“Not a chance.” He steps closer, lowering his voice to a forceful whisper. “I’ll stand here all day, if that’s what it takes.”
Meanwhile, Theo is watching the entire conversation play out and that’s more than any six-year-old needs.
Eddie follows my gaze and reaches for Theo’s hand. “Hey, buddy, I’m taking you to the truck. I’ll put on your movie for you okay? I just need to speak to Ms. Kiki for a minute.”
Do I consider jumping in my car the second Eddie turns his back? Bet your ass I do.
Seems Eddie is counting on it, too, as he shoots me a look over his shoulder. “I’m parked right here. Three spots away. Don’t even think about leaving.”
So I wait until Eddie settles Theo in the truck and returns to my side. “Start talking.”
I pull my coat tight, but it does nothing against the biting wind. “I can’t tell you what he said, Eddie. I won’t incriminate you in his lies.”
“What the fuck?” Eddie goes still, save for his fists clenching and unclenching by his side. “What the hell is he asking you to do?”
“Eddie, I can’t?—”
“Do not help him, Kiki. I know you were married and maybe you feel some obligation to him, but don’t you let this son of a bitch tangle you up in his mess.”
Does he really think that’s an option for me?
“I wouldneverhelp Drake. Of all people, you have to believe me. He’s a monster.” Tears stream down my face. Looks like the dam finally gave. “He’s so smug, certain he’s going to walk. There’s not an ounce of fear or remorse anywhere in him. And then, as if dealing with that piece of shit wasn’t bad enough, I got a front-row seat to the Kiki bashing show, compliments of Sparkwood and herlovelyresidents.”
He cups my face and thumbs away my tears. “I’m so sorry you’re having such an awful day. People are the worst.”
“You’re not.”
He shrugs and chuckles. “Yeah, well, I admit I got a twist of jealousy when you mentioned Drake’s name. Worried you might still have feelings for him.”
Okay, my man is officially off his rocker.
A snort flies past my lips. “Oh, I have feelings, all right. Plenty of them. Frustration. Rage. An urge to wear red to his funeral and tap dance on his coffin.”
The corners of Eddie’s mouth twitch. “Maybe that could be arranged.”
“I wish.” I sniffle, wiping my nose with my sleeve.
All the elegance and grace, Kiki.
Eddie jerks his chin toward his truck. “All right, it’s your choice. You can ride with me or you can follow me back to my place.”
I lift my hands and shake my head. “Absolutely not. I refuse to destroy your night with my crying and blubbering over everything. Have fun with Theo.”
But Eddie is in no mood to hear arguments. “You’re not sitting home alone tonight. We’re going to have spaghetti and meatballs, per Theo’s request. You’re going to have a glass of wine, and then, once you’re feeling loved and safe, we’ll discuss you going home.”
“No, but?—”
“Stop arguing. I’m pretty sure Theo and I can cheer you up.” He brushes a lock of hair from my face. “You’re not alone anymore.”
His words are a direct hit, cracking the emotional armor I feel obligated to wear.
I can’t say no to him. Besides, a night with my two favorite guys might be exactly what I need. Some happiness to balance out the pain.
I press a kiss to my fingertips, then touch them lightly to his mouth, the boldest move I can manage without falling apart again. “Okay, I’ll follow you.”
The strangest thing happens the second I step across the threshold into Eddie’s apartment.
I can breathe again.
