Read Before Forever (Sharing Space #6) for Free Online Page A

didn’t know you were a fan of Shining Moments , Mr. Tucci.”
     
    “Well, uh, I figured you being a tenant and all, it was the least I could do.” He suddenly looked in a hurry to leave, which was fine with me.
     
    “I can’t say too much, but I can tell you I’ll be back on the show by the end of the year. Thanks again for dropping this off.” I closed the door before he could say anything else.
     
    Unpacking seemed fruitless since I’d be flying out early in the morning. My mind was playing out the possible scenarios upon seeing Chloe again. I decided I’d have another drink and was on my way to the kitchen when I heard the door unlock. As I approached the entryway, Chloe entered the apartment with another man.
     

Chapter Seven
Reunited
Chloe
     
    The moment was shocking, awkward and, for some reason, extremely hilarious. I thought I was seeing things: Wishful thinking. Wine delusions. Anything but the fact that Patrick was truly home and standing in our living room.
     
    “I didn’t know you were—”
     
    “Home? Yes, I’m home. Been here for a few days at my parents’. I go back tomorrow.”
     
    I nodded in the absence of having anything to say. We hadn’t taken our eyes off of each other. Michael cleared his throat. I’d forgotten he was even there.
     
    “Oh, Michael. This is Patrick, my roommate. He’s in been in Los Angeles filming a movie. He’s an actor.” I was babbling and knew it.
     
    Michael extended a hand for Patrick to shake. For a brief moment I thought he was going to ignore him, but he finally reached out and shook Michael’s hands, his eyes on mine the entire time. Then he looked at Michael.
     
    “And you are?”
     
    “Michael’s a friend of the family,” I said much too quickly. “We’re working together to help Crystal make changes to the restaurant. She runs it now.”
     
    “Did… is everything okay with Uncle Troy?” Patrick pulled his gaze away from Michael, worry on his face.
     
    “Yes. He’s fine. He’s retired now. If something had happened I would have called you.” I was sure no one missed the hurt in my voice.
     
    “Would you?” Our eyes locked once again.
     
    “Michael, thanks for seeing me home. I feel much better now.” It was true. I had sobered right the hell up the moment I saw Patrick. It was better than any nap or cup of coffee could have done. “Patrick and I have some things to discuss.”
     
    Michael searched my face. “Is everything okay?”
     
    I wasn’t looking at Patrick, but I heard him blow out a breath. “Yes, it’s fine. I’ll talk to you soon.”
     
    For one horrifying second I thought Michael was going to lean in and kiss me. Thankfully he took the squeeze on the arm I gave him and kept it moving. Once he was gone I took a moment before turning to face Patrick.
     
    “Are you sick?”
     
    “What?”
     
    “You said you were feeling better.”
     
    “Oh, I had too much to drink before going out. I haven’t eaten.” I glanced at the coffee table where the near empty wine bottle sat, mocking me.
     
    “Do you want to go grab something?”
     
    “No. I’ll be okay.”
     
    My stomach chose that exact moment to make a liar out of me. Patrick smiled that cocky half smile that I loved so much and said, “I’ll make you something.” I watched him walk to the kitchen. He seemed leaner, more fit, and slightly tanned. He looked amazing.
     
    “When was the last time you went grocery shopping?” He called from the kitchen.
     
    “I’ve been busy,” I called out in response.
     
    “With Michael?”
     
    I decided to ignore that and went to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face and dried it with a towel. I checked my breath. It smelled like a liquor store, so I brushed my teeth. Twice. I thought about changing out of my dress, but that would have been pushing it. Everything about the situation reminded me of when we first kissed and things were weird—except now, so much more than a kiss had passed