Read Julia's Journey (A Coming Home Again Novel Book 2) for Free Online Page B

least this will give me something to focus on, and I really
need a focus because all I can think about is having a drink. I can near about
taste it, the urge is so strong—even at six in the
morning.
    I place my phone on the nightstand and crawl up the bed and
perch myself beside Greyson. It pains me to see him this way and I’m still
wondering what abusive poison he has indulged in. I hate that this dangerous
lifestyle has caught up to him. I find myself petting his soft, short hair.
It’s barely long enough to shadow his scalp. It really doesn’t suit him at all.
His features are so refined with a smooth complexion and strong jawline. Those
high cheekbones our industry covets are more pronounced with his thinness, but
they continue to evoke male beauty. Greyson Stone would definitely make for one
yummy vampire at the moment. I just wish so badly that really is what he’s been
up to, but I don’t buy it. His full lips are closely set and seem to always
have a smile playing along them—even now with him sleeping. His long eyelashes
are too graceful to be lying on the shadowy dark circles under his eyes. I give
in and run my fingertips along the side of his handsome face. He turns to my
touch and lets out a sigh, but continues sleeping. Even in this unhealthy
state, Greyson seems so at peace.
    “Greyson,” I whisper, not being able to resist any longer.
I’m lonely and want his company even if it means I have to put up with a
grouchy version that is only going to bicker with me. I keep running my fingers
along the soft fuzz covering his head until he brushes my hand away. “Greyson…”
    “Go away,” he mumbles.
    His eyes stay shut so I decide to tease him. I peel the
covers back, but he quickly snatches them back up without opening his eyes.
    “Do you find me attractive?” I whisper in his ear and press
my body close to him. He’s so warm and yummy and I could be content snuggling
up to him. He rolls on his side away from me, leaving a void.
    “No. Now let me sleep.” His voice is so thick with sleep
that I know I should let him rest, but...
    I run my fingers along his exposed bare back and he shivers
before scooting away from my touch. “Not even a little?” His body’s reaction
says yes, but I know he’ll deny it.
    “I’m too tired to deal with you.” He pulls his pillow over
his head and buries deeper in the blanket.
    Since he’s not going to play along, I give up and go seek
out coffee. It’s one of the few things I can do without having to place an
order. I’m rewarded with a nice gourmet selection. I have to give it to
Greyson—he has exquisite taste. I select the French roast and set it to brewing
while I attempt to inspect the weather outside, which is impossible. It’s still
early so the fog is hiding the day. I grab a cup and sit in my designated chair
from last night. Mrs. Betty’s place is a ghost town, too. I bet they sleep most
of the day. Isn’t that what the retirees do? Greyson fits right in with this
crowd.

 
    It’s late afternoon and I’m ready to come undone. I spent my
morning nibbling on an apple I swiped from the well-stocked fridge and ended up
drinking the entire pot of coffee. My caloric intake topped out at close to one
hundred. I also set out to walk the length of this small lake. It ended up
being a seven and a half mile round trip. I leisurely walked it to eat up some
time while I sipped a bottle of water and listened to Pandora on my phone. I
can’t sit still or things start catching up with me. It’s relentless. Ever
nagging and taunting. This is the time of the year I normally numb out
completely at any measure. I’m here though and I can’t numb it. Not right now,
anyway. My hands are trembling, so I keep wringing them together, hoping to rub
them still. It’s not working. It never works.
    I end up at the small amphitheater and decide to do sprints
up the wood risers until spots start dancing in my vision. The dizziness is so
great that it is the only