Derek takes my hand. “Look, this is a good thing, Sutton. I don’t want you to worry.”
“Right. Sorry.” I pull my hand away. “If things are going well, I’m happy for you. For both of you.”
“What’s wrong?” Derek studies me.
“I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, sorry. I want to know how things are going with them. You know I love Troy, and I’m just looking out for him.”
Derek leans over and kisses me. It doesn’t do much to stop the warring thoughts in my head. “I don’t want you to worry.”
“Well, I’m a mother. You know I do.”
I hate that I’m wary of this situation. If Derek isn’t, why should I be? But…the tiny voice in the back of my head is thinking differently.
Because what if things start changing between Derek and Missy? What if feelings grow between them and Derek realizes it’d be easier to be with Missy than me?
They’re a family. I would not want to be the reason they’re not a family.
“Hey. You okay?” Derek asks, pulling me from my betraying thoughts.
“I’m good. But I should probably head home.”
“Really? I thought you had all night?” he questions.
“I need to get home. It was a long day, and I want to get a good night’s sleep before work tomorrow.”
“Right. I get it. Can I pack you leftovers for lunch tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
Derek goes into the kitchen, and I go to the front door and slide into my shoes and grab my purse.
I take a deep breath and try to settle my racing mind. I don’t want to be feeling these things. I want Derek more than anything in the world. I would do anything for him and Troy, but it’s hard with other parents in the picture. So fucking hard.
“Hey.” Derek grabs my elbow and spins me into his arms.A plastic container of leftovers is in his other hand. “I love you.”
I smile at him. “I know. I love you too.”
“You free this weekend?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll call you.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
With a quick kiss, I’m out the door.
And hopefully, not for good.
Chapter Twenty-Five
SUTTON
“Oh I’m so glad you’re here early.” Jameson bursts into the locker room in a whirl of glamour and fervor. Only he could look that good coming into work. Nice jeans, a button-up sleeveless top, and brown boots. Much better than my old T-shirt and leggings.
