Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
A groan escapes from my lips.
Please tell me she’s not that naïve. This is the same woman who’s always steered me in the right direction. How could she be involved in something so wrong?
“None of that matters, Mom. The man is married!” When she freezes, staring at me with wide eyes, I raise my voice and repeat, “He’s married.”
“I know.” Her voice is so low that I’m barely able to pick up the threads of it. “He’s going to leave her.”
It’s so tempting to drag my hand through my hair before pulling it out. “Exactly how long has he been stringing you along with that line?”
I wince at the harsh question, almost unable to believe that it came from me.
The way she presses her lips together before slamming the mug down on the counter is all the confirmation I need to know that I’m right.
“Come on, Mom. You know better than this.”
For the first time since the beginning of our conversation, anger flares in her eyes. “You don’t know anything about our relationship, and quite honestly, you shouldn’t be judging me. Don’t we get that enough in this godforsaken town? I don’t need to feel your condemnation too.”
All of the emotion whipping through me like an impending storm drains, leaving exhaustion to take its place. “I’m sorry, that’s not how I meant to come across. I’m just,” my tongue slips out to moisten my lips, “I’m concerned that he’s taking advantage of you.” Even though I want to, I don’t mention the married part again. “He’s your boss.”
“I know how it looks from the outside.” Guilt flickers in her eyes before disappearing. “You probably think I’m a homewrecker, but trust me, nothing could be further from the truth. He and Pamela haven’t been happy for years. They’ve stayed together for the sake of the children. Once they graduate from high school, he’s going to divorce her. And then, after an appropriate amount of time, we can date openly. No one will ever know that we were having an affair.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip as a fresh wave of anger crashes over me.
That guy really has it all planned out.
“I don’t want to see you get strung along for years only to get hurt.” Mom deserves so much better than…
To be some man’s side piece.
I cringe as the ugly words flood my brain. If anyone were to find out about their affair, Mom would be forced to quit her job. There’s no way around it. Neither of us could live through that kind of scandal.
Not in this town.
And it’s highly doubtful he would stand by her side. He’s always struck me as a weasel. Always kissing up to the parents and board members.
Does he actually plan to leave his wife?
Doubtful.
He has the perfect set-up.
An oblivious spouse at home, taking care of his children, and Mom at work, stroking his ego. A shiver of disgust slides through me.
“I promise that won’t happen.” A hopeful smile lifts her lips. “We love each other.”
Before I can open my mouth to argue, there’s a knock at the front door. Relief floods her expression as she races from the kitchen.
My mind spins, wondering how I’m going to get through to her.
“Morning, Ms. Robinson,” a deep voice greets from the other room. “Is Delilah at home?”
I suck in a sharp breath.
Jasper?
What the hell is he doing here?
After last night, I can’t believe he has the audacity to show his face.
What am I saying?
Of course he does.
There must be fifty texts on my phone. After I turned off my ringer, I shoved him from my thoughts and didn’t think about him again.
“Sure is. She was a real sleepyhead this morning and just rolled out of bed.” There’s a pause before Mom pops back into the kitchen, “Jasper’s here.” She swipes the car keys from the counter. “I need to run to the store for a couple of things. I’ll be back in about an hour.”
Before I can beg her to stay, she escapes out the backdoor as if the hounds of hell are nipping at her heels, leaving me to face him on my own.
It takes a moment to gather my courage and force my feet into movement. It feels very much like I’m marching to my death as I walk into the living room and find Jasper loitering near the front door.
He looks terrible.
His eyes are bloodshot, and his hair is disheveled, sticking up at odd angles. If I’m not mistaken, he’s still wearing the same clothing from last night. He looks rumpled. It’s a far cry from his usual put-together self. It’s highly doubtful concern for my welfare is what has him looking like this. If I had to guess, I’d say he probably partied into the wee hours of the morning.
His gaze locks on mine and I stutter to a stop, unwilling to get any closer.