"Something like that," I manage.
She squeezes my shoulder. "Whatever it is, you'll figure it out. You always do."
But this time, I'm not so sure.
Because this isn't a problem I can study my way out of or work extra shifts to solve. This is a choice that will define the rest of my life, and I have no idea which option will destroy me less.
Take the money, lose Declan, and secure my future.
Or refuse it, stay with him, and spend the rest of our relationship wondering if I'm the anchor dragging him down.
Two days. His father gave me two days to decide.
I have a feeling it's going to be the longest two days of my life.
Chapter Two
DECLAN
The second Sutton walks through the door, I know something's wrong.
She won't look at me.
She's doing that thing where she focuses on anything else—her keys, her bag, the spot on the wall behind my head—anywhere except my eyes.
"Hey." I stand up from the couch. "Food's getting cold."
"Sorry. Long shift." She sets her bag down carefully.
"Come eat. I got extra spring rolls."
"I'm not really hungry."
"You said you didn't eat before work."
"I had a granola bar."
"That doesn't count." I pick up the takeout containers. "Come on. I’ve missed you.”
I picked up extra Chinese as a special treat for her. I loved doing little things for her, and spring rolls were the way to her heart. Seemed like a very small price to pay to make her smile.
"Declan, I need to talk to you."
The tone stops me cold.
That's not an “I-had-a-bad-day-at-work” tone. That's a “something-is-seriously-wrong” tone.
I quickly do a mental replay. There is no way I can be accused of messing around with Bree or any other woman. I went to class. Practice. Home. Period. No hints of impropriety.
"Okay." I set down the food. "What's going on?"
She finally looks at me. Her eyes are red. She's been crying.
"Your father came to see me this morning."
The words don't make sense at first. "What?"
"I came home to change before work, and he stopped by. I thought he was here for you, but he said he wanted to talk to me.”
