Page 78 of Every Time We Touch

“It’s not just Heather. Austin’s been in touch more as well. Everyone’s very worried about me and seems to have forgotten I’m a grown man.”

Inside me, relief and guilt continue their never-ending battle.

“What happened still hurts,” he says. “I can’t pretend it doesn’t.”

My stomach drops.

“But you’re my daughter.” He finally looks at me. “That will never change.”

For a moment, I can’t speak. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to hear that.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about everything yet,” he says. “Probably not.” He lets out a breath. “But I don’t want us to stop talking either.”

“Okay,” I whisper.

Dad nods once, then suddenly pushes back his chair and gets to his feet.

Panic flashes through me. Is he leaving? But he doesn’t reach for his coat. He opens his arms.

I get up, hurry around the table and wrap my arms around him.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I whisper into his shoulder.

His hold on me tightens. “I know.”

It’s not forgiveness yet, but for now it’s more than enough.

Chapter 40

Clancy

“I’m not a hundred percent sure of this.” I stare into Jen’s sleepy face. She was up late working on a presentation for the guy who wants to buy her business.

“Are you scared of my family?” Jen’s brain must still be asleep. “Because we’re really just a bunch of pussycats.”

“Some of you have very sharp claws.”

“Just Lauren, really.” Jen brings her hand to my cheek. “It’s not even certain she’ll be there.”

Mimi wrapped her shoot this week and, as a celebration, she has summoned all of her children, grandchildren, and significant others to Sunday brunch—no exceptions allowed.

“Really?” I’m hardly up to speed with all the dynamics in the St James family, but I get an inkling that when Mimi St James asks her children for something, they all have a tendency to comply—out of love for their mother.

“I don’t know, babe. I haven’t spoken to Lauren in weeks. Mom said she’d be there, though.”

“Well, in that case.” I glance at my watch. “We have ample time for you to take away the worst of my nerves.”

A smile breaks on Jen’s face. “If by take away you mean fuck away, then definitely.” She suddenly looks a lot more awake.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” When I look at her, I know I’d do anything for her—and facing her entire family seems like only a minor ordeal. But it’s only logical that I’m nervous, keeping in mind that I’ve attended a St James brunch before—as Eric’s girlfriend.

“You got it.” Jen kisses me quickly on the cheek. “Give me a minute.” She hops out of bed and rushes into the bathroom. I hear her rummage around. I stretch out my limbs, my body already thrumming with anticipation for what’s to come.

“At your service,” Jen says, when she walks back into the bedroom, fully strapped on.

My eyes go wide. “Oh, fuck.” I wasn’t expecting that. I didn’t even know Jen had this toy in her house.

“That’s exactly right.” She’s breathtaking standing there like that.