Page 54 of Found By Him

His grunt of disagreement has me placing a kiss on his chest. He may think what he’s doing isn’t enough, but I hope one day I can give him even an ounce of comfort he gives to me.

28

Ella

“Jack, I appreciate yesterday because that was obviously unexpected, but I cannot let you get me an attorney on top of everything else,” I argue as I pour a cup of coffee.

“Gisella, you’re being unreasonable,” Jack retorts as I pull down a travel coffee mug for him. He has to leave early to go home to shower and change since he stayed over unprepared last night.

This conversation started last night, but I was too exhausted mentally to have it. We have been going back and forth for about fifteen minutes now about him getting Chris to represent me in whatever may come of yesterday. Neither of us is showing signs of backing down. I know I need an attorney, but it makes me uncomfortable to rely on Jack to help fix yet another thing in my life.

“This isn’t unreasonable. In my opinion, not having you help me is the most reasonable thing.”

“So what are you going to do? You can’t go at this alone.”

I hesitate. He isn’t wrong, but I’m not ready to concede. “I’ll figure something out.”

“Like what? Gisella, you don’t have anyone else to help you.”

My jaw drops at his statement before I snap it shut and swallow the lump of emotion.

He grimaces the moment he realizes what he said and mutters, “Fuck.”

But it’s too late.

He’s right. I don’t have anyone else. I’m alone.

I turn to the fridge to grab the coffee creamer, hiding my emotions. My chest tightens as I try to contain them.

His body heat envelops my back as his hands find my biceps.

“Gisella. I’m sorry. That isn’t what I meant.”

I stand motionless, stomach twisting.

Jack heaves out a breath. It tickles the hairs on the back of my neck, causing goosebumps to travel down my arms.

“Go to work, Jack. We can talk about this later.”

He doesn’t move for a breath. Then I hear his footsteps retreat toward the door. As soon as the click of the latch sounds, I slump against the counter and cover my face with my hands.

And then I cry.

I cry because I’m scared. I cry because I’m pissed. I cry because I’m pretty sure I’m already half in love with Jack.

I cry because, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like I have a place in the world with people who genuinely care about me, and I’m terrified all of that will be ripped away.

It really couldn’t have happened at a worse time, but I cannot deny that I feel that way about all of them.

Once I’ve cried all the tears, I pull myself together with a steadying breath.

I know Jack didn’t mean anything by what he said. And now that I have had a very cathartic moment of emotional release, I can admit that I really don’t know what else to do besides allow him to help me.

Again.

I pick up my phone.

Me: I’m sorry…I was being unreasonable. I would like Chris’s help if he’s willing.

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