Page 38 of Undeniable

“But I wish I’d done more to try to defend my mom,” he continued. “I wish I’d tried to get her to leave him. To get her help.”

My heart clenched as I realized how much guilt he carried. But the situation was beyond his control. He’d been a child, for god’s sake.

“And then, by the time I was finally big enough to hit back, she was gone.”

“Gone?” I gasped, afraid to push.

“Car wreck. A drunk driver T-boned her when I was eleven. It’s especially ironic since my dad’s an alcoholic.”

“My god, Connor.” I was ready to hop on a plane just to see him. Comfort him. “I’m so sorry. But I also know that it’s not your fault.”

He scoffed, and I could tell he didn’t believe me. “What’s not my fault? The fact that he hit her? That I never said anything? That I couldn’t make him stop?”

My parents had never had a great relationship, but compared to Connor’s, it was practically a fairy tale. Infidelity, divorce—those seemed inconsequential in comparison. I shuddered, imagining the horrors he must have experienced.

“Did you know that boys who witness domestic abuse are twice as likely to become abusers themselves?” His voice was solemn, and I realized he was afraid. Afraid that he’d become abusive like his father.

Was that why he’d been so opposed to having children of his own someday?

“I…I didn’t. But I do know that you arenotyour father.” When he didn’t respond, I said, “Connor, are you listening to me?”

“Yeah. I heard you.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, growing more passionate by the second. “Because you are kind. You are honorable. You’re a hero.”

“Mm-hmm.” It certainly felt like he was blowing me off.

“Don’t make me come to New York to prove my point.”

He chuckled. “I don’t know, that sounds pretty appealing.”

I stilled, realizing it was the first time either of us had mentioned meeting in person, even if it had been in jest. Even if it was often on my mind.

“You know what I mean.” I rolled my eyes, my cheeks heating at the idea of seeing him.

“I’m not sure I do. Do you really think you’re prepared to go up against a six-foot-two Navy SEAL? I mean, what are you, like five-two?”

“FormerNavy SEAL. And I’m five-ten, thank you very much.” I sniffed, toying with the edge of a blanket.

“Mm. Interesting.” God, his voice was sexy. It was one of the reasons I loved talking to him. That, and the fact that he was smart, funny, and a good listener.

“What?” I asked.

“I’ve just been trying to picture you in my head.”

My cheeks pinched from smiling so hard. “Really?” I asked, tucking one leg beneath me.

I’d been trying to picture him too, but it was different hearing him admit it aloud. I wondered what he imagined when he thought of me. Would he find me attractive?

“Send me a picture.Please.”

“I’m not sending you a picture.” I stood from the chair, pacing around the room. There was no way I was sending him a picture. “If you want to see me, you’ll just have to come visit.”

What am I doing? Am I crazy?

A man like Connor would accept that as a challenge. And I knew he wouldn’t back down from it. The idea was both terrifying and thrilling.

Talking online then on the phone had really given me the chance to get to know him. To be vulnerable with him. Was I willing to jeopardize that by meeting in person?

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