I take a step toward him, my fury boiling at the insinuation that I’m using Ella.
He holds up a hand to stop me. “Okay. Okay. You’re not.”
Running a hand down my face, I turn away from him. “I’m not saying the shit is ideal, but it is what it is. And I’m not changing it.”
“And what happens when this gets out?”
I turn back to him, a brow raised. “What do you mean? You know I don’t care what people think of me.”
He shrugs. “Yeah, that’s true. But we both know that in situations like these, the men aren’t the ones who suffer the consequences. She’s the one who will bear the brunt of this if it gets out. Are you okay with that?”
I turn away from him. He knows full damn well I’m not. He and I both know that it would be hard on Ella. She’s too peaceful and too loving. Having everyone against her would eat her alive.
“I didn’t think so,” Devon says. “I’m not going to tell you what to do, but you need to be smart about this. Too many people can get hurt. And not everyone has thick skin like you.”
He turns around and walks back toward his house. His words repeat in my head over and over as if it’s a song. Once he gets to the door, he stops and turns to face me.
“For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. I always knew there was something between ya’ll.” He grins. “And don’t worry, my lips are sealed.” He turns and walks back into his basement.
After climbing into my truck, I headed home. My mind is reeling from the events of the night. I had no hangups about nearly choking Drew out, but Devon’s words bothered me. I’d do anything to protect Ella, but could I give her up?
Cabin
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ella
Something has changed. It’s been three weeks since the poker night and Mitch hasn’t been the same. At first, I thought it had something to do with the picture I sent him. He never responded to it, and it was my first time sending something like that. But now, I’m not so sure that was the problem.
Valerie’s words that night at her home have been haunting me lately.“Mitch has a knack for wanting things he didn’t think he could have.... But let me warn you, Ella Marie. The moment the newness wears off, and the fun is over, he pulls away.”
Has my newness run out already? Has Mitch grown tired of slumming it with the divorcee? I guess it isn’t too far-fetched. Hell, the man that swore to love me till death did us part, ran for the hills. Did I expect anything less from Mitch?
I zip the last of the cookies into the storage bag. I then placed the bag, along with the container of leftover lasagna, in the tote bag. It was Friday, and the boys were heading to their father’s. In another week, school would be out, and they would be with him for the summer.
“Did you pack the bread, too?” Cameron asks as soon as he comes into the kitchen.
I clear my mind of my doubts and worries and plaster on a smile for my baby boy.
I pointed to the tote bag on the counter. “Yes, I have the garlic bread and the corn on the cob.”
When my baby begged me to send them with a home-cooked meal because his dad and Ms. Kiely never cooked, I made sure to make him something special.
“Thanks, Mama. No offense to Dad, but I’m tired of pizza and burgers.”
I cup his cheek and squeeze it.
“Do you have all your things packed?”
He nods just as the doorbell rings. Cameron turns and rushes out of the kitchen. Preparing to see my ex, I take a deep breath before grabbing the tote off the counter.
I head into the living room to find that AJ has already let his father in. Andrew is standing in my living room in a wrinkled t-shirt and basketball shorts. He looks nothing like his usual well put together self. Even his hazel eyes seem tired and lifeless.
There is a part of me that is still attuned to this man, and it makes me want to ask if everything was okay. However, I tamp down that part of me. This man does not belong to me, and whatever is bothering him is not my concern.
As I approach him, I notice his gaze follows me. Today I’m wearing a lounge set. The soft gray t-shirt is a V - neck that shows off my cleavage but still fits loose enough to be comfortable. The matching shorts are just as soft and are shorter than I’d be comfortable wearing outside, but they work for lounging at home. Not once would I consider this outfit overly sexy, but the way my ex is staring at me, you’d think I was in lingerie.
AJ clears his throat, snapping his father out of whatever trance he was in.
