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She shrugs, feigning innocence. “Maybe it’s just beginner’s luck.”
Trent shakes his head. “Beginner’s luck, my ass. I call bullshit.”
Elena’s smirk breaks into a full-blown grin. “I used to play with my grandparents all the time growing up.”
Mitch claps. “She’s gonna give you a run for your money, Noah.”
Noah laughs. “That was awesome. I totally didn’t see that coming.”
Jason high-fives Elena, and something twinges in my chest as I watch them laugh together. It’s like I’m on the outside looking in. They look good together—a happy young couple.
And reality crashes down on me like a ton of bricks.
What an idiot I’ve been.
All this time, I’ve been deluding myself into thinking we could actually be together. But Jason is the kind of person she belongs with. They make sense.
I’m in no position to be with a young woman like her. My life isn’t over, but it’s set. I’m stationary. Settled. Elena is at the edge of what her life is about to become. She’ll get remarried and want to have kids someday. I can’t give her that life. She needs to be with someone who can give her everything she wants—and I have no right stopping her.
My lungs constrict, like the room is caving in on me, and I can’t breathe.
“Dad, are you okay?” Noah gestures to my hand that’s rubbing the spot under my collarbone.
My eyes snap to Noah and my hand drops from the burning in my chest. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just some indigestion.”
Jason collects the chips. “Okay, shark. Double or nothing.”
I fold the next three rounds, unable to focus on anything aside from the racing thoughts bouncing off the walls of my head.
“I’m out, guys.” Elena tosses her cards onto the table. “I think I’m going to call it a night.”
Noah whines. “Come on, Len. Will you please stay?”
Jason leans toward her. “Yeah, come on, Len. Stay a little longer.”
Before she can answer, I push out of my chair. “She said she’s leaving. Say good night, Noah.”
Trent arches a brow, and Mitch tilts his head, but I ignore them.
“Good night, everyone.” Elena waves around the table. “It was nice meeting you.”
She hugs Noah, and then I lead Elena to the front door.
She looks up at me with tentative eyes. “I didn’t mean to crash your boys’ night.”
Guilt squeezes my chest. “It’s fine.”
She reaches out and rubs my shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day.”
“Well, I’ll be up reading for a while in bed.” Her lips twist into a smirk. “You know, in case you can’t sleep later.”
My dick twitches at her suggestion in spite of myself. “Good night, Elena.”
She reaches up onto her toes and presses her lips to my cheek—and I just stand here like a moron.
I watch her until she’s safe inside her house before returning to the dining room.
