A Redo (Sterling Shore 6)

As if she knows I’m worried, she sends me a text on cue—to my brand new phone that I’m still learning to use. I need to find out how much he spent on this so I can pay him back—whenever he talks to me.

BELLA: Corbin and Maverick are brushing your things. I’m staying at Trial’s house until the repairs are finished on ours. xoxo

My eyebrows lift, and I grin. Bella is the world’s worst at texting.

ME: Who is Trial? And why are they brushing my things?

BELLA: Damn autocorrect. TRIA’S house. And they’re BRINGING your things.

ME: You didn’t… with one of them did you?

BELLA: Seriously? It’s Corbin Freaking Sterling. No I did not touch him, besides, he didn’t seem in crested. And Maverick might be hot, but I’m over the bad boys who love one-night stands. So… no.

I laugh when I read her text, but before I can send another, she beats me to it.

BELLA: INTERESTED not IN CRESTED!! I hate autocorrect.

Wren doesn’t seem too interested in me right now, considering he’s avoided me like the plague since we got here. He carried me in, but put me down and put distance between us. It has me worried.

ME: I may just come there with you.

BELLA: NO! Wren wants you there, and I think you should stay. Bow chica wow wow. (?No idea if that is spelled right, but it’s code for get your freak on.)

“Yeah,” Wren says over the phone, his voice drawing closer as Angel finishes her math work, “that sounds great. Just send me the bill… Thanks.”

I put my new phone in my lap as he makes his way toward us. He hangs up, putting his phone away for the first time since we’ve been here—for over an hour—and drops down beside Angel who quickly goes to his lap.

“I’m done with all my homework,” she says proudly, and he smiles down at her before kissing her head.

“Good. Want to go check out all the changes to your room? It’s been a while since you’ve been here, and Grandma has made some drastic improvements.”

Her eyes widen, and she jumps off his lap, racing down the long hallway. Wren tenses the second we’re alone. I’ve brushed my teeth, taken a shower, put on some stretchy pants and a sweatshirt, but I don’t feel comfortable at all because of how tense he seems.

“If you’re uncomfortable with me being here, I can go to Tria’s. It’s just for a few days, anyway.”

He frowns while looking over at me, finally making eye contact.

“We need to talk,” he says, confusing me.

“Yeah… I guess so. I mean, a lot has happened.” I’m rambling. Great.

He starts to speak, but suddenly the door swings open, and Corbin and Maverick come traipsing through the house, both of them carrying tons of bags. Why so much stuff?

“Got it all, I think,” Maverick says through a labored breath. “Bella packed it, so I have no idea what is where. We were just the muscle. Any furniture needed over here?”

Wren shakes his head. “I’ll let you know,” he says, avoiding my gaze.

“Your room?” Corbin asks.

“Yeah. Did you leave Angel’s clothes there?” Wren asks them.

“Yeah. Bella said she’d need some because she’s still getting Angel as much as possible,” Maverick answers, and my stomach tightens. What the…

“Wren?” I prompt, watching his shoulders stiffen at the sound of his name.

“I guess you haven’t told her yet, judging by the look on her face,” Corbin says with a taunting grin that is directed at Wren.

“I’ve been… busy. It’s been hectic getting everything sorted out, and my lawyers served the slander suit on the paper this morning. I’ll fill you in later.”

Maverick and Corbin disappear with my bags, and Wren turns to face me.

“Wren?” I prompt again. “Why did they bring that many bags? And what did any of that mean?”

He looks… worried. Ah, hell. What now?

“Good luck!” Maverick calls out, chuckling with Corbin as they escape through the door once again.

Wren doesn’t acknowledge them as he stands up.

“I’m moving you in with me. Permanently. Angel, too. But she has more clothes than she can wear, so her other stuff is staying there—per Bella’s request.”

He turns and walks away as though this conversation is finished, while I’m left reeling and feeling dizzy.

“Wren, I can’t move in with you,” I hiss while standing up, but he’s suddenly spinning and lifting me, keeping me off my feet like I’m broken instead of bruised.

He cradles me to him, and I wrap my arms around his neck to help support my weight. His lips tilt on one side in a cocky sort of grin.

“It’s too late. You’re already moved in. I’ll tie you to the bed if that’s what I have to do to keep you here.” His grin broadens. “In fact, that sounds like a damn good idea.”

I fight hard not to smile, but it’s impossible not to give in when he’s grinning like that.