I return the hug by haphazardly wrapping my arms around his waist; he’s definitely bigger since the last time I felt him.He’s grown into a dedicated athlete who’s all hard muscle and broad-shouldered man.That strange thread of awareness returns, and my heart hammers inside my ribs.
Although the hug lasts for only the briefest of moments, I feel his coarse-stubbled jaw rub along my cheek as his face nuzzles into my neck.There’s such a familiarity in our embrace, and a small hum of electricity ricochets up my arms.I immediately pull away, caught in a wave of nostalgia and sentiment.
“It’s really good to see you, Cherry.”He laughs.“I mean,Halle.It’s been a long time.”He gestures to the horseshoe booth, and I scoot in, placing my purse on the empty spot between us.
I inhale deeply and let the breath out, watching him as he tucks his tall body inside the intimate booth.
Now that we’re so close, I take a good look at him.Although I’ve seen him a few times in the last week, I haven’t had the opportunity to really appreciate the nuances and changes in his physical appearance.
He’s dressed casually in jeans and a plain black T-shirt, the short sleeves showing off the smooth muscles of his biceps.He sweeps a hand through his wavy hair, which is a shade darker and a tad longer than it was in Calgary, allowing him to tuck pieces behind his ears.He used to keep it cut short to his scalp, saying it was easier to manage.
There’s a mass of dark stubble covering his strong, angular jaw.Even with the short beard, I can still see that divot in his chin that looks like someone pressed their thumb there upon his birth.
If he had taken a good look at Lennon when he met her, then he must’ve seen this unique physical attribute they share.
“How are you—” I begin, leaning an elbow on the table to look at him, when he jumps in at the same time with a very different question.
“Is she mine?”
Whoa.
Dane Axelrod does not waste time getting down to business.
He just throws out the easiest to ask, yet most difficult question in the universe for me to answer.
And I’m not sure I’m truly prepared for what will happen when I do.
16
Dane
Halle rears back against the seat cushion and blinks, her inky lashes fluttering before she glances to the front door as if looking for an escape.
The suspense is killing me, and her reluctance to tell me is a mystery.Why is it so hard to give me an answer?It’s either a yes or no, isn’t it?
Does she think I’ll be mad?Or be a dick about it and demand a paternity test?
When she finally turns her face to look directly at me, I can see the resolve in her teal-blue eyes.She’s always had a confidence about her that made her unflappable.Even when I met her with slushie running down her face, she was embarrassed, sure, but she stood her ground and didn’t fall to pieces.It’s why I was so attracted to her.
“Yes, she’s your daughter.But Dane?—”
My breath catches in my lungs, and I cough.“Holy shit.”
Her statement hits me harder than a puck to my chest.I thought I was sure of everything, that I’d know how I’d react and respond.I’d be ready to step up and do the right thing.But now the reality of it hits… and I’m speechless.
“Holy shit,” I mumble again, still trying to find my words and unable to fully comprehend this entire situation.“I’m a dad?”
“Dane, listen to me.”Halle stretches her arm across the table, her hand balled in a fist.
I look down at it and wonder if she wants me to hold it.But instead, she opens her fingers and deposits a small white box in front of me.The air gets trapped in my lungs, and I stare at it and then back at her.Her eyes search mine.“I completely understand if you want to confirm Lennon’s paternity before discussing this any further.”
I pick up the box and read the label.DNA Paternity At-Home Test Kit.Something inside me ignites an irrational urge to throw the box out the window.
Instead, I shove it back in Halle’s direction.Her eyes flash questioningly, with a hint of confusion.
“I don’t need this to know.”
“Dane,” she says, shaking her head.“Be reasonable.It’s for your own peace of mind and leaves no room for doubt.”
