Isucked down a glass of water like the earth might be running out. I let it thunk on the counter in front of me and swiped at my cheeks with the back of my shaking hand. I pressed the glass against the lever on the fridge and a spew of water filled the night’s silence once more.
Until I heard a door open. Jack’s.
I rolled my eyes, sniffing hard. He had just made an appearance in my nightmares as my opponent in a courtroom, fighting for my son. And now, he was strolling into my moment of peace. I needed a second to regain my composure. Not strike up conversation.
“You okay?”
I didn’t turn to look. Just answered quietly. “Yeah.”
“Couldn’t sleep?”
“Nightmare.”
“That sucks.”
I nodded. “Sorry I woke you.”
“You didn’t. I was up.”
I took a swallow of water, really wanting him to go away. The past few days had been the weirdest of my life. Didn’t need his presence in the wee hours to complete my twenty-four hour cycle of regret and confusion.
I glanced his direction and wished I hadn’t. He was shirtless and his body was as solid as it had always been.
“Do you want to talk about it at all?” He moved to get his own glass from the cabinet.
“No.”
But I did. So badly I did. I wanted to ask him if he remembered the day I came back to Nashville. Ask why he turned the two of us away. Ask how this all could’ve happened. I had been willing to come back and try. To make it work for our child.
It wasJackwho said no.
But I couldn’t ask those questions now. What if Jack got angry with me and called off our arrangement? What if hetrulydidn’t remember for some reason and thought I’d hidden Kacey from him all these years? Any normal person would be angry and upset. Any admirable man would fight for his son.
Jack was certainly admirable. He had his flaws. But none a court would take very seriously.
My eyes filled with tears again as my brain replayed the stupid dream. For the first time ever, I was on the brink of being able to support my sonon my own.All because of Nathaniel.
I couldn’t talk to Jack now. I’d try to wait. Keep my distance until I could provide a stable living for Kacey. Then we’d talk. Then, if Jack took me to court, I’d be prepared.
“Jack?” My voice sounded hoarse.
“Yeah.” He leaned against the opposite counter top, fully facing me.
I averted my eyes from him.
“Do I—seem unstable?”
“Hm.” He thought for a moment then spoke slowly. “Unstable, no. But really hurt and afraid, yes.”
I nodded, emotions choking off my response.
He rushed to add, “And you have every reason to feel that way.”
Jack thought I was thinking about Chris. If only it were so simple.
I quickly glanced at him. Darkness shrouded his face, but he was watching me. The heat of his gaze caused my cheeks to burn.
“Can I ask you something?”
