“Gran raised me from when I was nine on—you know that—but what I never told anyone about were the visits my dad would pay me after I turned eighteen.”
I tell him how he got me fired from my job in college. How he would show up drunk, steal money from me, threaten me and those I love, including Trey.
I sit up and brush my hair out of my face. “When he grabbed me outside of the hospital and threatened to hurt you, I panicked. He smashed your windows to show me his threats weren’t empty, and I couldn’t let anything happen to you. So I kicked you out . . .”
“Jessie, why didn’t you tell me?” Hurt flashes across his face before he masks it.
“Because I was scared! Of him, of you realizing how fucked up my family is and leaving me. I thought pushing you away would be easier. It would still hurt, but it would keep you safe, and you’d never have to know how horrible my family is.”
He takes my hand and plants a kiss on my palm. “I never would’ve left. I’m sorry I left then. I shouldn’t have. I should’ve fought harder for you; I could’ve been there to protect you. I need you to understand something, Jessie. You’re it for me. You’re the only woman I want.”
“I want you, too.”
“So, tell me: What changed? You came all the way to Texas. What about Daryl?”
“That’s the good part.” I smile at him and explain why we’re truly free of my father now.
His jaw drops throughout my story. “He assaulted you with a deadly weapon and you’re just now fucking telling me?”
“Uh . . . Yes? Technically, they could charge him with attempted murder because he had a gun on him and told me he was going to kill me, but he hadn’t pointed it at meyetor anything.”
“Jessie Hawkins, are you fucking crazy? A book—you went back for the damn book! Do not ever put yourself at risk like that again. Call me. I’ll fly back and get the damn book for you. Or better yet, I’ll buy you an entire fucking library.”
I bite my lip to keep from giggling at him. Protective Trey is hot. If he’s not careful, we’ll end up naked again before I tell him the whole rest.
“It was scary for a few minutes, but the cops got him. I’ll have to testify in court, but he’ll be going away for a very long time. Along with Sheila, they’ve had two witnesses come forward for assault, and a massive case for drug trafficking. The judge considers him a flight risk and refused bail. He can’t hurt either of us anymore.”
Trey runs his hands through his hair again.
“Come here.” I pat the spot on the bed next to me.
He sits and presses his forehead to mine. “You should’ve told me. I could’ve been there for you.”
“I needed to do this myself. I’ve lived in fear of him my entire life, but that’s over now. I needed to come to terms with who my family is and who I am. Because I’m nothing like them, and I understand that now.”
“I’m so proud of you, Jessie, and I know Gran would be, too.”
Tears spring to my eyes. I’ll forever be grateful for the time Trey and Gran got to spend together. I am so lucky she got to know the man I’ve fallen in love with—and know she loved him, too.
Chapter 46
Trey
Jessie looks out the window from the passenger seat, trying to guess where we’re going.
I told her it was a surprise and refused to give her any hints. Even when she threatened me with withholding sex, I refused to budge. I’m too excited; ithasto be a surprise.
We’ve officially been in a relationship for one month, and I decided this was the best way to celebrate. I make her cover her eyes as we pull into the parking lot of the animal rescue center. I get out and jog around to open her door and help her down. I wait until I have her facing their sign to uncover her eyes.
It takes her a second to read it and process what we’re doing here, but once she does, she gasps and grabs my arm. “You better not tell me we’re only here to volunteer.”
“I mean, I can sign you up.” I grin and drop to one knee. “Jessie Hawkins, will you do me the honor of adopting a dog with me?”
She laughs at my theatrics, bouncing up and down on her toes. “Yes! Of course!”
I stand up and kiss her, hoping none of the employees are watching out the window thinking we just got engaged.
“You’re sure? A dog is a big commitment. What if it doesn’t work with the job I find?”
