and have a seat. I was just reading.” He waves me in, and I take a tentative step.
“I’ve never seen this many books all in one place.” I can hardly decide where to look as I make my way over to one of the large, leather chairs to sit down.
“What about a library?”
I shake my head. “Ain’t never been to one. Mrs. McCullom used to let me borrow some books from her sometimes, but I ran out of ones I could read pretty quick.”
“What do you mean?”
My face heats as I realize what I just said. “Oh nothin’, I just meant books I liked.” I continue to look longingly at the full shelves. He seems to have every type anyone could imagine, books I always wanted to read, and so many I ain’t never heard of but instantly want to devour. I could spend a lifetime locked in this room just reading or trying to anyway.
“What kinds of books do you like?” Barrett asks, setting down the one he was holding to give me his full attention.
My face warms up again, and I tug my bottom lip between my teeth, pulling my legs up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. I shrug awkwardly in that position and turn my face away from his so he can’t see me as much.
“All kinds.”
“Sterling,” he says my name in that heavy, commanding way that makes the pit of my stomach flutter and my skin tingle. It makes me want to listen to whatever he’s about to say next. I reluctantly turn my face, resting my chin on my knee and holding myself tighter. “Tell me.”
“I can read,” I say, sounding more defensive than I mean to. Barrett makes a rumbly sorta noise in his throat, his eyes fixed on me like a snake fixing to snare a mouse, and waits for me to keep talking. “I just don’t read real good. We didn’t have a lot of books around, and when I struggled to pick it up, my teacher Ms. Wright, told me to practice at home more. Thing is, I couldn’t really, so I just never got too good at it.”
None of the other kids seemed to have much trouble. And now Barrett knows I’m stupid, just like everyone back in Billow always knew.
“You like books though?” he asks, and I nod eagerly. “Okay, then we can work on it if you want. In the meantime, why don’t you come over here.” He pats his thigh, and my eyes widen. Does he mean…?
When I don’t move right away, he stands up and strides over to me, scooping me up without warning and startling an embarrassing squeak from me. Before I can ask what he’s doing, he settles back into his chair, this time with me right on his lap. He picks up the book he was reading, flips to the first page, and starts to read out loud.
His voice is like a fire, warm and comforting, inviting me to sink into him. So I do. I relax against his large body, resting my head on his shoulder and closing my eyes so I can focus on his words. Barrett uses one arm to hold me close, making me feel safe in a way I’ve never felt before.
Chapter 10
Barrett
Sunday brunch became a tradition Kiernan, Lorna, Alden, and I started in University. Back then, it was always a hangover brunch at the cheap pancake house a few blocks from the dorms, but now we rotate who hosts each week. When one of us is out of town, we rearrange the rotation and give that person shit for missing it.
Since Sterling discovered my library last night, I’ve hardly been able to get him out of there. I read to him last night until my voice was hoarse, and then I carried him to bed and fell asleep cuddling him. This morning, I told him I needed to spend an hour or so in the kitchen, and he declared he would spend the time in the library until everyone arrived.
I check the French toast bake that’s in the oven and stir the eggs on the stovetop, eagerly watching the clock for my friends to arrive. I can’t remember a time I’ve been this excited to introduce them to one of my boys. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this excited about a boy, period.
Just before eleven-thirty, the doorbell rings, and I hurry to let them in. Lorna steps inside and pulls