My heartbeat speeds up when the thought of Nova marrying another man flashes through my mind.
“That won’t happen,” I snap, my tone too harsh.
Her eyes jump to my face, and her features tighten with fear. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” I hate how her shoulders curl forward as if she’s trying to protect herself.
Fuck.
I step closer and wrap her up in a hug. Feeling how she’s trembling, I keep my tone soft as I say, “I’m sorry for snapping.” I press a kiss to her hair. “Don’t be scared of me.”
Nova nods against my chest.
“I don’t want to talk about me marrying some random woman or you moving out. You belong here with Lainey and me,” I say, so there are no misunderstandings between us.
“Okay.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “I’m sorry.”
I press another kiss to her hair and tighten my hold on her. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I just don’t want to make life harder for you,” she admits, her voice sounding too fragile.
“You’re not. You’ve been amazing, and we’re lucky to have you, Nova.”
Her cheek rubs against my chest, then she pulls away from me, and I have no choice but to let go of her.
Avoiding my eyes, she murmurs, “Thank you for being so nice to me.”
Before I can respond, Lainey comes down the stairs and says, “Porsha told me you called her mom, and she can come over.”
I take a seat at the island again, and while Nova clears the plates, I keep stealing glances at her.
I hope the therapy will help her heal and that she’ll be open to dating again.
Otherwise, I’m fucked.
How do I live in a house with the woman I’m falling in love with and pretend we’re just friends?
Chapter 20
Nova
While Lainey and Porsha are playing in her bedroom, I stand at the top of the stairs and shamelessly listen to the interview happening downstairs.
“We’re sorry for your loss, Easton,” the reporter says, his tone professional.
Easton clears his throat before he replies, “Thank you, Mark.”
“Do you plan to take some time off?”
“Yes. I’m sure my fans will understand that I need to spend time with my niece,” Easton answers.
“I’m certain you’ve been too busy to hear about the rumors, but you’ve been seen with a certain redhead, and everyone’s wondering who she is.”
Oh God.
I lower my face into my palm.
“Her name is Nova Allen. She’s a close family friend and Lainey’s godmother.”
“Oh. Do you share custody of Lainey?” the man asks.
