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“How long do we have until the appointment? You have to be tired. You almost fell asleep in the car.”
Fay glanced to the clock in the kitchen. “A little over two hours.”
“Come lay down and rest.”
As I led her into the first room, she didn’t fight. Fay stayed at my side, allowing me to remove her jacket.
“This was my room.” She slid off the heels, climbing in the bed. “Do you sleep here?”
I smiled. “Sometimes. I mostly sleep on the couch or recliner.”
“Will you lay with me?”
My hand paused at my tie. The beat of my heart jumped, and I couldn’t stop it from increasing as I slid the tie free and let it fall to the ground. One by one, I rolled up my sleeves, unbuttoning a few buttons before lowering to the edge of the full-sized bed.
“I guess there’s not much room. I forget how big you are.”
“We’ll make it work, Sit up really quick.”
Fay obeyed as I laid down. She instantly curled around me as I held open my arms. She fit so perfectly against me. As if she were made to be there.
“Better?”
“Yeah.” Her hand settled on my chest. “Do you miss your old life, Aimon?”
“Sometimes. Not all of it, but parts. What about you?” I cringed. “I’m sorry. Of course you do.”
“Well, some, like you. My life wasn’t perfect. There’s a lot you don’t know. I almost went to jail because of my fiancé. Ex-fiancé. He played me pretty good.”
“You were engaged?” I wasn’t sure why, but just like before at the mention of someone else, fire flamed through my veins.
“Not for long. Just long enough for him to get what he wanted.”
“And what was that?”
Fayette let out a deep breath. “We worked at the same company. He stole my login, along with a lot of money from my boss. They thought it was me. By the time I found out, he was gone. Along with all my money as well. Rumors move fast. I was untrustworthy, despite my innocence. I couldn’t get a job. I lost my apartment. Everything, really. I was living out of my car for three weeks before my dad found me. That’s why he got a hold of your grandfather. I wouldn’t move back in with them. I wanted to make it on my own. Get back on my feet by myself. He was so stubborn. I could have done it. I know I could have if I would have had the chance.”
“You were homeless when you came to us?”
I moved my head back to try to see Fay. The action had her lifting hers to meet my eyes.
“I had a car, Aimon. I slept there just fine.”
“You were homeless, though.” My head shook in bafflement. “You’re strong in a way I’ll never be. Even disinherited, I got out with a roof over my head. I drive a car most will never afford. I—”
“Don’t for one second feel bad for what you’ve accomplished or gained on your path. Your pain was real. So was your success. You can’t compare your life to anyone else’s. It doesn’t work that way. I let you stay here because you needed a place to live. You’re the father of my baby. Even if I did.” She stopped. “We won’t talk about that. Regardless, you didn’t hurt me.
“I was hateful at times. Cruel.”
“You were unkind but so was I. We treated each other horribly, but we had our reasons. I did something unforgivable and despite why, nothing makes that okay. But it’s done, and I won’t regret it. I can’t.” She paused. “Do you regret what happened between us, Aimon? Before I took away your choice?”
As I stared into her eyes, I couldn’t lie. “No. I don’t regret any of it. Not the first time. Not the second, or the attempt for a third. No, I didn’t want this, but…I’ve come to terms with it now. To be honest,” my hand fitted to her stomach, “you both are all I think about.”
“I think about you all the time too.”
“You do?”
“Mm-hmm. You mentioned the third time.” Fay moved closer, just inches from my face. “Do we get to try again?”
