Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2 by Antoinette Candela Read Free Book Online

know about all that?” I squint, watching as a wicked smile spreads across her face.
    “Are you kidding me? This girl who loves to shop and is itching to get out of Texas has been doing her research.” She taps her temple with her finger. “Since I got my job as a buyer, I need to keep abreast of this kind of stuff.”
    “You didn’t need to land that job to do all of this, baby.” Tommy laughs, grabbing my sister by the waist and pressing her back up against his chest. “I’ve said over and over again that you have a major shopping addiction.” He nuzzles his nose on her neck and looks up at me. “Damn, bro, have you seen her closet? It’s out of control.” He shakes his head. “We’re lucky she gets an employee discount, or we’d be broke in a minute.”
    I laugh, thankful for everything that I have in front of me and glad that I spent this time with them. I know I’m never truly alone. They announce that my flight is boarding, and I peer over at the gate and back at my family. Smiling, I hold out my one good arm to pull in Momma. “I’m gonna miss you guys,” I whisper, kissing the top of her head.
    “Baby, we’re not going anywhere,” Momma answers.
    “That’s right. If anything, I’m coming up to see you. I hate hearing about Boston from Tommy. I want to see it for myself,” Juju says enthusiastically.
    “I’ve got plenty of room for you,” I say, kissing her on the cheek. I glance over at Tommy as Momma and Juju step aside and clasp Tommy’s shoulder affectionately. “I don’t think I have to repeat myself. You know the deal.” I grin.
    “Have I ever let you down?”
    “Well.” I smirk, rubbing my chin, “there was the one time in college when I had that girl...”
    “Damn, you gonna go there?” he answers in a hushed tone, glancing over at Juju who thankfully is talking to Momma. “Are you trying to get me in trouble over here with the lady?” He laughs.
    “You asked the question.” I chuckle. “I know I can depend on you.”
    “Till the day I die,” he says as he grabs me for a hug.
    “Hey, watch the ribs!” I groan as he pulls away.
    “Sorry, man. Just all emotional and sh...crap... now,” he says, glancing over at Momma. I have to laugh.
    I reluctantly turn away and start to walk toward the gate. I hate goodbyes, especially this one, for some reason. I look over my shoulder, watching as my family gets smaller and smaller in my eyes, but bigger and bigger in my heart. The sound of the plane’s engine drowns out the pounding in my ears and the fear in my chest as I board. I’m not happy about being stuck in a tin tube for the next four hours at sixty thousand feet above the Earth. I could really use a drink right now.
     

     
    When the plane finally touches down, I close my eyes tightly and hold my breath. The landing causes me to bounce around in the cramped economy-sized seat, so I clinch the armrests to keep from falling out. A huge wave of relief washes over me as the pilot comes over the loudspeaker, confirming that we’ve landed at Logan Airport under sunny conditions and temperature in the nineties. Finally, as we taxi down the runway, I exhale all the air in my lungs. Once the plane comes to a stop and I open my eyes, I notice my knuckles are white from holding on so tightly.
    As I exit the plane, I feel my pulse pounding in my ears like a damn bass drum. I get a dull ache in my chest as I walk down the narrow white tunnel, returning to the life in Boston I started a few short months ago, but unsure of my plans involving Elle. Luke will be picking me up. I called him earlier this morning and gave him my flight information and where to pick me up. I snatch my phone from my back pocket when I hear it ring and check the text coming through from Luke saying he just arrived. I let him know that I would meet him outside.
    If Elle were picking me up, it would be a totally different story. I would want her to be the first one I see and touch when my two feet hit