One Choice (Hogan Brothers 2)

Daydreams of success had been born on similar clouds over an ocean. It was hard to let them go, but she knew it was time. She had to start moving forward with her life. Learn to live again.

Leaning her head against the warm window pane, her eyes closed, her mind played new dreams through her mind, a fresh start brewing as her lids opened. Only to be met by the cool blue gaze of Levi. His suffering seemed to match her own. She hadn’t heard from him since kicking him out two days ago. She was surprised he’d returned.

He didn’t move from his position against his car, and her expression never changed. He was just there. Watching and maybe waiting. At least, her foolish heart hoped he was.

Her memories recalled the pain he’d caused her, and she turned away, shutting him out of her mind and life. She couldn’t let her heart open to him again.

Crawling back into bed, Hayes fought off visions of him holding her, for hours, before sleep finally claimed her.

Restlessness throughout the night left her feeling more exhausted when she woke up than when she fell to sleep. Her mom’s light knock on the door caused her head to pound from the growing ache in her temples.

“Hayes? Sweetheart, I’ve got breakfast going for you.” She gave her daughter a smile.

“Thanks, Mom, I’ll be down in a few minutes.” She faked her own grin at the woman as she left the room.

Her body was stiff as she slowly rose from bed, intent on having a quick warm shower before making her way down to whatever breakfast her mother had butchered.

Turning the water on, she quickly hopped in. Washing her long, red hair, she remembered the way Levi seemed to be fascinated with it. She wondered if he even noticed how often his eyes had strayed to her locks. Not like he’d care, she scolded herself.

“Shake him off, Hayes,” she muttered to herself as she carefully stepped out. For her sanity, she had to let go. Say goodbye to him, even if it were only in her mind.

After slipping into the comfiest sweats she had—they were so worn-in they felt like soft, warm silk and were just baggy enough to hide the brace she had on her knee—she grabbed a tank and loose t-shirt and slowly hobbled her way downstairs.

The smell of burnt something or other assaulted her senses as she walked into the kitchen. Seeing her mom scraping a pan full of what could only be described as charcoal pancakes into the garbage, she laughed. She loved her mom, but the woman really should stop trying to cook. She burnt water when she boiled it.

“Morning, honey.” Her voice sounded chipper as Hayes sat at the counter. “Thought I’d make you something before you went to school.” Her mom looked around at the pans that clearly had the beginnings of breakfast. “Dad went to that bakery you like.” Her smile was rueful as she handed Hayes a cup of green tea.

“Thanks, Mom.” Hayes flashed a bright smile.

They were quiet for a moment when her mother sat beside her, grabbed her hand in both of hers, and spoke. “I know you don’t like to talk about things, Hayes, and your father and I are partially at fault for that. Everything was good until Ryder…” She had to take a moment to compose herself.

“Mom, please,” Hayes tried interrupting.

“No, honey, just listen. After Ryder, we all shut down. I lost sight of how much pain you were in, emotionally and physically. We almost lost you, too, and I didn’t know how to process that. Since then, though, I sometimes feel like I’ve still lost you because even though you put on a good front, you’re still hurting.” Hayes didn’t know what to say. “I want you to know, no matter how much you think Dad and I are struggling, we are always here for you. No matter what, sweetheart, you can always come to us about anything. Okay?” There were tears in the woman’s eyes as she waited for a response.

“I know, Mom. I’ve always known that.” It was the best she could do.

“Okay, honey.” She didn’t sound convinced, but further conversation was stopped as her father came through the door.

“I have food!” he announced.

They both plastered smiles on their faces as he came in the kitchen. “Cinnamon rolls?” Hayes asked as she smelled the melted cream cheese.

“You bet!” He chuckled handing her the bag.

Silence filled the room as they ate breakfast together. Her own eyes kept going to all the pans filled with either half-cooked or burnt food in them. When she met her mother’s eyes, the other woman glared at her, challenging Hayes to remain quiet about it.

She couldn’t hold it in, however. “Sure is a good breakfast, Mom. Must have been hard work.” She smirked sweetly as a muffin was tossed at her, catching it just as a horn blew outside announcing her ride. “Gotta go!” She blew her mom and dad a kiss as she left the house.

Brett and Lys waited at the curb for her as she slowly made her way down the sidewalk towards them. A revving engine drew her eye. The sleek, black frame of a gorgeous Charger had her breath grabbing as it drove slowly down her street.

Levi behind the wheel.

His ice blue eyes meeting hers as she opened Brett’s car door.

Her breath held when his face beamed at her. That one dimple appearing; his eyes possessive as they roamed her body.

“Hayes?” Lys questioned. Meeting her friend’s stare, she saw that they followed Levi with an angry glare.