I straightened, leaning back against the counter. “I’m happy.”
It really was that simple. Ramsey had given me the kind of joy I’d never thought to have. And not simply because I was in a relationship, but because he’d opened my eyes to so much. He’d helped me find the bravery to step into the unknown, and what was on the other side of that was more beautiful than I ever could’ve imagined.
Hadley sucked in a breath as her eyes filled with tears.
Panic gripped me. “Shit, Hads. Don’t cry.”
“You’re happy.”
“Yes?” I said it like a question, unsure if that would make her dissolve further.
She launched herself at me, pulling me into a hard hug. “I’ve seen the changes in you, little by little, but I can see it all now. You’re living again.”
I hugged my sister back, relishing the fact that I felt no grating sensation across my skin, no desire to pull free. I could enjoy this closeness with Hadley. “I am. And there’s no going back.”
“I’m so glad,” she whispered hoarsely.
“Love you, Hads.”
“I love you, too. More than I can say.”
She released me and stepped back, her gaze sweeping over me. Her eyes widened a fraction. “Did you sleep with him?”
Hadley’s question came out as more of a shriek, and I clamped a hand over her mouth as my face flamed. “Will you be quiet? Mom is right outside.” Kai had conned her into a never-ending game of fetch, but she could come in at any moment.
Hadley’s eyes widened further. “You did!”
Thankfully, my hand muffled her words, but I still glared at her. “Are you thirteen?”
She pulled my hand away. “No, I’m not thirteen, but I am nosy as hell. Was it good? Ramsey seems like he’s the strong, silent type. Or maybe he’s a secret dirty talker.”
I pressed my hands over my ears and started humming. “I can’t hear you.”
Hadley grinned. “So, it’s the dirty talk.”
“Will youpleasestop talking?”
“I thought you couldn’t hear me.”
I scowled at her. “Apparently, your voice could cut through soundproof walls.”
Hadley’s grin stretched into a smile. “I like to make sure I’m heard.”
I groaned. “No one could ever miss a word.”
She threw an arm over my shoulder. “I’m happy for you, Shy.”
The heat in my face was back. “It feels weird to say thank you to that.”
Hadley barked out a laugh. “You should always say thank you for good dick. That spirit of gratitude will only bring more into your life.”
My nose scrunched up. “You just had to take it there, didn’t you?”
She shrugged. “I’m nothing if not honest.”
“A littletoohonest…”
“Calder’s a beast. He does this thing—”