Page 46 of Unsure in Love

“No, you come to her,” Damian said.

My eyes flew up to his face. He glared daggers at Henry.

“She made the effort to reach out. It’s your turn.” Damian glanced at me with raised eyebrows.

Nibbling my lower lip, I nodded, giving him the go-ahead to continue. I did something I didn’t usually do. I kept quiet and let someone else deal with a situation that was too hard for me. Swallowing the lump of emotion in my throat, I leaned into Damian.

He reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet. Handing Henry a business card, he said, “You want to talk with your daughter, call either of these numbers. I’ll make a meeting happen.”

With that, he led me away. When we reached the SUV, Damian helped me inside. I glanced back at where Henry had been standing. He was gazing in our direction. A little girl with wavy black hair, like mine, appeared at the doorway. She looked to be about eight or nine.

“Daddy! Come on, we’re waiting for you.”

“I’ll be right there, honey.”

My lower lip quivered and fresh tears welled up. Henry abandoned me and my sisters when I was only four so seeing him present for another little girl hurt. I was already settled in my seat, so I barely registered Damian closing my door and walking around to the driver’s side. I started straight ahead because I couldn’t hold back my tears, and I was too embarrassed to let someone else see them.

Damian didn’t say anything, he just reached over to buckle my seat belt.

18

DAMIAN

Cass seemed stuck in a haze, and I didn’t know how to help her. I’d never been in a relationship long enough to get any experience dealing with the emotional stuff. Usually, I had a quick fling and was on my way out of a woman's life before learning too much. Right now, I felt helpless when I desperately wanted to help.

“Cass.”

Eyes that were fixed on the parking lot through the diner’s window swiveled to me.

“What can I do?” I asked.

Her eyebrows drew together. “What do you mean?”

“To cheer you up even a little,” I explained. “I hate seeing you like this.”

We were back in New York and stopped to grab a late lunch. She hadn’t eaten since this morning and I insisted we stop for a bite. She didn’t argue and that was troubling.

“I’m okay,” was all she replied.

“Really? Because you haven’t argued with me or told me to mind my business in three whole hours. I’m worried.”

She blinked, and then a slow smile spread across her face. Soon, she was laughing. The pleasant sound danced its way to my ears. As I stared at her, my concern eased a bit. I’d never been so relieved to see a smile.

“Thank fuck,” I murmured with a sigh. That made her laugh even harder. My lips twitched at the corners, watching how her face lit up.

“Damian, you just made me sound like a total grouch.”

“Never,” I reassured. “Maddeningly stubborn and a real smart ass, but never a grouch.”

She pursed her lips, but her eyes still laughed. “Maddeningly, huh? Yet, you insist on hanging out with me.”

“Yes. Because God help me, I find your wilful ways and your sassy comments stimulating.”

Her eyes collided with mine, and one corner of her lips creased with amusement. “In my experience, men don’t like those characteristics in women. You’re an interesting man, Damian. I’ve never met your equal.”

Rubbing my jaw, I grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” I’d never met her equal either, and I doubted I ever would.

Eyes twinkling, she turned her attention to her untouched sandwich. Finally, she ate. Satisfied, I sat back and picked up the coffee I’d ordered. We were quiet for a while, and I kept a keen eye on Cass.

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