Page 40 of Wed to You-
He let go of her hand and instead, put an arm around her, as Kaden’s train started off. She looked at him again with surprise and wariness in her eyes. “Do you think people are going to buy this?”
“Why wouldn’t they?” He forced a smile.
“Because we’re not a very likely couple.”
He released her so he could turn and look at her. “I get that I’m not good enough for you—”
“I never said that.” Her eyes widened as if surprised by his statement. “Is that what you think?”
“Yes. Don’t you?”
“No. We’re not a likely couple because you’re a rich man from New York and I’m an average woman from the middle of Virginia.”
He frowned. “Is that what you think?”
She nodded. “It’s the truth.”
He shook his head. “You don’t think I’m good enough for you because I’m rich and from New York?”
“No.” She gave an exasperated sigh. “I think you’re good enough. I just don’t think I’m your type.”
Back to that.Jagger wished he could go back to his twenty-something self and warn him that seeing all those women would come back to haunt him. “Why not?”
She shrugged. “I don’t think I’m unattractive, Jagger, but I’mnothing like the women you’ve dated before. I’m not like Dana Dalton.”
Jagger jerked back. How’d she know about Dana? God, did everyone know? He gathered his thoughts and leaned closer to her. “You’re clear on where we stand as far as bedroom games, so I know you’re not like Dana.”
Chelsea looked down, as if she didn’t want him to see her.
He used the crook of his finger to lift her chin to look at him. “Thank God you’re not like her.”
She pulled her chin away from his touch. “I get why I’m good for this situation. My family has been here forever. I’m a teacher. But if not for that, I’m not a woman you’d pursue.”
“That’s not true. I was interested in getting to know you but Mitch…” He didn’t want to delve back into that conversation.
Her deep brown eyes studied him and he hoped to hell she saw something she liked. He needed her. She was the only one who could help him and Kaden.
“Chelsea, you’re beautiful and smart.”
She gave a snort of derision as she leaned forward conspiratorially. “I know you’re saying that for show.”
His brows pulled together in a mixture of annoyance and puzzlement. “No, I’m not. When I kissed you the first time, and held your hand, that was for show. Right now, it’s just you and me. And I’m telling you, I think you’re beautiful and smart. More than that, you’re down to earth and genuine, qualities I’ve come to appreciate because they’re not that easy to find.”
“What we’re doing isn’t genuine.”
He swore under his breath and turned away, resting his hands on his hips.
“Jagger!” Kaden’s train came around and he waved.
Jagger mustered a smile and gave him a thumbs-up. Then he turned his attention back to Chelsea. “Look, if you’re having secondthoughts, tell me now. I understand this is awkward, but not because you think we don’t go together, or whatever you’re thinking. Unless you have a problem with me, which is the more likely scenario. I mean, why would a nice girl like you be interested in a former vapid playboy who is raising hisuncleand comes from a family that wouldn’t know kindness or love if they were drowning in it?” Pain and anger roiled in his chest. For several years now, he’d tried to live the right kind of life. He’d protected Kaden from Tanya, and later from Jagger’s father, who’d stop at nothing to get his hands on Kaden’s trust.
”Jagger.” Chelsea’s dark brown eyes showed concern and kindness. “I have no problem with you.” She looked like she was going to say more, but she must have determined it was enough. And it was. Because he could see she meant it. Those few words wrapped around him like a warm blanket. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to. Not many people made him feel safe and grounded.
The feeling overwhelmed him for a moment. He rested his forehead against hers. “Then please help me. Help us.”
“Well, look at this.”
Jagger lifted his head, disappointed when Chelsea jerked away from him as if she didn’t want to get caught kissing behind the bleachers. Lexie joined them. Speculation danced in her eyes as she stood, bouncing the baby snuggled in a baby carrier hanging from her chest. Drake stepped up beside her with a second baby attached to him.
