Tuesday (Timeless Series #2) Read Online Free

disappointment. “Thank you. You do too.”
    “I look beautiful?” That cocky smile spread across his lips.
    Was he seriously going to talk to me like nothing ever happened? The last time I saw him, he left me alone in his apartment. I fell to my knees and cried as he walked out of my life and never looked back. And that was after I gave him my journal, the most personal thing I possessed.
    Maybe I wasn’t as strong as I thought.
    I managed to play along. “In so many words.” I forced a smile that physically caused me pain then placed my hand on his shoulder. “Excuse me, I have more people to greet.” I dropped my hand and walked around him. Once my face was hidden, I released the air from my lungs and finally felt my heart slow down.
    Thank god I got that over with.
    ***
    I sat beside Marie while Axel sat on the opposite side of her. Hawke was on Axel’s other side. The tables were round, and I wasn’t face-to-face with him, thankfully. But he was still too close for comfort.
    “I guess you were right,” Marie whispered to me.
    “About what?” I drank my wine and realized I needed to pace myself. I already had three glasses.
    “Hawke.” She kept her voice low. “I saw you guys talking. It didn’t seem weird at all.”
    “It wasn’t.” That was a huge lie, but I wouldn’t admit the truth to her—not right now.
    “I’m glad Axel and I were wrong. We were making a fuss over nothing.”
    “Like always.” I clanked my glass against hers and took a long drink.
    “Baby, let’s dance.” Axel leaned toward her and pressed kisses into her neck. It was clear he was a little buzzed—and very happy.
    “There’s no dance floor.” She pushed him away gently.
    “Right there.” He pointed to the table near the cake. “Come on. I love this song.”
    She sighed like she was irritated, but there was an unmistakable smile on her lips.
    Axel got up then pulled her to her feet. “I want to show you off to everyone.”
    “But everyone here has already seen me,” she said as she let him pull her away.
    “But now you’re going to be my wife. I want everyone to know how lucky I am.” He put his arm around her waist then guided her to the small area. Then he danced slowly with her, looking like a man very much in love. His eyes were glued to her, and he stared at her like he never wanted to stop. Marie was the only woman I’d ever seen him act like this with. She really was the one.
    Hawke scooted over one seat so we were closer together.
    Just leave me alone.
    There was one empty chair between us but that wasn’t enough space. I could smell his scent and I hated the way it made me feel. Memories kept rushing through my mind, the ones I tried to repress. “I’m really happy for them.”
    “I am too.” I kept my eyes glued to them. It was better to watch my brother than to stare at Hawke’s beautiful face. Those blue eyes had haunted me for a long time. It took me months to learn to sleep alone after he left. I wasn’t weak or easy to break, but Hawke made a fool out of me and shattered me like colored glass.
    “Marie makes him a better man. I’ve never seen that idiot so happy.” He released a quiet chuckle.
    “Marie is a better woman too.” This conversation was too unnatural. How could we sit there and pretend we didn’t remember the last time we saw each other? I said we were soul mates and he agreed. Or was he just saying that? I would never know because I refused to ask.
    “How are you?” His eyes moved to my face.
    I could feel them burn the side of my cheek. I was doing much better before you walked through the door. “Good. How are you?”
    “I’m okay.” He didn’t elaborate further. “I heard your bakery is a success—congratulations.”
    He asked Axel about me? Or did Axel just say things? “Thank you. It’s a dream come true.” I didn’t put much emotion into my words. It was too difficult to sound excited or remotely happy when he was this close to me. My stomach