Page 61 of Call it Fate

“Then let’s see where our present lies before we worry about our future. I think we also owe it to Iain to work through our shit and not give up on each other.”

But that was part of the problem, too, wasn’t it? “Can I have some time to think about it?” At his crestfallen look, I quickly added, “I’m not saying no. But I’m not ready to say yes, either. There’s Iain to consider. He’s young, but he’s not stupid. If he sees us together all the time and we don’t work out, then he’ll be hurt. I don’t want him to feel like he has to choose between us.”

His jaw twisted. “Okay. We’ll be discreet, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to want to kiss you.” His head bent toward mine again, but this kiss was gentler, a promise to punctuate his argument.

“Maybe youshouldhave been a lawyer. I can’t argue with your logic.”

“Good.”

Footsteps stomped up the stairs, and I pulled myself away just before Iain came into the room. “Is there something to eat? I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” I laughed, mostly because as Zach headed into the kitchen, I saw him adjust himself. We had a lot to learn about trying to be a couple with a child.

* * *

After lunchand some time spent exploring outside, Zach and Iain were back in the game room, involved in a very spirited round of a cartoonish car race. I sat sideways in a chair, my legs swinging over the arm as I watched. The doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” I called above their shouts of laughter, but I’m not sure either of them paid me any attention.

I headed up the stairs and passed through the living room, wondering who would be here.Probably another delivery to spoil Iain.I laughed out loud a little. I knew I had told him not to make everything up to Iain all at one time, but it was obvious he was having a hard time holding back.

I opened the door, expecting someone with a box to greet me. Instead, I had only a second to hear a “woof” before I was met by a blur of fur that caused me to stumble backward. I tossed my face side to side to avoid the long tongue that seemed determined to lick my face off.

“Milo! Heel.”

With a whine, the dog dropped back to his haunches, his body still wriggling in excitement.

“Milo! Hi, boy.” I sat up on my knees in front of the wriggling body and looked to see who had accompanied Milo. The first thing I saw as I sat up was a pair of brown leather shoes stepping beside me. My eyes traveled up expensive suit pants covering long legs, then a starched white shirt covering broad shoulders until I found a pair of narrowed dark brown eyes assessing me. After a moment, he held out his hand.

His unsmiling face made me hesitate a moment, but I didn’t want to appear ungrateful, so I accepted his help. “Hi. I’m Emalee.”

“I figured out who you are. I’m Clay, Zach’s attorney.”

His attorney?My heart leapt to my throat.Was there something I was missing? Was Zach planning to sue for custody after all?Suddenly, I felt the lump I’d swallowed earlier rise back into my throat.

“He’s my best friend, whohappensto be an attorney but not for me. He was watching Milo for me. I didn’t know he was coming.” I hadn’t heard Zach come up the stairs, but he shot Clay a warning glare just before Milo bolted for him, dancing around his feet as Zach tried to pet him.

I watched distractedly as Milo repeated his behavior with Zach.What was his friend doing here?

As if reading my mind, Zach arched an eyebrow at his friend. “Why are you here? Why didn’t you call?”

“I thought you might like some company. I didn’t realize it was a crime to check on one’s friend after some unexpected news. But I can see someone beat me to it.” He shot a withering glance at me.

“This is Emalee. Iain’s mom. Em, this is Clay Porter.”

Neither of us held out our hands, nor did we offer the usual “pleased to meet you,” greeting. No point in lying.

I turned to Zach. “Maybe we should go.”

Zach shook his head and hooked his arm around my shoulder. It wasn’t an unusual move for him, but it felt like a silent message to his friend.

I felt trapped in the middle of a staring contest.

“You’re always welcome here but not if you try to make Em feel uncomfortable. I hope you understand she and Iain are my priority. I don’t want that to come between the two of us. And it won’t, as long as you respect my choice.”

They locked eyes until Clay held up his hands as if acquiescing. There wasn’t time to say anything more because Iain came charging up the stairs. Milo abandoned all of us adults and jumped on Iain, easily knocking him to the ground. Iain’s laugh was infectious as he rolled around, doing his best to avoid Milo’s slobbery, if enthusiastic, tongue.

“Dad! He’s awesome! Best day ever!”

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