Read Online Aflame (Fall Away #4) by Penelope Douglas - Free Book Online

had to choose, he chose her.
    Tate had shut me out, she’d kicked me out, and she wouldn’t return texts or calls. But then I realized it wasn’t just me. She must’ve been different for everyone.
    “There’s more,” Jax said hesitantly.
    I let out an aggravated laugh, shaking my head.
What now?
    They started walking back from where we came. “Take a look in the front yard,” Madoc called out, gesturing in front of Tate’s house.
    I didn’t have to walk far. When I spotted the FOR SALE sign on the other side of the driveway, the ache Madoc’s story had created in my gut turned to full-blown rage in my head.
    “What the hell is going on?” I growled, eyeing the tall white wooden pole planted in the grass that hung the FOR SALE sign in full view of anyone who drove by.
    Her house is for sale?
My eyes shifted from side to side, the flood of thoughts keeping my feet planted to the same spot.
    Jax stepped forward. “Tate’s off to Stanford in the fall. Her dad is spending most of his time abroad,” he explained and then approached me. “Last week, he decided to sell, since they’re both home so rarely. He’s buying a house closer to work when he’s in the country.”
    “And Tate was okay with that?”
    “She had no choice,” Madoc stepped in. “James wouldn’t let her spend her inheritance on buying the house from him. She needs it for medical school.”
    I squatted down, running my hand through my hair. I breathed in and out, trying to stay calm, but this shit was flipping my world upside down. Tate’s coldness, the tree, the house . . .
    What did I think was going to happen, anyway? That she was going to stay in this house forever? I knew shit was going to change, and I had to accept it. Tate fell away from me, and her life was as it should be. She was moving forward and on track.
    But as my lungs filled and emptied, I wished the knots in my gut would hear what my brain was trying to convey.
    Tatum Brandt isn’t yours anymore.
    But then my fists tightened, and I looked up at her house.
    And then at our tree.
    And then at my house.
    And I couldn’t accept that.
    Even after all the good in my life—my business, my career, and how I’d grown—I was satisfied but not really happy.
    I still loved her. I’d only ever wanted her.
    “Are there any offers on it yet?” I asked, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
    “They’ve had two,” I heard Madoc say.
    Of course. No one could refuse a
Leave It to Beaver
house like this. The offers would come fast, and there would be plenty.
    “James rejected both, though,” he continued. “He doesn’t seem to be in too big a hurry to sell. That’s why Tate’s staying at my house for a few days. They’re doing some touch-ups inside for new buyers.”
    I ran my hand through my hair again, ignoring the fact that Pasha now had her full attention focused on me as she stared wide-eyed, eating her candy. There was only one other time she’d seen me really angry, so she was probably damn well enjoying this show.
    I looked up at Tate’s house. Perfect white with some summer green trim. A big, beautiful porch. Her manicured lawn sprawling down an easy little hill. I remember loving the sight of the lights glowing inside on cold winter nights as I pulled into my own driveway.
    And my fucking eyes started burning, and I had to look away.
    The backyard where we made love the first time. Our bedroom windows facing each other. The tree that connected us.
    I bared my teeth, inhaling a sharp breath. I’d thought nothing would change.
    “Jared.” Madoc cleared his throat. “We just told you that your girl tried to cut down your tree. The one you tattooed on your back.” His hard voice got louder. “That the house she’s lived in ever since you’ve known her is up for sale.”
    “She’s not my girl,” I barked.
    “She’s not anyone else’s, either!” Madoc shot back. “Tatum Brandt loves one person. You. She will always love you.” His threatening growl was