Addison (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)(48)

I spun around. “I just want you to know I don’t believe in abortion. If that offends you we should probably stop doing this. Accidents happen, but I believe a child is a gift from God.”

“Of course you do. I’m not disagreeing with you, but you know why I might be reluctant to find comfort in being a father.” He winced. “Is it necessary to talk about this now? We were just getting started.”

I stared at him. “I told you I was falling in love with you, and you’ve said nothing. I don’t expect you to say it back, and I’d never want you to do it to make me happy, but it seems like you’re avoiding the conversation altogether.”

He placed his hands on my shoulders. “Maybe I am. This thing between us scares the shit out of me. I promise there’s nowhere else I’d rather be though.”

“That’s all you can say?”

“I don’t want to give you false hope, precious. I’ve got demons keeping me from losing myself in you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

This shower was neither romantic or sexy. It was more like a presidential debate no one wanted to tune in for.

“It means I’m not going to talk about it right now. Don’t read extra into it.”

I could feel tears rushing to my eyes. “I wish I never said it to you.”

Before I could step out he grabbed my arms from behind and pulled me against his hard body. “Don’t leave mad.”

“I need to lie down.”

“Well I need you to stay. Please.”

I darted out, ripping the towel bar halfway off the wall when I almost slipped getting one to dry off with. “I’m going to go home tonight.”

“Addison, come on. What’s really happening here?”

“It’s you. Every day you talk about some big secret. I’m tired of hearing it. If you can’t be honest then why should I waste my time? I want to be happy. I thought we could have it together, but maybe I’m jumping the gun. Maybe I’ve been so out of the loop that I created some instant kind of infatuation with you. Maybe I don’t even know what love feels like.”

I was more than upset with myself. It was like a light bulb went off over my head. We were getting careless, and he still wouldn’t be straight with me.

I got my shirt over my head before he came into the room, completely naked and dripping wet. “Don’t go. I want you here. You know I do. I’ve never told you I didn’t.”

“I can’t do this tonight. Maybe I’m upset about Cassie. I just need to go home.”

“Addison, wait!” I turned to see him wiping his face off. “I’ll tell you everything. Stay. Not because I’m asking, but because you know in your heart I feel the same damn way about you.”

I closed my eyes, unable to accept it was the truth. “No. It’s too late.”

I wouldn’t know how true the statement was until someone started banging on the door, calling my name. “Addy, are you in there? Addy?”

“It’s your dad,” Cole announced.

“Yeah, I know.”

I dressed as fast as I could, seeing Cole doing the same thing. My hair was dripping wet. Hopefully he’d think we’d gotten caught in the rain.

I rushed to the kitchen door, removed the chair, and opened it. My dad pulled me outside. It was alarming how he looked at me. “Go home now!”

He started going in the trailer, I thought to attack Cole because we’d been together again. As I followed behind I heard my dad screaming. His voice was loud, and I’d never heard him so angry in my whole life. I was petrified.

“Your foster brother was just here, Cole. I found it interesting when he asked if I’d met my daughter’s new boyfriend. He informed me how the two of you met. You had my daughter lie for you. I want you out, not tomorrow or the next day. I want you out now!”

Cole tried to talk to my father. “Sir, I can explain.”

My dad covered his face. “Does she know?”

“Know what?” I watched the color disappear from Cole’s face.

“Does my daughter know who you are? Does she know she’s been sleeping with a relative of the person who murdered her sibling? Does she know the kind of people you really are?”

“You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not like them.”

My dad threw up his hands. He shoved Cole back. “Don’t you f*cking move. You will not come near my family again, do you understand?”

“Daddy, please.”

I didn’t understand any of this. None of it made sense. Who did he think Cole was? “What are you talking about? You must be mistaken. Joe’s a liar. He’ll do anything to hurt Cole.”

My dad looked at me with so much hate in his eyes. “You need to go home, Addison. NOW!”

“No!” I stood my ground, tears pouring out of my eyes now. “I’m not leaving until one of you tells me what is going on.”

Cole covered his face. I could tell he was upset. “Dad, you’re wrong.”

“No, darlin’; I wish I was.”

I looked at Cole. “Cole. Say something. Tell him he’s wrong.”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, precious.” I swear his eyes were glossy. “Tucker Chase was my uncle. It’s what I didn’t want you to know.”