Read Online The Heart-Shaped Emblor (The Ewlishash Series) by Alaina Ewing - Free Book Online Page A

Cooper walk away from me, some part of me felt I had made a mistake. I worked late into the evening, not wanting to face what had happened. By the time I got home, my exhausted body barely made it inside. Unfortunately, Mel was waiting at the top of the stairs.
    “Is everything okay, Aislinn? You look upset.”
    “I’m tired,” I mumbled. “Did you need something?”
    Her eyes darted back and forth between the wall and me. “I have something to tell you. Both Evan and I do, but he’s too chicken to tell you to your face, so I am.”
    “What is it? Is everything okay?”
    “Oh yes, very okay.” She looked down. “Why don’t we sit?”
    “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not. I’ve had a long day and really want to go to bed.”
    “Oh,” she said with surprise. “Is this a bad time?”
    “Kind of, but go ahead. Just, be quick, please.” I wasn’t meaning to come off short. I just felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how much more I could take.
    “Okay, I’m just going to spit it out. Evan and I are dating again.” Her face contorted in worry as I took in her words.
    “Really?”
    “You’re not mad?”
    “Why would I be mad? I don’t care, as long as it’s what you both want. I just don’t want you to get hurt again. He cheated on you before, and it would be hard with us all living together if he did that again. But maybe he won’t.”
    “That’s why we assumed you’d be mad, because he did hurt me. But we realized we still love each other,” she admitted. “So I’m glad you don’t disapprove.”
    “Of course I don’t,” I assured her. “My only hope for you both is that you’re happy. If being together makes you happy, I support you one hundred percent, okay?”
    “Thanks, Aislinn!” Mel hurried down the stairs, and engulfed me in a hug. “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
    “Not really.” The words caught in the back of my throat. “I just want to get to bed.”
    “Sure.” She softened her expression. “Thanks for listening. See you in the morning.”
    “Goodnight.” She sauntered into the hallway, and I quickly made my way downstairs before anything else could pop up and bite me.

5
    ALEXANDER

    I barely made it to my futon before collapsing. My heart ached when I thought about the possibility of losing Cooper, so I tried not to think about it. I forced my eyes to stay shut until I finally fell asleep.
    My dreams visited in choppy versions of what Cooper and I had discussed. By the time my alarm blared in the morning, I felt like I’d had two hours of sleep.
    Even if Cooper denied having feelings for Jaden, in my own heart, I suspected otherwise. Now that he knew she’d reacted out of fear, would he realize he still loved her?
    I couldn’t think about Cooper anymore. My future depended on a successful art show, and I still had a lot to do. So, with great lethargy, I left without breakfast.
    When I arrived in the pottery room, a pleasant surprise awaited me. Cooper had already been there, as evidenced by the photos he’d removed from the hall and the new pile he’d left on the counter for me. He even left a note with them.
    Hey Aislinn,
    I left these for you to replace the others I removed. Please don’t be angry. I just don’t want to be associated with Jaden right now. I hope that’s okay. I’m heading home. Not feeling well.
    Cooper
    His desire to be distanced from her pleased me. I made sure to place the new photos as far away from Jaden’s work as possible.
    The morning flew by quickly. I got almost everything done. The only tasks that remained were incorporating any last-minute items added, and printing the flyers. I already had music lined up for the event and had even gotten word back on the culinary classes’ additions. They were going to supply artful food for everyone to eat.
    Everything was coming together so well. All I had to do was wrap up a few loose ends, and wait for the weekend. Mr. Wellner would be pleased.
    Just as my