Page 60 of Second Goal

“I think it’s great you have dreams. That you know what you want.”

“I do.” Her gaze rests on mine, so many unspoken words between us. “I just never thought any of them would be possible.”

“And now?” I know I’m pushing her when I remove the distance between us and rest my hands on her shoulders.

“I... I don’t know.”

“Whatever you want, Kiley. I’ll help you get it.”Just let me fight for you.

She glances away. “Blake... there’s... I need to tell you...” Something in her voice sends a chill down my spine. And when she looks back up at me, I see the fear in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, cupping her face. That primal part of my brain kicks into overdrive, and the need to protect her overrides common sense. A low growl forms in my throat, and it comes out when I demand, “Is it Cruz? Has he—”

“No.” Her palms go to my chest like she’s about to push away from me, but they just rest there. She takes a deep breath, then continues, “I haven’t heard from him, or from Amy. Not since the last time.”

“You’re telling me the truth?” The question comes out rough, and I know I fucked up the moment I say the words.

A flicker of hurt crosses her expression.

“Sorry,” I mutter, dropping my hands. “I didn’t mean to accuse you.”

“But you did. Again.” She frowns up at me.

“I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

“I know,” she says softly, glancing away when Noah starts crying from inside the car. “I have to get him.”

I nod, letting her move past me, watching as she gets Noah out of his car seat.

Something is wrong. I can sense it, see it in her eyes.

She’s keeping something from me. I push the thought away, knowing it’s probably my damn insecurities making a mountain out of an anthill. But I know her. And I know that if I push this now, I’m only going to create a bigger wedge between us.

When Noah quiets down, Kiley turns back to me, shifting him in her arms. She’s so good with him. Natural. I haven’t let myself think about having kids, not sure I ever really wanted them. But with Kiley, I want everything. The house, marriage, babies, a lifetime with her beside me.

Then fight for her. I just don’t know how, without pushing her further away.

“Have dinner with me,” I blurt out. “Have dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“Blake—”

“I know you’re angry with me. And I get it. I hurt you.” I move toward her, and Noah reaches his arms to me. I take him, shifting him on my shoulder, and he snuggles his head against my neck.

“I’m not mad at you. Not anymore. I just...” She shivers and wraps her arms around herself, and I see the tears gather in her eyes. “I can’t do this here.”

“Talk to me.”

“I will... just... not here.” It’s obvious she’s trying not to cry, to keep her walls intact, but I can see them crumbling. “Please.”

I brush my knuckles across her cheek, and she trembles. “Okay.”

“I’ll come over after my class tomorrow.” She wipes her eyes, then reaches for Noah.

I let her go, because sometimes the way to fight for someone is by letting them walk away. At least that’s what I tell myself as I watch her disappear into the house. But when the door shuts, I wonder if maybe I’m a bigger idiot than I thought.

Chapter Eighteen

Kiley

---