She bailed on me like a traitor. “I’ll give you two a minute.”
My head thunked when I dropped it on the table. How the hell was I supposed to face him?
The leather creaked as he shuffled onto the bench across from me. “Ashley.”
“What?” My arms covered my head, muffling my reply.
“Please look at me.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t do this right now.”
“Yes, you can.” His voice was softer, encouraging.
“Can you just go away?” I added “Please” thinking it’d make a difference.
“You know I can’t. More importantly, I won’t.”
Two strong hands gently pulled my arms away from my head, then one hand reached over, pried under my chin, and lifted my face up.
“That’s better.” He used his thumb to wipe away the tears I hadn’t wanted him to see. “Is this why you said no to giving me a second chance?”
No judgement. No questions about the baby or Finn.
“Yes.” I had more to say, but was too exhausted to find the right words.
When he held my hand, I didn’t pull back.
When my gaze locked on his, he held it.
When Jamie cleared his throat, neither of us looked away.
“I’m taking my wife home unless you need me for something?” Jamie said.
Nathan didn’t break eye contact when he answered, “We’re good.”
Nathan finally blinked, breaking the spell, when Jamie said, “Maybe we’ll stay until he’s focused again.”
My cheeks burned as I pulled my hand away.
Damn, that was intense.
Emily leaned over the bench and hugged me goodbye. “Call me later. I want to hear everything.” Her impish grin and sparkling eyes made my cheeks burn a little hotter.
Resisting the temptation to look at Nathan, I said, “Okay.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes after Jamie and Emily left. Words seemed inadequate for the heavy emotions swirling in the air around us.
“Can I take you home?” Nathan asked, breaking the silence.
I liked the way the word home sounded on his lips.No, I can’t think like that.
Sitting there like a deer in the headlights, a million emotions raged inside. My hands shook. My voice failed me. My eyes blinked away more tears.
“Come on,Slick, let’s go.” He used the nickname he’d given me in Vegas as he stood and took the one step needed to stand beside my bench. When he extended his hand, I took it.
