Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) by K Larsen Read Free Book Online Page B

arrange flowers. Off to the left in the corner is a bathroom and to the right is a desk with a laptop, printer and lamp on it. Without thinking I dash to the bathroom to relieve myself. I can hear Colin chuckle through the door. “What? I didn't want to waste time before.” I shout to him.
Exiting the bathroom I notice three large framed chalkboards with easel stands on them.
“We thought you could stand those outside with different specials on them, you know, to draw people in.” I am so completely overtaken with gratitude that tears start leaking from my eyes.
“Everything is perfect. You all are perfect. We should celebrate tonight! Do you think everyone will be up to champagne and a picnic dinner here?”
“I think that can be arranged.” He laughs. Suddenly it hits me that I don't have a home to go home to. The cottage is gone and I ended up having to pay for the damages to the bathroom door, although I have no recollection of it being broken, the blood stain on the kitchen floor and the splatter in the entryway. Colin seems to sense my change in mood. “You’re staying with me.” He states.
“What about Jenna?” I ask hesitantly.
“Don’t you want me?” Distress written all over his face.
“That’s not fair. I just don't want to ruin things with us by moving too fast.” I say shyly.
“Elle. There’s no hope of that, ever.” He grins.
“Did you see the bathroom door at the cottage? I paid for a new one but I don't remember it being broken, I mean Mick and I were nowhere near it.”
Colin looks to the floor and shuffles his feet. “I might have put my fist through it when I couldn't find you. Elle,” His eyes come to mine, “you have to understand how helpless I felt. I couldn't find you, there was blood, I... I thought you were gone.” I cross the room and wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly to me. “I’m not gone though, I’m right here.” I smile up at him as he brushes my overgrown bangs from my face.
“Sorry ‘bout the door.” I can't help it. I burst out laughing. It’s not exactly that it’s funny, but I’m so delirious with varying emotions from the last twenty four hours that right now I could really care less about a door. “Screw the door Colin.” I giggle. His dimple pops out with his smile and he laughs with me.

It took Jenna and I both to convince Ben and Colin to go out for a while and leave us to some girl time. Neither one of the guys thought it was a good idea for us to be un-chaperoned. “They are being ridiculous.” I complain once we’ve witnessed them pulling away in Ben’s car.
“They’re worried about you.” Jenna reasons.
“I’m fine.”
“ You’re fine but that doesn't mean you’re safe. We know about the death threat Elle.”
“Wine. Now. Then you spill.” I clip. She shoots me a pointed look but complies. We sit curled up on her couch for the next hour while she explains what happened here in Searsport during my absence. I feel guilty hearing how the four of them suffered and worried over me. I also had no idea that everything Joe told Colin, Colin then told Ben, Jenna and John. None of it is a secret but I really don't want people worrying over me about every little thing.
“Jenna, you realize that I endured Ryan for years. He threatened me plenty during that time. He’s a messed up person. I don't really think he’d kill me though. He wants my money, how will he get it if I’m dead? That’s not even rational.” I state.
“Elle, I’m just saying, go easy on them, especially Colin, he was a disaster without you.”
“I know. I was too.” I stare into my empty wine glass. Jenna snorts and grabs my glass refilling it for me.
“You two are so gross.” She teases.
“What? Like you and Ben aren’t all rainbows and unicorns right now too?!” The look on her face is priceless and we fall into giggles together. By the time the guys come back to the apartment we’ve packed up sandwiches, more wine, and all the appropriate