Page 42 of Defending her Heart

I don’t need to explain why the comment bothers me. She and Riley are the only ones who know about Jason. Not even my mom or sister know the real reason why we broke up. They weren’t close with him anyway. Even after dating him for two years, he’d only met them a handful of times.

“Are you going to talk to him? Nash?”

She doesn’t need to clarify, but I appreciate it anyway. “I should.”

“You said you thought his apology and his gifts were genuine.”

“Yeah. They are.”

Rowan chuckles. “You sound upset about it.”

“Fool me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice...”

“You’re not a fool, Ken. You never were and you never will be. Don’t let someone else’s lies and mistakes make you think any differently about yourself. You’re the strongest human I’m honored to know and love. Unfortunately, there are shitty people in the world, but you’re not one of them.”

“I don’t think Nash is either,” I say quietly.

“Why do you sound disappointed about that?”

“Because he’s relationship material, and I’m not ready for that right now.”

“From the sound of it, neither is he.”

“He’s not going to sleep around.” I bite my lower lip as an idea springs to mind.

“Uh oh. Even in the dark car, I can sense your overactive brain smoking. What’s going on in that head of yours?” Rowan turns onto my street.

“I have a plan.” It could blow up in my face or it could be the best idea I’ve ever come up with. If I can pull it off, it’ll be a win-win for both of us.

“Do I want to know?”

“Not yet. If it pans out, I’ll fill you in.” I hop out of her car as soon as she stops in my driveway. “Love you, Row. Drive safely. Text me when you get home.”

“Love you too. No wild and crazy ideas that are going to backfire and get you hurt, okay?”

“Sure thing.” I blow her a kiss and jog up the steps to my mom’s house with a smile on my face.

Oh, if he says yes, I’ll be winning big time.

Like,bigfucking time.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

KENDALL

Since last night’s game was a late one, I’m guessing Nash doesn’t have to go to the stadium today. Or maybe not until later like he did a few weeks ago after a Monday night game. I hope this means he’ll be picking up Paisley this afternoon.

The day slogs on, as most Mondays do, and I ignore the teasing from my colleagues when no fruit or floral displays arrive. I settle in my rocking chair with the book Parker picked for me to read while we wait for the final bell to ring.

As soon as it does, Oliver, Daisy, and Bryce hurry to their cubbies to gather their things. They’re always the first to be picked up, and their nannies are never late. I wave them off and continue with the book.

Weston’s mom, Val Cummings, shows up next. In the three months of school, she’s only come by twice. I shouldn’t judge since Nash rarely picks up Paisley, but that’s because he works. Val works twenty-four seven spending her ex-husband’s money.

At least, that’s the gossip I pretend to ignore in the staff room. Weston slogs his way to gather his things, and I continue reading. When Val’s seductive voice fills the room, I pause and look up.

“My oh my.” She covers her chest—which has to be store bought—with her long acrylic nails and bats her long—also fake—lashes at Nash. No judgment to those who like to enhance themselves, but Val is fake from head to toe. “You’re Nash Humphries. I had no idea our lovely children attended school together.”

She curls her bony fingers around his forearm, and even from across the room, I can read the discomfort in his face.

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