Page 97 of Never Gonna Lie
Family’s always been everything to me, and maybe I’ve been naïve to believe he would’ve supported us after everything we went through with Emma. I thought we were stronger than this. But I guess I was wrong. Am I selfish for wanting to be happy? Even though it might have cost me my relationship with Dad?
“I’m sorry, pretty girl.” He blows out a breath. “That wasn’t how I wanted it to go.”
I place a hand on his arm. “James, this was him and his inability to see straight.” I turn in his arms as I say, “I know it’s difficult to see, but he’ll come around. We just need to give him some time. His whole life has just been turned upside down, and then this” —I gesture between us— “this was too much for him.”
He nods, pulling me closer. “I’m worried about you and the impact it’ll have on both of you. To your relationship. People come and go, pretty girl, but this is your dad.”
“My dad loves me.” I shrug, wiping my face. “Our relationship is too strong for something to come between us. I have to believe that, otherwise I’ll spiral, and honestly? I just don’t have the energy for it. I have faith he’ll come around.”
He brushes a hair behind my ear. “And if he doesn’t?”
My heart pinches in my chest, but I refuse to give James up. I just can’t do it. I’ve lived life without this man, and I’ve lived life with him. I wouldn’t survive going back to a life without him.
“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, hmm?”
He nods his head, clearly not accepting my reply, but I’d rather not think about it right now. I run my thumb gently across his face, a bruise already forming. “How’s your nose?”
“Hurts, but I’ll live. Not the worst that’s ever happened to me by a long shot,” he chuckles.
“I’m so sorry. I feel awful. If I hadn't kept throwing myself at you, none of this would have happened.”
“Stop that, pretty girl,” he says sternly before softening his tone and adding, “You and I were always destined, one way or another.”
I smile, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. A wave of exhaustion hits me, and I yawn, struggling to keep my eyes open.
“It’s been a long day,” James says. “Let’s get you to bed. Tomorrow’s a new day.” I nod and follow behind him.
Quickly getting ready for bed, I snuggle under the covers as James whispers, “Sleep, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He kisses my forehead, and as I fall asleep, I wonder where life will take me now.
Chapter Sixty-Four
JAMES
It’s been a month since the incident and Drew still won’t return any of mine or Raven’s calls. I know how much it’s affecting her by the way she jumps for her phone every time it rings and how her face falls when she sees it’s not her dad. Knowing what it’s like to have a shitty relationship with a parent, my heart breaks for her. I want to give her the world, but even money can’t fix this.
My office door opens, and the woman who owns my soul walks in. “Hey, pretty boy. I brought lunch.” I grin as she sashays her way to my desk, swinging a takeout bag in her hand.
Rounding my desk, I haul her into my arms. “Hi, baby,” I say, giving her a chaste kiss. “What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Raven shrugs. “Can’t I come and visit my favorite person at work?”
I raise an eyebrow at her. “We both know Mia’s your favorite person,” I laugh as I take the bag from her outstretched hand and walk her to the sofa in the corner of the office.
“Shh, don’t tell her that, I’ll never hear the end of it.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
I haul her into me, stroking a hand down her back. “He’ll come around, pretty girl.”
“I know,” she mumbles against my chest, clutching my shirt in her grasp. “I just wish he’d talk to me.”
I hum my agreement but keep quiet. We eat lunch together, and before long, Raven’s waving at me as she heads back to school for afternoon classes. She graduates in a few weeks, so I know how important her study time is.
Making a spur-of-the-moment decision, I grab my shit, calling out to Rebecca to cancel my meetings for the rest of the day.
I’ve got something to fix.
This isn’t going to go down well, but I have to try, for Raven’s sake if nothing else.
I’d spoken to Drew’s PA, Danielle, who’d informed me he hadn’t been into the office in days. We have a good team around us, so even if hediddrop the ball, there are enough people to pick up the slack while he’s out. It’s not like I’ve been much help either, as I’ve been knee deep in everything too.
