Page 77 of When I Had You

Wrapping my arm around her back, I hold her close, and kiss the top of her head. “You’re important to me. I’m going to talk to him soon about us dating.”

“I’m not going anywhere, so do things on your timeline and what’s best for him. I don’t mind waiting.”

“You’re amazing.”

She pecks my shoulder again and hops out of bed. “I’m also running late, and it seems you have an underwear emergency.”

Getting out of bed, I catch her by the hand before she slips fully into the bathroom. I don’t have lines I’ve been working on. Just simple truths from my heart to hers. “I love you.”

She lifts and wraps her arms around me. After kissing me with abandon, she drops down on her heels and says, “I love you so much. You say you’re lucky, but I’m the fortunate one.”

“One day, I’m going to outcharm you.”

Waggling her brows, she laughs. “Guess we’ll see.” She kicks her foot behind her and laughs as she closes the bathroom door.

I pull on my jeans and hear the shower starting as I slip out of the bedroom. Cullen’s room is empty, so I head into the living room. My mom comes to me and whispers, “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking you’d—”

“I know. It’s okay.” I rub her arm in reassurance. “It’s new for all of us.”

Sitting on the couch with his backpack still on, he says, “Grandma spilled tomato juice on my pants.”

“Oh?” I look at her, raising my brow, and laugh. “When you said accident, I thought you meant—”

“It was all me.” She touches my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Cash.” She lowers her voice and whispers, “I didn’t think running out of here would make sense to him.”

“I’m glad you stayed.” Moving around her, I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Coffee for the road?”

She smiles, putting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “An unsubtle hint received.” Walking toward the door, she holds out her hand. “Come on, Cullen. I promised you a toy car for that mess. Time to go to the toy store.”

“Make sure it’s a Westcott Racing car. Can’t have my kid supporting the other teams.”

“Never,” she says, walking out the door. “Don’t forget to give me the all clear.” She pokes her head back in. “And if you need another night, I’m more than happy to spend time with my grandson. We started a new puzzle, and I’ve already packed enough clothes.”

“I appreciate it. Love you, Mom.”

Cullen runs back and jumps into my arms. Hugging me tight, he says, “Love you, Daddy.”

I hold him even tighter. Kissing the side of his head, I whisper, “I love you, Cullen. So much.”

As soon as I set him down, he asks, “So can I spend the night with Grandma again?”

“Wow,” I start, shagging up his hair. “You little traitor. You sure? You’re with Grandma tomorrow night, too, because I have to fly to Brazil to race.”

He straightens his backpack on his shoulders. “Yep.” Running back toward the door, he waves. “I’m sure.”

Scratching the back of my neck, I say, “See ya, kiddo.” I’m not sure what to make of that. He’s five and fifteen at the same time. Damn, the teen years are going to be lonely if he’s already over spending time with his dear old dad.

When I return to the bedroom, Marina stands beside the bed, staring at her phone. Her hair is still twisted on her head, and a towel is wrapped around her body. By the way her shoulders hunch forward and she drops to sit on the mattress, I know something’s wrong. “Hey, everything okay?”

Silence remains between us, drawing me closer until I’m beside her on the bed. Wrapping my arm around her, I see a text exchange on her phone with Lauren’s name at the top. “Is that your agent?”

“Yes.”

“What’s going on?”

She hands me her phone to read. I start at the top of the messages, “His team has decided to part ways, completely sinking our plan.” I glance at her to ask, “Your ex? What plan?”

“Yes. My ex. My co-star on the red carpet tonight.” She lies back, then twists her legs to tuck them under the covers again. With her head on the pillow, she stares up at me. “It means his team has decided they’re going public.”

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