Read Online Beyond These Walls (The Walls Duet #2) by J. L. Berg - Free Book Online

until we were finally forced to let go. The door swung open, and I felt the chill from outside hit my face as she and the rest of the crew staying at the hotel walked through it before heading down the street. My hands went to my pockets, seeking the warmth they’d lost when she left. I never noticed my brother still lingering in the corner.
    “How about a celebratory drink? One final hurrah before the last nail gets pounded into that coffin of yours tomorrow.”
    I turned to find him watching me, his dark eyes skeptical and leery.
    “Where did your date go?” I asked, stepping toward the bar, figuring that was enough of an answer for him.
    “She had to . . . work.”
    “Hmm,” was all I said.
    We settled into two stools and ordered—whiskey sour for Roman, Coke for me.
    “Why did you bring her?” I asked, turning toward him, as I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. “You knew it would piss me off. So, why do it? Do you really hate me that much, Roman?”
    His expression hardened. “You know, not every-fucking-thing in this world revolves around you, little brother.” He stood swiftly, swaying slightly, and he stepped away from the bar. “I think I’ll go find someone else to drink with tonight. Drinking solo wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind.”
    He threw down a twenty for the drinks we had yet to be served and bailed, leaving me confused and alone at the bar.
    Our drinks arrived moments later, and as the bartender set them down, he looked around and asked, “Your friend all right?”
    “I have no idea,” I answered honestly.
    With Roman, I never did.

“RISE AND SHINE!” I announced, spreading the heavy curtains apart to let the golden sunlight stream into the previously dark hotel room.
    The large space was immediately flooded with blinding bright light from the world outside, and I turned to see two unhappy people gazing up at me from the beds across the room.
    “You know, when I agreed to this sleepover, I assumed it would include sleep—or at least more sleep than I usually receive during a normal night at home with an infant and a husband who swears he doesn’t steal all the covers. He does, by the way.”
    I giggled softly as I looked over at my poor sleepy friend. I tried covering my mouth, but it in no way hid the smile peeking out. “It’s my wedding day!” I said happily. “We’ve got things to do!”
    “Sweetheart, you know it’s only”—my mother glanced over at the alarm clock on the nightstand separating the two beds—“five in the morning!” She let out a groan as her head hit the pillow.
    “The hairdresser won’t be here until noon!” Grace nearly cried, pulling her pillow over her head in an effort to turn off the sun.
    “Yes, but I thought we could get breakfast and then maybe, um . . . I don’t know.” My voice drifted off.
    “You couldn’t sleep,” my mother guessed, her lethargic mood transforming into a warm smile.
    “No. I’m too excited.”
    “Well, let’s all get up then,” Grace said begrudgingly.
    I skipped across the room and wrapped her in a tight hug. She returned the gesture, and I felt her mouth curl into a smile against my cheek.
    “You know, there isn’t another female on the planet I would get out of bed for this early—or one who could get me into a green dress.”
    I pulled back and met her gaze. “It will be stunning—I guarantee it—even if it’s not pink.”
    “Okay, but if not, you have to promise to do all of this over again—in pink.”
    I laughed as my hands wove with hers, and she gave them a tight squeeze.
    “Deal,” I answered.
    “So, what’s on the agenda first, boss lady?” she asked, covering a yawn with the back of her hand.
    “Well, why don’t you go jump in the shower, and I’ll order room service?”
    “Okay, but make sure you order at least a gallon of coffee. No, make that two. And let me know if my phone chirps while I’m in the bathroom. Brian said he had a handle on things, but I’m