Chapter Twenty-Nine
Eric
Jamie was pacing the lounge across from her father’s room, phone pressed to her ear. When she turned and found me watching from the doorway, she startled.
“I was just calling you. What are you doing here?” Relief flooded her features even as anxiety tightened her voice.
“Came to find you. We hadn’t heard from you, and I was worried.”
“No, I mean what are you doing here? At the hospital? Where’s Hunter?”
“We’ve been here all day, waiting for you. Hunter’s with my family. He and Caleb are practically best friends now.”
Her brows pinched together. “Oh wow. I hope that’s okay with your family. I don’t want to burden them.”
Concern and bewilderment warred across her face as she pressed her lips into a thin line. She looked like hell—stressed, tortured, completely wrung out.
And still fucking gorgeous.
Even drowning in worry, she was thinking about everyone else first. Always putting others before herself, always giving more than she had.
“They’re all fine. How are you holding up?”
Her eyes glazed with unshed tears. “I’m not sure. I keep thinking about Hunter, how I’ve abandoned him during another crisis. I hate the idea of him seeing me fall apart. I just didn’t know what the right choice was.”
“Hunter’s fine. He’s just worried about you.”
She crossed her arms over her middle, holding herself together like she might break apart. “Can I confess something?”
Without waiting for an answer, she rushed on. “I was worried about Hunter, but I’ve been worrying more about you.”
“What the fuck, Jamie?” The words burst from me before I could stop them.
She flinched, chin trembling.
Shit. I gentled my voice. “Why are you worrying about me? I should be the last person on your list right now.”
“Really? Because you’re practically all I can think about. My father’s dying—he’ll probably die tonight—but I’m focused on you, wondering if you’re going to hate me when I leave.”
There it was. The truth I’d been dreading, thrust into the open like a wound left to fester. It hurt worse acknowledged. So much fucking worse than I’d expected.
There really was no more pretending now.
This was Jamie being honest, dropping the walls just like we’d promised. And it was my heart getting crushed, my soul shattering as she told me this was the end.
“It’s impossible for me to hate you, beautiful girl.”
“Don’t say that.” She shook her head. “Nothing’s impossible. You can’t stop bad things from happening. Hating me is the only logical outcome. You don’t even know me. Not really.”
“I know enough.”
Her hands balled into fists, one clutching her phone like she might crush it.
“Do we need to make another deal?” Mock irritation colored my voice.
She sighed in defeat. “What this time?”
“We’ve stepped into total honesty territory here.
Let’s stop pretending this doesn’t matter.
Stop acting like what’s between us is some fake arrangement with the benefit of sex.
” I moved closer, claiming her space. “You agreed to let me into your club, but I want a ranking membership. I want the title to be real.”
Too quiet. She was being too damn quiet, and doubt started clawing at my chest.
“You really want that?” Her whisper was barely audible, hands drifting toward her heart.
“Hell yes.” The words came out rough, possessive. “Jamie, I know it’s complicated—how we met, everything feeling so uncertain. I know you’re not sure where you’re headed or what comes next. You might be uncertain about me, but I have no doubts about you.”
“I’m not uncertain about you, Eric. It’s me I’m not sure of. I don’t know if I can handle more than what we’ve been doing.” Her voice cracked. “I’m not really a good person. I’ve done horrible things to get where I am. You don’t know the half of it, and I don’t think you’d like me if you did.”
“Have you killed someone?”
Her face scrunched in confusion.
“Been an accomplice to murder?”
Again, that puzzled expression told me everything I needed to know.
“Jamie, I don’t give a shit about your past. Especially since I know you did what you had to do. For yourself, and your kid. Those things don’t define you.”
I hooked a finger under her chin, urging her gaze up to meet mine. “Whatever you did before, you’re a good person now. I’ve seen it. I know it. And I doubt anything you’ve done is half as bad as you think.”
Tears tracked down her cheeks as conviction replaced confusion. “I stole things. Lots of things. More than just my dad’s car. I’ve lied constantly—to get my job, to keep my job, to myself practically every day.”
“Lying and stealing to put food on the table aren’t the worst things I can imagine.”
