Page 98 of Just This Once

Sylvie was content with her choices.Maybe I could be too.

Just as Russell was about to leave, coffee in hand, our eyes locked in a tense confrontation. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in a silent standoff. It was a battle of wills, a clash between a father’s indifference and a loving woman’s determination.

I maintained eye contact with Russell, refusing to let him intimidate me. His harsh, cold stare bore into mine, but I held my ground, my gaze unwavering. I could sense the tension building, the unspoken challenge lingering in the charged air.

Seconds stretched into eternity, and I wondered if I had dug my heels in too far. But then, ever so subtly, Russell’s stern expression wavered. A crack in his facade appeared, and his eyes dropped first, breaking the intense connection.

I felt a surge of triumph. It wasn’t just about me silently defending Whip. It was about standing up to a man who had wielded control as a weapon for far too long. As Russell walked away, a sense of empowerment washed over me. I turned to Sylvie, who met my eyes with a mix of gratitude and admiration.

“Jesus.” The words whooshed from Sylvie in an exhale. “I hate when he comes in here.”

In quiet whispers and secrets shared only in the dark, I had come to learn the difficulties of being raised by a man like Russell King. I could imagine how profoundly Whip’s mother’s absence only deepened those wounds. Sadness wrenched in my chest for the little boy who lost his mother and the passionate, giving man he’d become.

The man I am head over heels in love with.

“You know,” Sylvie said and bumped her shoulder into mine, “it’s just my opinion, but I think you’re exactly what this family needs. I hope you figure it out.”

I swallowed hard as tears pricked behind my eyelids. “I will.” Sylvie turned to leave, but I stopped her. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded.

“Was it worth it?”

Her brows flicked downward before a smile bloomed on her face. “I can’t imagine my life without Duke and Gus. Nothing will ever make me regret my choices.”

I stood, wrapping Sylvie in a hug that had her letting out a surprisedOh!

“Thank you.” I squeezed her harder. “Thank you.”

Loving Whip was worth the risk.

Sure, a part of me was terrified that I was repeating the same mistakes with Whip as I had before—giving up pieces of myself to satisfy someone else. But he wasnothinglike Craig. He had never once asked me to change. I had been the one to place that chip on my shoulder and pressure myself into being perfect. I refused to let bad memories of my ex ruin what I could have with Whip.

Somewhere along the line Whip helped me realize that when you allow yourself to trulyfeel, good things happen. He had faith in me, and I had faith in us. We could get through the storm.

Together.

I was done being afraid. Whip felt things deeply, in a way that I had learned was terrifying. But I was done with feeling afraid.

Whip was offering a version of himself reserved solely forme.

“I’m sorry, Sylvie, but I have to go!” A sense of urgency propelled me forward, and I left behind the plate and coffee.

“Good luck!” Sylvie called out with a laugh.

I didn’t look back but shot an excited goodbye wave into the air. I needed to make a plan, tell Whipeverything, and finally make this right.

THIRTY-EIGHT

WHIP

I didn’t knowit was possible to feel so low. I’d checked, and rechecked, my phone for what felt like the millionth time, and there was still no contact from Emily.

How had things gotten so far off track so quickly?

After I drove off, it took only a minute to come to my senses. I’d circled back to beg for forgiveness for losing my temper, only to find her already gone. Worried, I drove past her apartment, and when I saw her safely climbing the stairs and entering, I decided I needed to give both of us a little space.

I spent the night staring up at my ceiling and replaying our argument over and over in my mind.

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