Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 144571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 723(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 482(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 723(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 482(@300wpm)
The door to his father’s office burst open.
“Alex, it happened.” His mom walked in, her eyes wide. Coop was standing to the side so she didn’t see him. “I just got off the phone with Hunter, and he said Cooper walked through the club last night with Kala in his arms. They went to a privacy room. Together. Without some sub to filter for them. He finally threw her over his shoulder and carried her away like I said he would eventually. Now I’m worried she might not take it well. He needs to be patient with her. You have to talk to him. I actually think he might need to be a bit subby in the bedroom a couple of times. How do we have this talk? Should we have this talk? He’s almost thirty. It’s going to be weird, but I’m worried he might scare her.”
Oh, what did his mother know that he didn’t? “Why would I scare her? Also, I did not throw her over my shoulder. I was a gentleman and picked her up. Her knee was bothering her.”
His mom started and stared at him for a moment.
His dad snorted and moved to the couch. “Do you know what I never thought about when I became a dad? This discussion. This one right here.”
His mom’s cheeks were stained a bright pink. It was kind of nice to know something could shake Eve McKay’s cool. He’d seen his mom be unshakable through many a family drama, but this was freaking her out.
Damn. Was it because she still didn’t think they could work? He needed to make a few things plain. “We don’t have to have any talks because I’m a man and I make the decisions about my love life. I need you to understand. I love her. She won’t let me say it yet, but I love her and I’m going to make this work. This isn’t some phase.”
His mom’s expression changed from embarrassed to confused. “Why would you say that?”
Did she remember nothing? “When we were kids, you said she was a phase I was going through. She’s not.”
His mother’s head cocked slightly as though she was trying to remember. “Are you talking about what I said the day she went missing? After she punched the pitcher who brushed you back and you were complaining about her?”
It was his turn to be embarrassed. He didn’t like to think about the dumbass kid he’d been. “I wasn’t complaining, exactly.”
His mom huffed. “You were absolutely complaining, and I didn’t say she was a phase. I said she was going through a phase. Do you think I don’t remember this conversation?”
“She does.” His dad sat on the couch, watching them warily. “You have no idea the guilt she went through when she realized it was a fight that sent Kala walking. Your mother thought the conversation you two had at the arcade might have something to do with it.”
He didn’t want his mom to blame herself. “It did and it didn’t. But, Mom, I remember distinctly you telling me that sometimes when a person is drowning, they take down the person trying to save them.”
His mom let out a frustrated groan and sank to the couch beside his father. “I was talking about Kala. It’s hard to be different. Ian and Charlotte and I talked a lot about how the things that would make Kala an incredible woman one day made it hard for her to fit in. She looks exactly like her sister but her brain functions very differently.”
“Yes, I got this lecture from Seth last night,” he replied. “And I had to listen since I was tied to a bed at the time. You’re right about the subby business, but I think she’ll get over it pretty quickly. What do you know about what happened that night, Mom?”
His mother took a long breath and seemed to think for a minute, and then tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, baby. I can’t. I know I’m not technically Charlotte or Ian’s therapist, but I can’t tell you because it would be a betrayal. I’m going to ask you to be patient with her. When she’s ready, she’ll tell you.”
He looked to his father, who shook his head.
“Ian’s been my best friend for far longer than you’ve been born, son. I would do anything for you, but telling you this wouldn’t merely betray the most important friendship of my life, it would hurt whatever you’ve got going on with her. If you love her, let her come to you.”
He knew this. Knew they were right. The night before he’d told Seth he didn’t want to know. But now, in the light of day, he couldn’t help but worry. She might never tell him.
“How can I fix the problem if I don’t know what it is?” Frustration welled. They were so close.