I could practically feel his skepticism at my quick response.
“They left us,” I continued. “I don’t want to invite them back into our lives. I don’t need them. I’ve been doing just fine on my own.”
“That’s the thing, Em. You don’t have to handle that kind of shit alone anymore.”
I let the silence hang between us before I looked over at him. “You don’t either. Have to handle things alone, I mean,” I murmured.
He blew out a breath, nodding in acknowledgement. “I know you’ve got my back, babe. Sam and I, we weren’t raised all that differently from you. My parents didn’t leave us, but it didn’t feel like they were ever there to begin with.”
I lay in rapt silence beyond thrilled that he was sharing while at the same time devastated by his words.
“Sam took it harder than I did. I always kind of felt like if they didn’t want to spend time with us, if they didn’t want to be involved in our lives then fuck ‘em. But I know it hit her hard.”
“But you were affected by it too,” I pressed as gently as I could.
He appeared to mull that over. “I’m sure you’re right. I’d never really thought much about it. Sam has said as much as well. I guess it did lead to me being more closed off. When your own parents don’t give a shit, you don’t think other people will either. Joining the SEALs helped though. There’s nothing like that comradery. That loyalty. But with women….” He trailed off.
I raised a brow. “So, I’m your learning curve, huh?”
He offered a boyish grin. “Prettiest curves I’ve ever seen.”
I blushed while muffling a yawn.
“You sure you’re okay to work tomorrow?” he asked gently, pulling me closer.
“Fine,” I muttered sleepily, nestling closer into his warm body. I
started to doze off, content cuddled so close to his beating heart.
“Hey, baby?” His voice was a gentle murmur through my sleepy haze.
“Hmmm?”
“Thank you for telling me. For trusting me.”
“Ditto.” I smiled tiredly, moments later falling into a restful sleep.
