Page 39 of Sworn to Protect

Sliding into my car, I buckle in and exhale sharply. Ugh. She came close to saying the words I’ve dreaded hearing: It’s too soon. Part of me knows she’s right. But after that toe-curling, make-your-panties-wet kiss, I don’t care. Or rather, I hadn’t until Mrs. Judgy came along.

I grip the steering wheel tighter and press harder on the gas pedal. I can’t get to Mom’s house quick enough. But damn it. What if she’s right? Will the entire town think this way? I drive in an enraged haze, doubting every decision I’ve ever made. How can one woman get under my skin so badly?

“That woman is infuriating,” I declare as I stalk into Mom’s house and toss my purse on the couch.

“Who, dear?” Mom asks, glancing up from her knitting.

“Mrs. Morgan.”

Mom’s sigh is almost palpable as I pace alongside the sofa. “What did she say this time?”

I glance toward the den. Sounds from their video game resonate down the hallway. Yeah, my mom is the cool grandma who owns a PlayStation. Hence, one more reason the boys enjoy coming here. With zero chance of them overhearing, I continue in a hushed tone, “She commented about how inappropriate it is for Nate to take the boys to Liam’s practices.”

Mom lets out a harrumph. “I’m not surprised. That woman will never forgive you for breaking her son’s heart.”

“Good God, it’s been over a decade.”

“What can I say? She’s a bitch.”

“Mom!”

“I know, but I speak the truth. It may not seem like it now, but the best thing you did was dump that Mark. She would’ve been an awful mother-in-law.”

Her words ring true, but I can’t believe my mom voiced them. “She makes me feel so guilty about everything. As if I used bad judgment in every choice I’ve made.”

Like leaving Mark, wanting to divorce, and enjoying that kiss alittle too much because I definitely wanted that kiss to lead to other things. Jesus, that man possesses perfect control. And if he can kiss that well, how good is he in other areas? I’m getting hot just thinking about it.

It’s only been a little over three months.

“You’re letting that woman get to you. Stop it right now. She’s nobody. If you had stayed, you would’ve been swallowed whole in this town. You needed to expand your wings first before knowing what you liked. I’m glad you’re back, but there’s a difference in you. You’re more settled.”

“You think so?”

“I do.” Mom’s eyes widen with interest. “Now, tell me about the hot, tattooed guy.”

“His name is Nate.” I fight the smile threatening to overtake my face, but I don’t think I win.

“I know, but I like my name for him better. Liam and Nick won’t stop talking about him. Your brother doesn’t share the same sentiment, though.”

“Not to burst your bubble, but nothing is going on.”Other than playing tonsil hockey.But it was only the one time. He hasn’t tried anything since.

“That may change.”

“Mom, it’s too soon to think about other men.” That reminder came at me like a slap to the face less than twenty minutes ago.

“Oh, I don’t know. You spent more time alone in your marriage than you did together. Don’t feel guilty if you’re ready to move on. You’ve been lonely for a very long time.”

Her words blindside me. How did she know? “How did you know that?”

“I could tell by your voice.”

I blink, stunned. “We had our share of problems.”

“The most important thing you can do is follow your heart. You know what’s best for you and those boys. Don’t let anyone, especially her, make you doubt that.”

“Thanks, Mom. It feels good to be reminded about that.”

“Now, tell me about Mr. Hottie.”

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