Page 111 of Tempt Me Forever

Biting my lip, I glanced at Drake. “I'm going to go with Declan. Tell me what the doctor says, okay?”

“Kimberly—”

"Declan's right. I'm in this insane negative spiral. I don't think she needs any of that right now. You were right before. She needs you."

Drake frowned. “If that’s what you want. Declan, you'll let us know want to do next?"

"Yes. I'm prepared for every scenario. Tell Suze not to worry too much. She's got a very strong claim."

"I will."

"Kimberly, are you here with your car?" Declan asked.

"No."

"Then I'll give you a lift. Come on, let's go."

I wanted to give Drake a goodbye kiss, but he couldn't even make eye contact. I’d pissed him off, and I didn't blame him. I was mad at myself for just spouting every unfiltered thought and fear. I'd told him I loved him and then that I would leave; I’d be livid if the situation were reversed.

Declan put an arm around my shoulders, guiding me outside. We passed the doctor walking up the front steps on the way to the car.

A few minutes into our drive, Declan asked, "Kimberly, what's on your mind? You're not usually this quiet."

"I messed up."

"Look, it's not ideal, but honestly, that could happen to anyone. I don't want to tell you how many times I almost had this happen with our nieces."

"It's not just that. I basically told Drake that if it would help his sister's custody battle, I’d break up with him."

"Why in the hell would you even think that?" Declan exclaimed. "That's complete nonsense."

"I know. I just created all these scenarios in my mind where a judge would see me as a danger, and I don't even know where it came from," I said, leaning my head on the window. It was cool, and it did me good. “I just thought, 'Michael can’t grow up without a mom.'”

“Then maybe we do know where it came from.” Declan put his hand over mine.

“And the thought that because of me, somehow that could happen—" I choked up, then tried to take deep breaths.

"Calm down, Kimberly," Declan said. "I think I know where you're coming from."

I looked up at him because his voice was unusually gentle. I’d never heard him speak to me this way.

"Look, I grew up with you, and I know how much you missed your mom. And I love you very much, I do. But that train of thought is batshit crazy, okay? I think you should talk to Drake."

"Yeah, I think so too," I said, feeling a little better now. "I just need to gather my wits first."

“Drake seems like a very good guy."

"Who are you, and what have you done with my cousin? First, you didn't warn me not to date him since Drake and I work together. I thought for sure that would put a bee in your bonnet."

He shrugged with a chuckle. "We've had two similar situations in the family before. Nothing went wrong. I assume we're lucky in that department. But more importantly, Drake seems to care about you. Don't push him away," he said just as the car stopped, and I noticed we'd reached my place.

I took in a deep breath, leaning against the headrest and looking straight ahead. "I won't. I don't want to." I sighed heavily, my eyes watering. "God, I hope I haven't done it already."

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