Page 34 of Unsure in Love

“So I discovered when we actually had a conversation. I was shocked you were so laid back and funny. When I first saw you at Lucy’s and Nic’s rehearsal dinner, you were so intense. I think you scared half of the townsfolk.”

One corner of his mouth twitched and then lifted in amusement. “I think you’re right. There was this little old lady who kept eyeing me as if I’d attack at any minute.”

“Ah, that would be Mrs. Whelan, the former police chief’s mother.”

“It’s never my intention to scare anyone, but I’ve been told that I scowl severely a lot, Keneti’s words.”

I laughed. “He isn’t wrong. You have a formidable air.”

Damian shrugged. “Like I said, it isn’t intentional. But it’s worked out great for me in my line of work.”

I gave him a once-over. Yeah, I bet being big and intimidating worked for the military and private security. But Damian was actually a sweet guy under his tough demeanor. “Don’t feel bad about Mrs. Whelan. She’s suspicious of every stranger that sets foot in Oakland. She loves to brag that she’s been head of her neighborhood watch for thirty years.”

Damian smiled. “Must be great living in a small town where everyone knows everyone.”

“It isn’t so great, trust me,” I murmured.

“Sounds like there’s a story here.”

I snorted. “Well, the close-knit town living has its charms. On the other hand, there’s no privacy. Everyone has their nose in everyone’s business and the gossip is out of this world. It can also get embarrassing. I suffered humiliation for most of my childhood, being the kid of the town crazy.”

I peeked at Damian through my lashes, gauging his reaction. His expression remained neutral, so I continued. “My mother lost her mind after my dad disappeared.”

“Lost her mind how?”

“As in she became a recluse nut-case. She started a one-woman army against the entire male population and tried to brainwash her kids to never fall in love or have relationships.”

Silence hung between us for a moment. Was he wondering if I was a nut job, too?

Damian stroked his chin and studied me with an unreadable expression. “And where exactly do you stand in the war against the entire male population?”

Leaning back in my chair, chewing slowly, I contemplated. “I’ve been giving you a hard time. Isn't it obvious that my mother managed to totally screw me up?”

“If that was the case, you wouldn’t be sitting in my kitchen, pregnant with my child,” he drawled.

I tried to hide my amusement and my growing attraction to him. He wasn’t deterred by anything I said. “You make a good point, Damian.”

I ignored his smug half-smile. Suddenly, I felt uneasy. Being here with him like this and having this conversation felt too intimate. He must have detected my discomfort because he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Sure.”

He studied me through narrowed eyes, as if trying to see through me. I didn’t like it. Or rather, I was afraid of what he’d see.

“What are you really afraid of, Cass?”

I blinked, surprised by the question. “What are you talking about?”

“Why are you afraid of getting close to me? I can tell you are. But that’s going to be an impossible task because we have a child on the way. I’ll be in your life for…” He grunted. “Hell, a child is a forever connection, isn’t it?”

I swallowed, suddenly losing my appetite. I was afraid of getting too close to him, trusting him the way my mother trusted my father, only to get screwed over in the end. Turning out like my mother was one of my worst nightmares.

“I’m not afraid of anything,” I denied, my eyes skating away from him. “I just don’t think I’d do well in a relationship. Not that we’re in one now,” I quickly clarified.

I hated where this conversation was heading. It was time to divert. Turning back to him, I said, “I could ask you the same thing, Damian. What are you afraid of? As I recall, you're commitment-phobic too.”

“Nice deflecting tactic.”

My lips pursed, and I embraced my guilt. One thing Damian didn’t do was hold back on calling me out.

---