Page 48 of Stay with Me

That’s my nice way of saying I’m not about to buy some ass. That’s never been me and never will be. I’ve never tried to impress women with my wealth. Rem is probably the only woman I’ve ever spent money on without a thought.

“Oh,” she giggles again. “I like burgers and beer.”

She can’t even say that shit with a straight face. I put my utensils down. This date is a waste of both of our time.

“I think we should call it a night.”

A disappointed pout covers her face. Yeah, this date is over. This chick is not my type at all.

CHAPTER 19

Honesty

Reminisce

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on with you?” Saga says from the lounger beside me.

“Nothing.”

“Oh no, who do you think you’re talking to? I know you better than that.”

I brush my fingers across my sleeping nephew’s cheek. The little angel in my arms reminds me how far I am from all the things I want in life. The ache in my heart has only grown in the last few weeks.

“Is it Derrick and Sheldon? Are you still seeing them both?”

I scoff. If only my life were that simple. I swipe at the tear that slips free.

“I’m still dating Sheldon. Derrick and I had a good time, but we’re not right for each other.”

Saga searches my face. Her eyes fill with worry. I have so much I want to say, but I don’t know if this is something I can tell my big sister.

“Hey, Bishop,” she calls to her husband splashing in the pool with their other little one.

“Yeah, baby.”

“Cooper is knocked out. Maybe you should take Carson in to put him down too.”

“That’s not going to be a problem. I think I’m wearing him out,” Bishop says with a chuckle as he exits the pool with Carson.

He comes to scoop Cooper out of my arms. I look away so he can’t see that I’ve been crying. Once Bishop has the twins and he heads inside, my sister locks her attention on me.

“What’s up? Talk to me.”

I suck in a deep breath to compose myself. This is the first time I’ll be admitting to any of this aloud. I’ve been in denial long enough.

“I’m in love with someone else,” I blurt out.

Sage jerks her head back. I know I’ve caught her off guard. As far as my family knows I haven’t been dating anyone. I’ve been totally career driven until recently.

“O—kay,” she says. “I have so many questions. Help me understand.”

“He’s someone I got involved with after that shooting. He was involved in that part of my life. At least, he was involved in keeping me safe until the case was over.

“We had this … this intense chemistry. I was so confused about everything. You know how sheltered we were growing up. I wasn’t built for that life.

“Tea parties and debutant balls were more my speed. Being shot at and threatened, that was a bit too much reality for me.”

“I get that. I understood why you left to start your firm. I was proud of you for being able to change courses and find something else that was for you,” she says.

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