Accept Me Read Free

with some type of medieval weapon, ready to pummel his head. A maul, maybe. Or a battle axe. It’s a gruesome daydream, but it’s the truth.
    My pace slows as another familiar face comes into view. Handy Andy? And he’s talking to Edward? Against my better judgment, I direct myself straight to them. Andy’s eyes peer easily over Jackass McFuckstick’s shoulder straight to me and he smiles that flirtatious grin that I’ve come to expect… and ignore. Edward goes on to finish what he’s been saying to Andy without even acknowledging my presence. Damon made it clear to his father that he wasn’t to interact with me in the least. As far as I can tell, he isn’t testing Damon. It’s a wise choice. I wouldn’t want the full wrath of my Big Man raining down on me, either. It’s yet another reason I’m beginning to regret knowing what I know.
    “I’ve already taken care of it, Mr. Cole,” Andy says.
    Edward nods at Andy and turns to walk away. Just when I think he’s going to heed Damon’s warning to leave me be, he makes brief eye contact. “Josephine,” he says calmly. His disposition seems indifferent, but something in that man’s eyes makes my skin crawl.
    I know I should refrain, but my mace-wielding inner self charges ahead. “McFuckstick,” I greet him just as curtly as he greeted me. I can’t help but rejoice a little on the inside. It’s a small insult, but it feels good nonetheless. The very least he deserves is an insult or two. Asshole. I turn to Handy Andy, who is staring at me with a look of part amusement and part shock. “Trust me, he deserves it.” I shrug and move the conversation into less irritating territory. “Looks like you won’t have to make any more repairs to Grams’ room after today.”
    “Yeah. I heard,” Andy replies. “She’s… interesting. I’ll miss visiting with her.”
    We both laugh a little at his vague description of Grams. Interesting is a definite truth.
    Grams comes into view right on cue, like a lifesaver from the sea of doom that stirs in the back of my mind. She’s dressed in her favorite gear, a royal blue jogging suit paired with her usual brightly colored running shoes. It’s such an impractical clothing choice given her age, but it matches her spirit to a T—she’s bright and witty and full of energy. I love Grams and I make it no secret. Damon knows how close she and I have become over the course of my relationship with him. Moving her into our home means so much to me—I’m excited to have a real family again. I hated having to go to some retirement home just to see Grams. Having her so close will mean she’s safe and taken care of by the two people who love her most. Most importantly, she’ll be away from staff who have no vested interest in her happiness or well-being. They remind me of the caretakers in the orphanage; they do their job, but beyond that, I don’t think they really care about Grams just like I don’t think the caretakers at the orphanage really cared about me.
    “Hey, gorgeous!” I coo upon entering her room.
    She turns to me with a smile mirroring my own. It’s a sight that makes my heart swell to the bursting point.
    “Hey! You come to break me outta here?” she teases.
    “You got it. Looks like you’re just about ready,” I say, observing the neatly stacked moving boxes in the corner waiting to be picked up by the movers that Brian hired for the job. Handy Andy’s work, no doubt. “I see Andy must’ve helped you a little?” I raise a brow with my little innuendo.
    “Nuh-uh!” she scoffs, wagging a finger at me. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
    We both laugh at our usual banter. It’s another thing that never gets old. From the first time I met Grams I knew I would love her and thankfully, she must’ve thought the same, because our bond was instant. We shared a connection right away, just like I shared a connection with her handsome grandson. I knew when her blue eyes met mine that she was a safe place