Page 57 of Broken Daddy

I promised Gen no one would find out. And I intend to keep that promise.

“Well, I think that’s a bad idea. For everyone involved. The more people who know, the better, Nathan. You need a network. People checking in on you guys.” He takes a deep breath and goes in for the kill. “I know you’ve gotten used to operating on your own. This isn’t the time for that.”

It gets me right in the heart.

Chris is right. We’ve just never brought up my forced solitude out loud before.

Ever since Julia’s accident seven years ago, I’ve done everything I can to function fully on my own. Caring for Eva, running the business. I’ve made not needing anyone such a huge part of my life.

Now all that is crumbling around me. All because Gen Walker stepped into my life.

“She’s going to be pissed.” It’s a warning more for myself than for Chris, who doesn’t know Gen very well yet.

He snorts. “Yeah, probably. But she’ll be safe. And that’s what matters.”

“You’re right.” I sigh, digging my cell phone out of my pocket and tapping out a quick text asking Russ if he can talk sometime this morning. Chris waits patiently, and then we talk logistics—how the updated alarm system should function, fail-safes for if someone does get in the house. He makes a weak joke about getting us a German shepherd, but I consider it pretty seriously.

It’s almost 6 a.m. when he stands and tries to straighten out the wrinkles in his shirt, face scrunched in distaste.

“I have an hour until I need to be in the office. Honestly, should’ve been there already.”

And Gen thinksI’mthe workaholic.

“Sorry to drag you out here.”

Chris holds up a hand. “No, absolutely don’t apologize. I want to be here, Nate. For you, for Eva—” he nods toward the stairs “—and for that woman who has you so captivated. Just…be careful, okay?”

I agree, following him toward the door to see him out, feeling the exhaustion finally creeping up on me. I doubt I’ll get much sleep, though, today or any other day after.

Turning in the doorway, Chris claps a hand on my upper arm and squeezes tightly.

“Call me as soon as you have a name, okay? I’ll clear my schedule for this. I’m serious.”

Without warning, he yanks me into a hug.

When was the last time I hugged my brother? Probably when we were kids. I can’t even remember.

“Don’t turn into Dad,” I hear him mumble almost incoherently, and then he’s gone—striding quickly toward his Tesla and getting in without looking back.

Those words hurt. The last thing I want is to be like my dad.

Chris is right. To avoid that, I need to let others in.

A small voice in my head points out that maybe that’s already been happening…maybe I took the first step weeks ago, when Gen Walker became the unexpected whirlwind in my life.

I’m in it now. No matter the outcome.

Chapter23

Genevieve

“Who are you?”

My head snaps up at Eva’s words. I rush out of the kitchen and down the hallway, seeing the slightly open front door.

“Eva?”

She looks over her shoulder innocently.

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