“What about blackmail?” The words came out like a challenge, daring me to find fault. “Dylan’s mom was having an affair. I threatened to expose her unless she paid me. What do you think about that?”
“I think if she had anything to do with Dylan’s initial reaction to your pregnancy, she probably deserved it.”
“Are you kidding me?” Her voice pitched higher. “How can you brush that aside? Blackmailing someone is ruthless and vindictive. Good people don’t do that, no matter how desperate.”
“Would you do it again?”
“What?”
“If you could go back, change your decision, would you?”
She paused, breathing deep and even. “No. I wouldn’t change a damn thing. I’d do it again without question. My son needed me, and I didn’t have another choice.”
“Then you’re exactly who I thought you were all along.”
She stared like she was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Are you still feeling lost, beautiful girl? Don’t you know who you are?”
“I used to. At least I thought I did.” Her voice broke. “Now I’m not sure of anything.”
“Let me tell you who you are to me.” My hand slid to the back of her head, not giving her room to retreat.
“You’re a strong, independent woman who’d do anything for the people you love, even if it tears you apart inside.
You’re honest when it counts, with the people who matter.
You’re fun, mischievous, and sexy as hell. ”
I reached for her hand, bringing it to my chest, placing it over my pounding heart.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, Jamie.
Not just your face or your ass—though I happen to think both are fucking perfect—but you.
Every piece of you. You’re a goddamn beautiful person, and I can’t imagine not having you in my life. ”
Someone cleared their throat behind me.
I didn’t want to turn away from Jamie’s astonished expression.
Didn’t care who was watching. Her reaction was too important to miss.
Her cheeks flushed red, brow drawn tight, that sexy mouth hanging slightly open.
Pure innocence wrapped in fire. No matter how corrupt she claimed to be, her heart was virtuous.
She was perfect, and I couldn’t look away. Not with my heart exposed and my future hanging in the balance.
For a moment, she looked like she wanted to say yes. Like she wanted to try.
Say yes to me.
Instead, her misty blue eyes traveled over my shoulder. The uncertainty lifted from her features as her mouth curved into a soft, warm smile.
“You always have been pretty awesome,” Dylan drawled.
My heart stopped. Pain rushed in to fill the empty space.
What the hell? Was she looking at him with love in her eyes?
“Maybe your awesomeness can forgive me? I somehow got coerced.”
Domineering asshole. One more word and I’d either knock him out or crumple to the floor in devastation.
“It’s okay.” Jamie’s eyes sparkled. “I was waiting.”
I hung my head, closed my eyes in defeat, and let her go. It hurt too much to watch her dump my attempt at a future right back in my lap.
“Sorry, but I really did try to give you more time,” he said.
More time? There could never be enough time with her.
“No, this is good. Well, nothing’s good right now. But having all of you here helps.”
All of you?
My eyes flew open. I spun around to face Dylan, shocked to see genuine guilt instead of the superiority I’d expected. Movement behind him drew my focus to the hallway, where Hunter stood beside Celeste as she pushed Caleb in a wheelchair.
Recognition hit like a freight train. The look on Jamie’s face wasn’t just love. It was devoted gratitude. Cherished appreciation directed at everyone who’d come to support her.
And I felt like a complete asshole.
My sick brother, demanding sister, Jamie’s son, and her ex had all gathered to help her through this, all while I selfishly pushed her for a commitment.
Dylan stepped aside, allowing Jamie to pull Hunter into her arms. She kissed the top of his head. “Was this your idea?”
“Actually, it was all mine,” Caleb boasted. “Hope it’s not too overwhelming, but I figured you could use better company than Eric. He still hasn’t picked up any of my cool. Sorry, I’ve tried, but some people just aren’t capable of being smooth like me.”
Jamie’s laughter was real. And it was heart-stopping.
Caleb might be a shit-disturber, but I’d never been more grateful for it.
“I hope it’s okay.” Celeste sounded almost meek. It was out of character, but I was thankful for that too.
“Are you kidding?” Jamie smiled at her. “I’m thrilled. I can’t tell you how much this means.”
“We won’t stay long,” Dylan assured her. “Hunter wanted to see you before we leave. He’ll stay the night with me if that’s all right. I figured it would be best.”
