Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

22

Chapter 784

"You broke up with Nate, and he just... said nothing?" I blinked at Lena, low-key stunned.

She gave this tiny, tired smile. "Maybe he's done, too. Now he can live his life however he wants-no nagging, no guilt trips."

Yeah, right. That sounded more like her venting than anything

"Be real. Was breaking up just you blowing off steam? Or did you mean it?"

Lena shook her head. "No, I've actually thought it through."

I snorted, and she laughed. "Seriously. Since I told him to come back to Kehlmark, I've been asking myself-what do women really want from love and marriage? "Stability, someone to rely on, right? If he can't give me that, I can give it to myself. So why hold on to love or marriage?"

"Uh, maybe for keeping things... physically interesting?"

She cracked up. "Oh, please. If th

"Oh, please. If that's all you want, you can 'buy' it-any flavor, any style,

swap it out when you're bored."

me over the edge. "Dr. Lane, you're

with you, no

you need to vent-or grab drinks-just hit

to that," she said, resting her head against mine. "But, um, I actually need you

"What's up?"

birthday is today. I can't dodge

stressed. Her parents had been hounding her

might cut her

out? Is your grandpa secretly a fire-breathing

eyes. "You're hilarious. You know it's

don't want to see Uncle Aaron,

She didn't deny it.

that one awkward incident? The one where you, uh, accidentally saw

Chapter 784

my head, giving her a

Lena frowned. "Unless what?"

up my hands. "Nothing!

you don't know what you're implying." She shoved my arm. "He's

and heavy. "It's just awkward, okay? And after... well, after he saved me, it's even worse.

her voice

way too quickly. "Anyway, will you come with me? You always say my