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“Just a few things I thought you might like. Smells good in here. What’s the occasion?”
“Your father is coming to dinner.”
“Mom, don’t. We will get through this. You don’t have to take him back. Sign the divorce papers. He doesn’t deserve another chance.”
She shakes her head, tears in her eyes. “Doesn’t deserve another chance? We’ve been married twenty-seven years, Robbie. I’m not ready to give all that up over one mistake.”
“One mistake? He had an affair, Mom. I call that more than a mistake.”
A mistake that lasted months without caring who he hurt in the process, certainly not my mother. Twenty-seven years of marriage meant nothing. He was fucking another woman and coming home to my mom like his vows actually meant something to him. I hate that they still mean something to her. She’s the best woman I know. Our family always came first with her. She’s the one who deserves another chance to be happy, but not with him.
“If I can forgive him, so can you. You can’t keep avoiding him the rest of your life.”
“Actually, I can.”
CARLY
The sand is cool on my feet as we walk the beach. Robbie’s been quiet since he came back from his parents’ house, which doesn’t seem to be his style.
“I’m not one to pry, but it’s obvious something’s going on. We can head back if you want.”
He shakes his head. “No, this is nice. I needed this.”’
And I need his vulnerability. After he and the boys left earlier, Candy and I went to get our nails done?something to take her mind off things. Seeing Robbie did a number on her. All she wanted to do was talk about him. About how he would come to her place and cook so they could stay in and watch a movie before making love. About how he’d always leave these sweet notes on her bed so she’d find them when she woke up. About how he told her he loved her.
I glance over at him, disgusted with myself for wanting those things with him. Falling head over heels is not my style. I keep my distance in relationships because everyone eventually leaves. But with Robbie, I can’t build up my walls. Is this how Candy felt about him? If he broke her, how badly will I be damaged?
“I thought my parents were getting a divorce,” he admits. “Turns out, my mom is willing to forgive my dad for wrecking their marriage.”
“And you don’t forgive him?”
“Hell no. He doesn’t deserve my forgiveness. Or hers.”
“At least you have your parents,” I say. “Mine were killed in a car accident when I was just a kid. My sister and I were put right into foster care.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that.”
“I don’t know how different my life would be had that not happened. What path I would be on. So, try not to be so hard on your mom. Forgiveness comes easier for some than it does for others.”
“You’re right. I’m just not ready to forgive him,” he says.
“Well, I know the perfect distraction.”
I tug him with me as I take off running. My feet hit the water, splashing it about, and Robbie dives in right there with me. It’s cold but feels damn good. Summers in Coree Harbor are scorching, even after sunset.
“You’re right,” he replies, laughing. “This is the perfect distraction.”
I should press him to tell me what’s going on. Should ask questions. He was vulnerable, and I could use that to my advantage, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
I dip, letting the water soak my hair. When I raise my head, he’s right there, his mouth seeking mine. His arms wrap around my waist. Damn, he feels good. I haven’t been held like this in a long time. Hell, I haven’t been kissed like this in a long time. He squeezes my ass, pulling me even closer until his erection presses against my stomach.
“I changed my mind,” he murmurs against my lips. “Thisis the perfect distraction.”
For a moment, I pretend he was never with Candy. That I get to have him first.
That he’ll cook forme, leavemesweet notes, tellmehe loves me.
ROBBIE
