Page 106 of That One Heartbreak

“That’s not what I meant.” Marley’s voice was low, which was a good thing, because she knew hers was too loud. Too annoyed.

“Then what did you mean?”

He took a deep breath, his blue eyes on hers. “If you want burgers, I can cook you burgers.”

“So you’re to be trusted with a grill but I’m not?”

“Of course you’re to be trusted. That’s not what I’m saying. I just think, in the short term, we need to think about what Ethan needs.”

“I think about what Ethan needs constantly,” she said, her eyes flashing with annoyance. Weren’t they supposed to be in each other’s arms by now? In her bed even? Because that’s what she’d wanted. What she’d needed all day, after looking after Ethan, answering Addy’s questions. Trying to keep everything together. “I think about Ethan’s, Addy’s, and James’ needs all the time, Marley. There’s not a moment when I don’t. So don’t start lecturing me about what my kids need.”

“Hush,” he said. “You’re gonna wake the kids up.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Seriously? Now I’m not only a bad mother for having a grill but for waking my kids?”

“I never said you were a bad mother. I just thought we could talk about things in a calm manner. About how we can keep Ethan safe. That thing in the garage is a fucking death trap. Why would you want it anywhere near your kid?”

“Because I’m his mom and I know what’s best for him. And if a kid does something wrong, you don’t take away their choice about whether to do it again. You teach them how to make the right choice. That’s how they grow into adults. And yes, I hate that Ethan had to learn his lesson in such a scary, horrific way. I hate it so much it makes me sick. But he’s learned it, and if he still wants smores, then he’ll get smores.”

“You’re making the wrong decision.”

She jutted her jaw out, hurt by his words. But not willing to let him see that they’d caused her pain. Because dammit, he was wrong here.Completely. She knew her kids, she knew what they needed.

“Well, I’m his mom. And it’s my decision.”

Marley blew out a mouthful of air. “Just let me get rid of the fucking grill and be done with it.”

“No.” She knew she was being stubborn. But she was also right. “This is my house. They’re my kids. I get to make the decisions.”

Marley winced. “I get that.”

“Do you? Just because I sleep with you doesn’t mean you get to come into my house and tell me what to do. I’m in charge here. You’re not my husband, they’re not your kids.” Oh, she was on a roll. A long, furious one. “You think I don’t feel bad about Ethan getting burned? I got no sleep last night. I spent the whole night beating myself up because I should have been here to prevent it. And Shana’s in pieces because she thinks it’s her fault, too. We should never have gone to that damn cabin. Then none of this would have happened.”

Marley’s gaze didn’t move from her face. But she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. Maybe because she felt like she’d gone too far. Said too much.

She’d wanted him to hold her. To tell her it was all going to be okay. But instead he was making her feel so much worse than she already did.

“Maybe I should go.” His voice was still low and calm. She hated that.

“Yeah, maybe you should.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest, so aware of how little she was wearing. She felt hurt, exposed. And she had no idea where all of this had come from. She wanted to cry, but she wasn’t going to cry in front of him.

She had some pride left.

“Kate…”

Letting out a low breath, she turned away, because yes, even though she was trying hard, she could feel the tears starting to sting as they formed in her eyes. “I’m tired. Please just go.”

For a moment he hesitated, then she heard the shuffle of his feet. The thud of his body as he climbed back out of the window he just climbed into. And she stood there, her arms wrapped around herself as she listened to the sound of his feet connecting with the grass, and a moment later the slam of his truck door.

It was only when the engine started up, and his truck pulled away that she let herself collapse into tears.

What just happened? She had no idea. Everything had felt so perfect two days ago and now it felt painful. And she had no clue how she could even begin to fix things.

Instead, she crawled into bed, tears pouring down her face, her body curled into the fetal position, all too aware of the empty space on the mattress next to her.

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

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