Page 98 of Irresistible

But I let him go.

Something tells me he’s operating under self-preservation as much as I am, but I still can’t bring myself to tell him.

I can’t stand the thought of seeing his feelings change for me.

Since history is repeating itself, that seems like the inevitable outcome of all this.

Of all times for my mom to call…and of all times for me to answer.

I regret it immediately when her first words to me are, “I saw Cash tonight. He looked good, but I think he’s missing you.”

“I doubt that, and I don’t care either way.”

She scoffs, and I can picture the scowl on her face. “The best thing you could do for that little girl of yours is to reunite with her daddy. I don’t know what you were thinking moving across the country where he can’t even see her when he wants.”

“He didn’t want to see her when she lived in the same house,” I say as quietly and emphatically as I can, while also ensuring I don’t wake Dakota up to hear this.

“You can’t make me believe that nonsense. He said he misses y’all, and I told him to do something about it.” Her tone is proud and I clench my fists to keep my rage in check.

“I’ve gotta go, Mom.” I hang up before she can say anything and after a quick shower, I climb into bed, giving in to the exhaustion.

But sleep doesn’t come.

I toss and turn, missing Wyatt so acutely, I see every hour on the clock pass.

The next morning, there’s a blueberry muffin on my desk when I arrive, and I inhale it but then throw it up within ten minutes. The lighting over the bathroom mirror highlights the circles under my eyes and I splash water on my face, hoping that helps.

Of course, I see Wyatt on my way back to the desk. He frowns when he sees me, but he’s in a hurry and doesn’t stop.

“You were supposed to sleep last night,” he says.

“I tried.” I shrug, playing it light, and he makes a face.

“Ugh. So I was missing you for nothing?”

“Guess so.”

I hear my name and turn, mouth dropping when I see my brother standing near my desk.

“What are you doing here?” I squeal, hurrying over to hug him.

He lifts me up and gives me the biggest bear hug.

“Surprise,” he says.

When he lets me go, I turn to Wyatt and he’s got a fierce expression on his face.

“My brother, Logan,” I tell him.

The relief that washes over him makes me laugh and he grins sheepishly at me, walking over to shake Logan’s hand.

“Wyatt Landmark,” he says. “I should’ve recognized you from the picture…I’m seeing it now.”

“My sister and I have been playing phone tag a lot, but I’ve still managed to hear a few things about you here and there,” Logan says, grinning. “Great to meet you.”

“You too,” Wyatt says.

“Phone tag would require you calling me back.” I put my hand on my hip, my eyes narrowed on Logan. “So far, it’s just been me calling you and you texting back occasionally.”

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