I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3) by Faith Sullivan

blush inwardly, remembering what it felt like to have Adam’s body on top of mine. “He only had one serious girlfriend as far as I know, and she dumped his ass and ended up breaking his heart.”
    “That’s why he came back to Pennsylvania, right?” I know there is more to it than that, but I play dumb. I don’t know how much Adam has revealed to Brian about the reasons behind his decision, and I don’t want to say too much. Adam entrusted me with his secrets, and I don’t intend to betray him, not even to his brother.
    “Yeah, he shut himself off from everyone. He needed time to regroup, and he was just getting back on his feet when all this went down. I guess I should’ve seen it coming. He was in such a vulnerable place in his life. Katie’s alleged death just added to it.” Judging by what he’s implying, it sounds like he’s aware of the riptide victim Adam was unable to save when he was a lifeguard in California. If he could’ve confided in anyone, I’m sure he would have shared his doubts with Brian.
    “So you know about the drowning?” I throw it out there, trying to be as vague as possible.
    “Yeah, I’m just shocked that you do.” He glances at me quickly before looking away. “He must really trust you.”
    “That’s the second time I’ve heard that today. Why does everyone sound so surprised?” Now I’m getting pissed. Don’t I seem like a trustworthy person?
    “Not surprised, more like proud that my brother was smart enough to see what I saw in you from day one.” He nudges my arm with his elbow, and I don’t pull away.
    “What? That my face is two different colors?” I can’t resist making a joke at my expense.
    “Will you cut it out?” He groans. “That’s not what I meant at all. You’re smart. You’re hot. You’re so put together, it’s scary.” I snort in disagreement, but he doesn’t stop with his list of accolades. “From what I can gather, you’ve bailed Adam out of quite a few dicey situations. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. That’s so rare in a person, and I’m glad that no matter how screwed up my brother’s head is right now he’s still able to recognize the goodness in you. It strengthens my resolve that our efforts won’t be in vain.”
    “I hope you’re right.” I nudge him back, and he grins.
    “I usually am.” He raises an eyebrow at me, causing me to giggle.
    “You O’Malley boys are going to drive me insane,” I exclaim, stretching out my legs.
    “That’s the plan.” He extends his fist and I bump it with mine.

Chapter Fourteen
Adam
    “Katie, can I come in? We have to talk.” I rap on her door, refusing to budge until she opens it. I wanted to take her aside the minute they got back from the cafe. But when she saw me sitting next to Kelly on the porch, she ran straight up to her room.
    “Go away!” Her voice is muffled, but it sounds like she’s crying. I hate that she had to find out like this. If she’d only let me explain…but I’m just kidding myself. There’s no way I can justify my actions. She’s everything that’s pure and decent and good. Now that she knows the truth, why would she want anything to do with a loser like me?
    “I’m going to sit outside your door all night if that’s what it takes. I’m not giving up on whatever this is between us and neither should you.” I prop my shoulder against the doorframe, praying that she can somehow find it in her heart to forgive me.
    “You’re a liar and a cheat and I never want to see you again.” Her voice is closer now, like she’s pressed up against the door. I let my fingers glide over the wood where I imagine her face to be.
    “You’re right. I am.” I’m not here to fight with her if that’s what she thinks. “But I only did it because of you.”
    “I can’t believe you have the nerve to say something like that. Who the hell do you think you are?” She’s enraged. Maybe I went too far with that last remark.
    “It’s true. I