Page 40 of Follow Me to Your Heart
“No.”
Her stubborn ass was pissing me off. I opened my door and marched around to her side of the car. Before she could lock it, I snatched her door open. Our faces were inches apart. She knew better than to look away from me. After an intense stare down, the wrinkles in Korren’s forehead smoothed and her breathing regulated.
I kissed the top of her nose and said, “You know me, KoKo. If I was doing anything besides the shit I say I do, you’d know. All I’ve ever been is honest with you. That’s something that’ll never change. Why would I fuck up what we have when it’s all I’ve ever wanted?”
“Because you’re human. Things happen.”
“I know, but I’m not on that type of time, and you know that. Don’t try to have a problem when there isn’t one. Just like I blocked her number before, I did the same for the number she just called from.”
Slowly, Korren bobbed her head. “I’m sorry, babe.”
“It’s all good.”
We shared a kiss then got on the road. The ride to Camden Cove was quiet. We were lost in our thoughts, but being in her presence was all I needed for life to make sense. She was where I desired to be always. I’d been neglecting her for things that didn’t matter as much when I should’ve been focusing on her and the plans I had with Keith. I needed to have a talk with O’Shea to get my life on track. It was the only way.
When we arrived at Ali’s house, he was standing outside, waiting for Korren. Her entire mood shifted when she saw him. I admired their relationship. She’d always been a daddy’s girl. Even though Ali and I didn’t see eye to eye, I desired to be the type of father he was. He never hesitated to show up and be there for his kids. Korren absolutely adored him. Whenever we had a daughter, I prayed for the same.
Before I could get out the car to get Korren’s bags, O’Shea called. I cussed underneath my breath, already knowing I was about to disappoint Korren. She asked me to stick around for a little since we hadn’t gotten to spend much time together, and I agreed. I missed her more than she knew, but I was also stacking my paper for other reasons.
“What’s good, O’Shea?”
“What you got up? You busy?”
I glanced up at Korren who was too engrossed in the conversation with her father to notice me on the phone. The smile on her face was contagious. I didn’t want to be the one to wipe it away, so I sighed and answered, “Yeah, I am.”
“I need you to do something for me. It’ll be quick, then you can get back to what you got going.”
“I’m not in the city.”
“How long before you get to the city? I don’t trust anyone else with this, so I need you to do it for me.”
“Give me an hour.”
“Bet. ’Preciate you.”
I ended the call, feeling the weight of life become heavier. The feeling of Korren boring a hole through me made me not even want to look up at her. When I did, she rolled her eyes and stormed inside. Ali glanced back and forth between us before motioning for me to get out the car.
“What’s going on, Cage?” he inquired, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Honestly, Ali, it’s me. I’m trying to work through some things in my life, and it’s affecting her.”
“Sounds like you need to work through it fully and not drag my pumpkin along for the ride. I know you love her. I do. It’s very obvious, but I’m not for you hurting her. She already had to deal with Marquis, and it took everything in me not to lay my hands on him. I appreciate you for handling him, but don’t do this to her.”
“With all due respect, Ali, I love your daughter too much to even think about letting her go. She’s the reason I’m trying to better myself. If I lose her, I may as well lose it all.”
Ali sized me up and snorted. “Sounds a little selfish to me.”
“Sometimes you gotta be selfish in life. Now, if Korren wants space, then I’d have no choice but to accept it. It would hurt me worse than anything I’ve ever experienced, but I would need it to come from her and only her,” I expressed and shrugged. “I respect you, Ali. I do. Korren wouldn’t know real love if it wasn’t for you, so trust her with me. Trust me with her.”
There was a shift in Ali’s energy. He uncrossed his arms and slid his hands into his pockets. Slowly, he bobbed his head. While he processed my words, I glanced over at the front of the house to see Korren peeking through the window. She quickly closed the blinds when she noticed me. I chuckled. She was pissed, and truthfully, she had every right to be.
“Well, I can’t do anything but respect what you’re saying, Cage.” Ali spoke. “Just know if I see one tear well in Korren’s eyes because of you, I’m on your ass and so is Kasey.”
“I wouldn’t expect any different. You mind if I go talk to her?”
“Go ahead.”
I excused myself and went inside to find Korren standing by the door.
