“You just did.”
“There were reasons for keeping my identity quiet.”
“It doesn’t matter what they are.”
My stomach churns again. She’s not budging.
“Adrienne–”
“When were you going to tell me?”
I get even closer to her so that she can feel the regret pouring off of me.
“Last night was so perfect that I didn’t want to ruin it.”
“It’s not only ruined, but it’s already forgotten.”
Ouch, that hurt, but I realize that was the intention. I’m not giving up on her or on us, not when I’ve just found her.
I slide my hand along the side of her face into her hair.
Her eyes close for just a moment.
I take a momentary small comfort in knowing that her body is in conflict with her brain. She wants to hear me out, but her pride won’t let her. Then a trash that selfish thought and recognize the distress I am causing her. I’ve never regretted a poor decision as much as I do right now.
She takes what seems like a deep cleansing breath, opens her eyes, and stares me straight on.
“I never want to see you again, Jason.”
There’s a gut wrenching pain I suffer from her words because I know she means them, and it hurts worse than any damage a player could ever do to me on the football field. Lucky for me, I’ve been battled tested. I’m not giving up on her or on the possibility of us.
Not without a fight.
Twenty-Nine
ADRIENNE
“Dr. Hodges,there’s a new patient here to see you without an appointment.”
“Is it an emergency, Penny?”
“I don’t think so.”
“So can you just reschedule them please?”
“Um, I tried to, but the guardian won’t take no for an answer.”
“Seriously? I don’t need any parent drama. I’m swamped today.”
“He promises it will just take a second. I promised him you could take a look.”
“Why did you promise that? Is he a friend of yours?”
“No, but–”
I practically slam down my paperwork on the desk and walk away from Penny with heavy steps into the waiting room.
“That’s them,” Penny points with a grin.
