AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long—so many years. Now that it’s here, I’m bobbling it badly.
“Really? Nothing?”
“Fine. You want to know what I have to say, say the words. Out loud this time. Face-to-face. Like a man.” I force my chin up, stare straight at him. His jaw’s tense, and he bristles at my insinuation.
Like I just kicked him straight in the balls.
Instead of apologizing, he takes two long, quick strides toward me, gripping me by the hips and pulling me close to him. We’re inches apart now, closer even than we were at the gas station. Every hair of his scruff visible, a few strands of gray mixing with the dark stubble peppering his jaw. Tanned skin, fine lines around his eyes, evidence that he does laugh every once in a while. He smells of mint and hay, and I want to get lost in that scent again. Like I used to.
He’s so close, I’m half-afraid he can hear the pounding of my heart, sniff the perspiration beneath my shirt. Sense the flutters between my thighs, the heat in my belly.
“I’m. Sorry.” Serious eyes locked on mine, his tone’s flat, the words clipped. “Does that work for you?”
I try to wriggle out of his grasp, but his fingers flex at my waist, gripping me tight. I know I’m going nowhere until King’s good and ready to let me go.
Thrusting out my chest, I plant my feet deeper into the grass, the earth firm beneath me.
“No. That doesn’t work for me, King.”
“And why not?”
“It didn’t sound real heartfelt.”
“I’m not a damn actor, Juliet.”
“Exactly. I need a sincere apology. Not just some words you think you’re supposed to say.”
“Dammit, woman.” He shakes his head, the vein in his neck throbbing.
“Try again. This time with feeling.”
King glares at me, swallows hard as he struggles with his words.
With a low, quiet voice, he says, “Juliet. I’m sorry for hurting you.”
“Good start?—”
“You need more?” He raises a brow.
“Yes. You’ve had fifteen years to work on this apology. I expect it to be good.”
Clearing his throat, his eyes slide up to meet mine. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. That things got messy.”
Hot tears surface, heat flooding my system. I’ve waited so long to hear these words, to have this conversation.
But it’s still not enough.
“You hurt me, King.”
“I know. And for that, I’m sorry. But I did it for you.”
I jerk away from him, and he’s so surprised he releases his grip.
“No! You don’t get to be the hero here. You did it for yourself, to save you. You shut me out because you were in pain. Sure, I failed you, and the baby—” My voice breaks, a sob stealing my breath as I choke back my tears.
King reaches out and wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “No. You didn’t fail me, or our baby. It wasn’t your fault.”
I let the tears fall onto his shirt, the soft flannel absorbing my liquid pain. His strong hand rubs my back, calming me.