Interesting how Dylan had suddenly embraced this idea after I’d reminded him of his obligations. He’d been perfectly content to leave everything up to Jamie until I’d called.
Even more interesting was the strange look on Celeste’s face as she watched Dylan and Jamie interact. When Jamie turned back to Hunter after nodding consent, Celeste kept watching Dylan with obvious interest.
Christ. My sister had fallen for the uniform and alpha charm. Thank God she was married. I didn’t need to worry about her chasing after Dylan.
“Do you want to meet your grandpa?” Jamie asked Hunter.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” Hunter’s timid expression was highlighted by the death grip he had on his mother’s hands.
Jamie looked uncertainly to Dylan, but when he only shrugged, her gaze shifted to me. Silently begging for guidance.
She could admit to doubts but asking for help was still outside her comfort zone.
“Your mom wants to do the right thing for you,” I said. “But if seeing him feels too scary, that’s okay. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
“We all get scared sometimes,” Caleb added.
Hunter looked from face to face, and after a moment of contemplation, he squared his shoulders. “Okay. I can face my fear. But can you go first, Mom? I want Eric to bring me in.”
“Eric?” Jamie stepped back, looking at me with wary anticipation.
“Yeah. That’s cool.”
After an awkward silence, Jamie leaned down to hug Caleb, whispering something in his ear that made him laugh with pure joy. He’d always been the charmer, but I could see how thoroughly Jamie had charmed him right back.
Without another glance, Jamie headed toward her father’s room.
“You know where to find us.” Celeste turned to wheel Caleb back toward his room. “Don’t rush back, big brother.”
“Bye, Caleb. See you later,” Hunter called.
Whatever Caleb replied was lost on me. I was too busy staring down Dylan. Present but unwilling to get involved. Maybe he was trying, but I still didn’t like the guy.
“I’ll wait here in the lounge.” He yawned. “Let me know when you’re done with my kid.”
Ignoring Dylan’s barely hidden contempt, I focused on Hunter. Just him and me and the ball of fear he’d been trying to control. His request to have me as backup was surprising, but it meant everything.
Having a purpose—a way to help—made me feel less like a bystander.
“You nervous?” I asked.
“A little.”
“Need anything before we go in there?”
“No. I wanted to talk to you in private.” His eyes sharpened, features intense. “About you and my mom.”
I braced for uncomfortable questions. His hard glare suggested he had plenty.
But what he asked threw me. “She doesn’t know what’s happening with you, does she?”
Smart kid.
“No, she doesn’t.”
“Were you planning to tell her?” Without waiting for an answer, Hunter lowered his voice in clear warning. “Friends shouldn’t keep big secrets from each other. Especially friends who kiss.”
“Noted.”
“Good. It’s scary to tell the truth sometimes, but it’s better. Trust me—I always feel better when I tell her the truth.” He turned and walked toward his grandfather’s room, leaving me stunned.
Fuck, he was right. “Hunter.”
He paused in the doorway.
I caught up in four quick strides. “It’s not fear holding me back. At least not the kind you’re thinking. My fear isn’t about your mom. It’s about Caleb.”
“I know. Just like I’m not afraid to meet my grandfather.” His eyes went glassy, breath strained. “But I am afraid of what happens when he dies—how sad my mom’s going to be. So, I’m still kinda scared to go in there. I don’t think it matters why.”
This kid’s insight put me to shame. “You’re right. Fear is fear. But you don’t need to worry. I’m not leaving your mom alone. I promise I’ll be with her. And I promise I’ll tell her everything.”
“Okay, good. But can you promise me one more thing? Give me warning next time you two decide to make out? Witnessing that was seriously disturbing.”
“Hey, she kissed me. I can’t be held responsible for my reaction to that.”
“Stop. I don’t want details. Save that talk for like three years from now, okay?”
“Deal.”
Our laughter was genuine but brief. When Hunter looked back toward the open doorway, the mood turned somber.
Squaring his shoulders again, he declared, “Let’s go meet my grandfather.”
I didn’t tell him I’d already met Frank Hartley. Didn’t tell him how brave I thought he was. Didn’t mention that despite my hope for the future, this could be the last time I ever saw him.
Instead, I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and squeezed. “Let’s do this.”