Never Let You Go(66)

Her eyes are shiny now and I know she’s close to tears. “I think it’s my fault, Mom. He wanted me to come over today, but I ignored all his calls. That’s probably why he did it.”

“It’s not your fault,” Marcus says in a kind voice. “You didn’t create this.”

“He knows where we live because he followed me home from school one day. I never should have written him.…” Even though I’d suspected Andrew had been following the both of us, it still scares the crap out of me to hear it said aloud. I hate the thought of him stalking her.

“You just wanted a relationship with your father,” Marcus says. “The only crime here is that he screwed up the chance to get to know an amazing kid.”

Their eyes meet and he gives her a smile. “I mean, from what your mom has told me anyway. You could be a total pain in the ass, for all I know.”

She cracks a small smile, but then it falters and she looks at me. “He admitted he left the CD, but I was scared that if I told you, he’d be arrested and then he’d hate me. Are you mad?”

“Oh, honey. No. But I’m sorry he put you in that position. That was really unfair.”

She takes a breath and leans over and picks up one of Angus’s toys from the floor, squishes it a few times, letting the air out in a slow squeak. “Poor Angus.”

“You can come with me when I visit him tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Her phone vibrates and she glances down at the display. “It’s Jared checking to make sure I got home okay. Can I go to my room and call him?”

“Sure, baby. We can talk more in the morning.”

“Good night.” She gets up from the chair, then looks at Marcus. “I appreciate what you said.” He nods.

After she’s gone, I say, “Do you want to stay in the spare room? There might be a lot of idiots out on the road tonight.”

He glances at his wineglass. “That would probably be wise. If you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. I should probably go to bed myself.” I feel shy, uncertain of how to handle this. I can’t count the times we’ve sat at the same table or beside each other, but sitting in the dark on this couch feels way more intimate.

I stand up. “I’m going to check the doors.”

“You need help?” He clicks off the TV.

“No, I’ve got it. Do you remember where the spare room is?”

“I think I can find it.” Now he stands up.

“Okay.” We’re two feet from each other. I think about giving him a hug but wonder where that would lead. Then I think about Greg. “Well, good night.” I spin around. When I’ve finished checking all the doors and windows, Marcus has disappeared into the spare room.



My phone ring wakes me up the next morning. Greg calling to wish me a Happy New Year. “Sorry I didn’t call last night,” he says. “There was no reception at the chalet.”

“That’s okay, but I had a crappy night.” I tell him about Angus. “I’m hoping he’s better this morning.” I glance at the clock, wonder when the clinic opens.

“You and Sophie have to stay with me so I can protect you,” Greg says, his voice firm. “I’m taking the early ferry home. I can meet you at my house around noon.”

“You sure you want that?”

“You know I’m ready.” He leaves the rest unsaid. I’m the one who has doubts, and we both know it. I think about Marcus sleeping in the spare room. It feels good to be talking to Greg, reminds me how comfortable and easy it is to be around him. I don’t worry about what I’m saying or how I’m saying it. Maybe this will be a good test for us as a couple.

“Okay,” I say. “We’ll pack some things.” I’ll tell Sophie when she wakes. She might not be thrilled about staying with Greg, but at least we’ll still be in Dogwood Bay.

I take a quick shower, pull on some leggings and a sweater. When I walk out into the kitchen, Marcus is already sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. His clothes and hair are rumpled and he has a dark shadow on his jaw, but it just makes him look even more attractive. I have a twinge of doubt about agreeing to stay with Greg. Too late now.

“Good morning,” Marcus says. “Hope you don’t mind I made coffee.”

“Of course not.” I pour myself a cup. “Want to stay for breakfast?”

“I should probably get out of your hair, unless you want me to go to the clinic with you?”

“We’ll be okay. I don’t want to take up all your time.” We’re being so polite, which is odd. You’d think him spending the night would have made us closer as friends. Instead we’re tiptoeing around each other like complete strangers.

“It’s really no problem,” he says.

“If Angus is allowed to go home, we’ll probably take him straight to Greg’s.”

He looks up from his mug. “He’s back?”

“On his way. We’re going to stay at his house for a few days.”

“Oh.” He’s staring at me, but then he jolts his head as though snapping himself out of something, and says, “That’s good. I feel better knowing you’re safe.”

“Do you?” The words are out before I have a chance to think about them.