Torched by Bella Love-Wins Read Free Book Online Page A

quietly.
    It was difficult admitting that. Tara could tell it was, but he was right. His dad looked up, but didn’t say anything. Apprehension set in with Kevin’s body language.
    “I think I’m going to take Tara home.”
    “You do that. We can talk later,” his dad replied.
    His mom still looked like she’d be sick.
    Tara stood up and said her goodbyes.
    His dad looked up and a faint smile crossed his lips. “Goodbye, Tara. It was good to see you again.”
    She didn’t know if it was sincere, but it didn’t matter. He looked to be in such pain. Kevin reached for her hand, and they grabbed their coats and left. The moment they were outdoors, she saw his chest heave as he sucked in a long breath.
    “God, I’m glad that’s over,” he said.
    They walked to the loaner car and turned back to the house.
    “Well, it isn’t exactly over, but I’m glad they know the truth.”
    Tara saw the teardrop at the corner of his eye, which he quickly brushed away.
    “It’s still so hard to believe,” she offered.
    She placed her hand on his shoulder, wishing she could comfort him.
    “I’ll be by your side every step of the way.” She meant every word. He needed that now, more than ever.
    “It won’t be easy. I’d completely understand if you bolted.”
    She smiled and massaged his neck. “I wouldn’t do that to you. I promise...I’m not going anywhere.”
    She pulled him down to meet her lips. He needed to know she was loyal.
    “You’d better get me home,” she suggested, pulling from their kiss. “I’m sure your parents need you, too.”
    He mumbled his agreement. The got into the car and headed to her place. He was silent for the entire ride. She could read the pain on his face. It was clear he was worried about his parents, Jake, and probably the police as well. As they neared her house, she felt his hand on her knee, and she cupped her hand over his until he stopped in her driveway.
    “Call me later?” she asked as he put the car in park.
    He nodded. He reached for his door handle, but she stopped him.
    “You don’t have to. You should be getting home.” She leaned over, kissing him on the cheek before stepping out of the car.
    “Talk to you tomorrow?” he asked.
    “Definitely,” she answered. “Good night, hon.”
    She didn’t look back as she ran up to the house. When she got inside, she fell back against the door with a breathless sigh, relieved she’d kept her stress to herself. He needed her to be strong and she couldn’t let him down.
    “Tara? Is that you?”
    She groaned, closing her eyes. She decided not to tell her mother what was going on, because she would only meddle. She didn’t need her words of wisdom.
    “Yes, Mom!” she called out.
    “Come to the living room.”
    It wasn’t a request. It was an order.
    She moved toward the sound, reluctant but obedient. Her mother was sitting on an armchair surrounded by piles of papers on the floor.
    “What’s that?” Tara asked.
    Her mother looked up. “I’m trying to work on budgeting, but it’s nearly impossible. Did you know since you’ve moved in, we’ve more than doubled the amount of groceries we buy?”
    Tara frowned. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”
    “Well, it’s true,” she mumbled. “All the utilities have gone up. I’m working extra hours so I can keep things running smoothly, but it’s getting to the point even the extra hours aren’t going to be enough.”
    “What can I do to help out?” she asked.
    “Well, for starters...you could help out with the bills. You could pay rent...anything would be helpful.”
    “I can help a little,” she agreed, “but the petting zoo just closed for the season, Mom, and I’ve been saving up for when I go to Montana next year. Can I help out in any other way?”
    “You know,” her mother confessed, “I had been thinking of selling this place and getting something smaller. Like an apartment.”
    Tara wasn’t surprised. She could tell her mom was