Page 40 of No Love Lost

Addison didn’t know how to help Heath deal with the confrontation with his parents. There was no need to ask questions. His face told the whole story. They’d betrayed him and his trust. They’d somehow altered his phone and hidden his parcels. Or destroyed them.

He’d already suspected exactly that, but the confirmation had to be devastating. Not sure what else to do, she followed the GPS back to his condo and parked in his slot.

He’d barely climbed out of the car when she got to his side of the vehicle. She took his hand, and they walked to the elevator and into his condo.

Once inside, she wrapped herself around him and leaned into his chest. “I’m so sorry, Heath. You deserve better. You always did.”

His arms banded around her and squeezed. He buried his head into her hair and gulped in deep breaths. She kissed his chest. “Let it out, Heath. Scream, cry, pound a pillow. Go down to your gym and run it out. Whatever you need.”

He squeezed harder, and eventually, his breathing slowed a bit. Still, they stood together in his entry, twined around each other as her heart broke for him. How could any parent treat their child that way?

She ran her fingers over his back, hoping to offer some comfort to him. Finally, his hold eased up a fraction, and his hands moved as well.

He huffed out a breath. “Thank you.”

She hugged him again and kept her hands moving. “You’re welcome.”

Eventually, he straightened and kissed her forehead, then just held her some more.

“What do you need, Heath?”

“You, Addy, I need you. I need to wash away some of the ugly and the hate with the goodness that simply pours from you.”

She smiled up at him. “I don’t know about that, but I’m here, and you’ve got me.”

He studied her face, and the desire that filled his gaze had her body reacting in an instant. A moment ago, she’d only been thinking of comfort. Now, she wanted to show this man he was worth everything.

His voice was gruff. “I’m feeling a little wild and out of control.”

She grinned. “Sounds like fun.”

And that broke the protective mask that had been on his face and his soul. He laughed and then lifted her to toss her over his shoulder. She was laughing as he headed for the bedroom.

It was wild and uncontrolled. And absolutely perfect.

Much later, she lay sprawled on her stomach while Heath drew lazy circles on her spine. “You okay?”

Addy laughed and rolled over to look him directly in the face. “Yes. More than okay. I may not have the energy to move for a year or two, but I’m okay with that. How are you feeling?”

His lopsided grin had her tracing her hand over his lips and along his jawline. “A hell of a lot better now.” He propped up a few pillows and helped her sit up to snuggle into him.

After they’d sat quietly for a minute, he spoke. “I used to worry that I’d be like them.”

She straightened to look at him. “You know better, don’t you?”

He smiled sadly and kissed her softly. “I do now. It’s a hard thing to be embarrassed by and ashamed of your parents.”

She’d never known her parents, but she always liked to assume they’d been young and scared. That they’d given her up to ensure she had a good life, one they couldn’t provide for her. “I’ve always thought you took after your Gramps. I never met him, but the stories you’ve told sound like they could be about you.”

Heath smiled. “Thanks. I hope so. He was a good man. Don’t know what he would think of his son and daughter-in-law. Gramps would have never done something like this. How could they not want to get to know their granddaughter? How could they not want to know the bright light that she is?”

Addy hugged him. “I don’t know, but it makes me feel sorry for them. With all they have, they don’t have any of the important things. You’ve never been like that, Heath. Not even once. You’ve always seen the important things.”

His eyes softened, and he kissed her forehead again and just left his lips there for a long time. “I’m going to sell this place.”

She sat upright. “What? It’s your home. Don’t jump to a major decision because your parents are jerks.” Oh, she shouldn’t have said that. “Sorry, I mean-”

Heath laughed and kissed her. “Don’t you dare apologize for speaking the truth.” Then he scooped her up so she was straddling his lap. “I haven’t been happy here for a while now. Something’s been missing. Now I know it’s you and Nina. I don’t have a single qualm about leaving Boston. I’ve enjoyed the city, but it isn’t home anymore. Home is wherever you and Nina live.”

---