“Your father’s garbage.”
“No arguments here.”
Releasing a harsh breath as my shoulders drained of tension, I blinked back tears. With more effort, I slowed my breathing, calmed my racing pulse.
“I don’t know what to say.” His voice was softer.
“Maybe there’s nothing to say.”
“Oh, there’s something. I’m just not sure what yet. Does he still live in Houston?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you seen him?”
I scowled. “No, and I don’t want to. My mother either. She, ah, she told me my motor-skill struggles pushed my dad over the edge, and that’s why he left her. I haven’t seen her since I left for college.”
“I don’t blame you.”
The silence stretched out again. Then I heard the ring for a video call. I licked my lips, pulse pounding in my neck. Before I could second-guess myself, I pressedAccept.
Cormac’s face filled the screen. He leaned against the headboard, one arm behind his neck, pillows supporting him.
“Keelie—wait, why are you in the dark?”
“It seemed an appropriate place to share the most terrible moments of my life, when I learned how unlovable I was.”
He squinted, bringing his phone a little closer. With a sigh, his expression softened. “You are not unlovable.”
I sniffled. “I feel that way.”
His expression turned even more earnest. “You need to know something, and I want you to see my face when I say it: your feelings matter to me.Youmatter to me. I want you to be happy. Deliriously so.”
I turned on my side, propping my phone on the neighboring pillow. “My parents…that’s why trust is hard for me.”
He nodded, expression sad. “I understand that much better now. So, here’s what I can do: I’ll always tell you my truth.”
I smiled again, liking that he saidhistruth. That probably wouldn’t always align with the happenings around him—something I hadn’t understood until meeting him. But we all had things that colored our perceptions; my father’s abandonment, his betrayal, and my mother’s continual chasing of security had tainted my ability to see truth.
“I’ll give you my truth, too,” I promised.
Cormac nodded. “Here’s the number-one truth I have where you’re concerned: I’m falling in love with you.”
Chapter43
Cormac
She licked her lips, eyes wide. “I…”
“Don’t feel like you need to say it back. I told you because you need to know.” I frowned. “Though I’d planned this to be a lot more romantic.”
She smiled, and it was shy. “It was kind of romantic.” Her voice was soft. “I’m falling for you, Cormac. Hard. You’re just too good—”
“Don’t you dare say to be true. I’m me, you’re you, and I love you.”
Her smile grew. “I lo—”
“Please don’t say it now.” I groaned. “I want to kiss you.” My dick twitched. “And worship your body like you deserve when you say it.”
