’t have sex with Jon.” Placing my head on my lap, I cry. I’m crying because I didn’t sleep with Jon but also because I know I would have, had Joey and Blake not found me. “Don’t cry, Angelica. I’m sorry. I thought that would've made you happy.” He sounds so sad.
    “I’m happy, Blake. I’m sad that I didn’t know what I’d done with him. I’m also embarrassed by my behavior. I apologize for putting you in this position. Please don’t be mad at your brother for my decisions.”
    “Do not call him