Page 113 of Obsession

“All the more reason for her to know before you invest any more of yourself in the relationship.”

“Who made you God?”

“Look, I apologized. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“I’m a big boy now. I think I can take care of myself, and I’m not sure you should be handing out romantic advice, anyway.” The flash of hurt in her face made him wish he could call the words back as soon as they left his mouth. “I’m sorry, Jenny. That wasn’t fair.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“The thing is, it’s like I’ve been hit by a two-ton truck. Emma is the only woman I’ve ever wanted to marry.”

Jenny gaped as she stared at him. The words surprised even him.

“But don’t you understand? That could never happen until she knew the truth about what happened between you and Ryan,” she said. “Look, I did you a favor. If you two can overcome this, you may have a chance.”

He glared at her. “Don’t do me any more favors.”

She glared back at him over her coffee. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

Running feet sounded down the hall. “Sam!” Jace cried as he bounded into the kitchen. “Can you take me to the soccer game this afternoon? And can I have pancakes for breakfast, Mom?”

Disappointment hit Sam hard. “I’m sorry, Jace, but I have business in Jackson today. I may not be back in town in time to take you.” And if he was, he needed to look Trey Carter up.

The boy dropped his head. “But all the dads will be there, and if you don’t go, I’ll just have Mom.”

“What am I?” his mom asked. “Chopped meat?”

“Aw, Mom, you know what I mean.”

Sam glanced out the window. “It’s raining—maybe the game will be canceled.”

“It’s supposed to quit by noon,” Jenny said and pulled out the makings for pancakes. “Jace, you just have to accept that Sam is busy today. Maybe your grandfather can take you.”

No way. “You know he’s not physically able.” Sam would just have to find a way to be back by three. There should be enough time after the game to find Trey. “I’ll rearrange my schedule and pick Jace up after school.”

“Are you sure?” Jenny asked as she mixed the batter.

“Yes.” He ruffled Jace’s hair.

“You don’t mind if I come watch, do you?” Jenny asked.

“Of course not, Mom.” The boy looked up at Sam. “You’re the best uncle in the world.”

“I don’t know about that,” Sam replied with a laugh.

“Jace, bring your homework so I can check it while you’re eating,” she said. After Jace left, Jenny poured a small circle of batter on the griddle. “How many pancakes do you want?”

“None, thank you. I plan to grab breakfast before the drive to Jackson,” he said as Jace returned with his homework.

A few minutes later, Jenny put the stack of pancakes in front of her son. “Here you go.” Then she turned to Sam. “Do you have time to look over his math while I look at his spelling homework?”

Sam hesitated, wanting to get on the road. But helping out with Jace was the main reason he’d returned to Natchez. He resisted checking his watch. “Sure. Hand it over here.”

The boy was neater than Sam had ever been. “Looks good. You must like math.”

“I do. Better than spelling.”

Jenny handed his papers back. “And it shows. You’ve misspelled three words in your sentences.”

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