CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Snow
He said he wanted to introduce us to someone, but holy hell. I thought London and Shane were hot. This guy puts every model out there to shame.
My cheeks heat, and London chuckles.
“Nice to meet you both,” Afton says.
Oh, God, his voice.
London’s grin grows wider. I even watch Shane adjust himself, and before London, Shane never liked men.
“I’ll put on some coffee. Have a seat.” Shane offers as he rushes to fill the coffee pot, almost fumbling around while he does it.
“You knew London in high school?” I ask, just wanting to make sure whether this is the guy or not—the one that broke London’s heart.
“I did. Until I left.” Afton nods and then looks at London with regret written all over his face.
“Why did you leave?” Shane asks.
“More like I hurt him badly. I don’t know if he told you about his family yet, but his dad caught us fooling around one day. And London was kicked out,” Afton explains. “His dad threatened my parents, with what, I don’t know. When London came to me for help, I laughed in his face. I didn’t want to, and I felt horrible.” He looks so sad as he speaks—my heart breaks for both of them. So young and in love, then ripped apart—that’s horrible.
“How did you find him?” Shane asks.
“I followed his career—always knew he would make it big someday. When I saw the announcement that he was the next bachelor, I had to take a chance.” Afton shifts his gaze to London. “I had to say I’m sorry.”
“You cared about him?” I ask, trying to keep from fidgeting.
“I did. Still do. I felt like shit,” Afton clarifies. “I stayed in touch with his sister.”
London winces at the last thing Afton said.
“You have a sister?” I ask, eyes wide in surprise. How did I not know he had a sister? Guess we never really talked about it.
“I do, and she’s here.”
“He’s afraid to introduce her to people,” Afton states.
“Why’s that?” I ask, shifting to face London.
“She doesn’t talk,” London says, seeming a bit uncomfortable. “Something happened to her, and she just quit talking. We all learned sign language so we could communicate.”
“That’s admirable of you,” I tell him.
“You forgive this guy?” Shane asks London.
“I do.” He swivels his gaze between Shane and Afton. “While it sucked at the time, I understand. My dad is a dick.”
Shane pours four cups of coffee before sitting back down.
“What do you think of the show?” Shane asks, blowing over the rim of his mug.
“Food is spectacular.” Afton smirks, like he knows that’s the way to Shane’s heart.
Shane has a wide grin on his face. “I’m guessing the girl went home?”
“Once she complained about the steak, I knew she was the first casualty.” London snorts.