Page 94 of His Heart

“I’m not angry at Cami,” I said. “And it’s nice that she wants to apologize. That’s fine, I don’t hold a grudge against her. I moved on. But if you think you’re going to orchestrate some kind of reunion that’s going to lead to me dating her again, you need to get that out of your head right now.”

“Well—”

“Mom,” I said, cutting her off. “My girlfriend is sitting at the table across from her. I didn’t bring Brooke to dinner because I wanted a pretty date. Have I brought a single girl home since I got better? No, not one. Because I was never serious about anyone. I’m serious about Brooke. I’m in love with that woman and you better get used to it, because if I have my way, she’s going to be around for a very long time.”

“Honey,” she said in a soothing tone that was really getting on my nerves, “I can understand why you’re interested in Brooke. She probably seems very exciting. But she’s not the kind of girl you settle down with.”

I gaped at her, speechless. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Did you really just say that to me?”

“Sebastian, you’ve been through a lot,” she said. “But your illness is behind us now. Things are back to normal. You can finish school and move back here to work with your father. I’m sure Brooke is a very nice girl, but I don’t see how she fits in with your plans.”

I’d never been so angry at my mother. My back tightened and I balled my hands into fists. I needed to get out of here before I said something I’d regret. “Mom, I love you, but I’m leaving.”

“Sebastian…”

She tried to say more, but I was already walking back to the dining room. Everyone looked up from the table, staring at me in alarm. Except Charlie. He still wore that smart-ass smirk of his.

“Let’s go.”

Charlie’s face sobered and he nodded, touching Olivia’s elbow as he stood. Brooke bit her lip, her eyebrows drawing together with concern, but she got up and followed me toward the front door.

“Sebastian, where are you going?” Dad called from the table.

I didn’t answer. There was no way I was letting them disrespect my woman like that. I should have turned around and walked out the second I saw Cami. That was my mistake, and I’d apologize to Brooke for it when I was calm. For now, I just needed to get us the fuck out of here.

We piled into my car and I pulled out onto the street. I gripped the steering wheel and ground my teeth, anger flowing like liquid silver in my veins.

“Sorry,” I said.

Charlie acknowledged me with a silent nod. I didn’t have to say anything else. He understood me.

Brooke reached out and touched my leg. I took her hand and brought it to my lips. Placed a hard kiss on the back of it. I twined my fingers with hers and squeezed, trusting that she understood. I wasn’t angry with her. I just needed time to calm down.

If my parents thought Brooke was some kind of experiment—a phase I’d outgrow—they had another thing coming.

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