Nate placed his hands on Jade’s shoulders and turned her toward him. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She plastered on a fake smile and looked away.
He placed a finger under her chin, pulling her head back to look at him. “Freckles, have they bothered you at school?”
She blew out a quick breath. “Apart from stalkers trying to come onto the grounds, where our kids should feel safe, and some abusive emails from parents, they haven’t bothered me much.”
He dropped his head for a beat. “I’m so sorry this has happened.”
“This isn’t your fault. I’ll handle it. It’s fine.”
It wasn’t fine. He could see it clearly in her tense expression. But this wasn’t the time or place to discuss it further. “After class we’ll talk.”
She shook her head. “I have to visit my mum. I’ve been avoiding her calls all day. We can talk later.”
He let go of her shoulders, and she walked over to the kids, clapping her hands to get their attention. Once they quietened down, she stepped back and let him take over the class.
But before they got started, Lachlan raised his hand. “Is Miss Brennan going to marry the rock star? My mummy said it would be exciting if she did.”
He glanced over at Jade, and his heart tripped. If only their circumstances were different, maybe they could’ve had a future together. “Miss Brennan will find a better man to marry than a rock star. Now, let’s see if you remember what you learned from the last lesson.”
* * * *
Because Lauren and Ava had driven her to school, Nate gave Jade a ride to her mother’s house. As they pulled into the driveway, she dropped her head in her hands. Both Connor and Kaitlin’s cars were parked in front of the garage.
“What’s the matter?” Nate asked.
“I was hoping to give a brief explanation to Ma and have her pass it onto my siblings. But no, my brother and sister had to be around to hear it firsthand.”
“I can come in with you if you’d like.”
When she looked at him, she could tell he was serious. He’d face her family to help her out.
“No, that’s okay. I can handle them.” With a sledgehammer if she needed to.
“I’ll wait here for you so I can give you a ride home when you’re done,” he offered.
She shook her head. “My house isn’t far. I can walk.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind waiting.”
“I could do with some fresh air to clear my mind. Trust me, I’ll need it after talking to Connor.”
Nate frowned. “Maybe I should come inside. He wasn’t easy on you the other night.”
“He’s all bark. I can take him on.”
Nate chuckled. “And you’re all bite. I’ve got a few marks on my body to prove it.”
Flaming hot heat rushed to her cheeks, and his chuckle turned into a laugh.
“I’m not complaining though,” he assured her.
She nudged him with her elbow and got out of the car. He didn’t leave until she was inside.
She found her mother, Connor, and Kaitlin gathered in the living room. They turned their attention toward her as she entered the room.
Kaitlin held a bowl of popcorn on her lap, shoveling handfuls in her mouth like she was getting ready to watch a movie. And Connor wore a scowl so hard it surprised her his face didn’t crack.
