Page 9 of Contentious

His emotional reaction to her softly spoken words shocked him. He didn’t get emotional about anything. He kept himself on an even keel at all times, which was essential to his health and well-being. If he’d learned anything in recovery, it was how essential it was for him to be honest with himself, even if he was lying to everyone else.

“Very upsetting, especially because it’s him. I can’t even think about it without wanting to howl. And the worst part is that he’s just barreling headfirst toward the rapids and doesn’t care in the least that it could be a fatal fall. Even though she says her marriage had been over for a long time, she only recently left her husband, and then the guy up and died. What’ll happen when she wakes up to discover she’s in no way ready for this thing with Julian?”

“She seemed as into him as he is with her.”

“For now… I’m worried about what happens when the other shoe drops, because it always does.”

Chapter Three

Julian stared out the passenger-side window, lost in a sea of memories he so wished he could erase from his mental hard drive. The news of his parents’ reconciliation had opened the door to things he hadn’t thought about in years and would prefer to never think about again. He deeply resented them asking for an audience with the children they’d thoroughly traumatized.

“Hey,” Isla said softly. “Are you okay?”

He’d totally checked out on her, which wasn’t fair. “I’m sorry.”

“Please don’t be. Of course this has knocked the wind out of you.”

“I fucking hate them right now. Like, how dare they have the nerve to think we owe them five minutes of our time on this of all topics?”

“It’s a big ask, for sure.”

“I’m glad you think so, too.”

“Anyone would. Your grandfather is right that none of you owe them anything when it comes to this situation.”

“Except we all work for them. I’ve never wanted to quit the family business more than I do right now.”

“Just because you work for them doesn’t mean you’re required to engage in their personal lives. That should be completely separate from the work.”

“‘Should be’ being the keywords.”

“They can’t force you to talk to them about this, Julian. You’re all adults and can make your own decisions about who and what you let into your lives.”

“Keep reminding me of that, will you?”

“Any time you need to hear it.”

He took her hand and cradled it between both of his. Thank God she’d been there tonight when the shit hit the fan. Somehow, her very presence made it easier to cope with something that would usually send him into a tailspin. “I’m sorry our date got screwed up by my parents.”

“Our date didn’t get screwed up. We got to dress up and go to the hottest movie in Hollywood and spend the night together. Plus, I got to meet your siblings—and Flynn Godfrey.”

“My siblings could’ve been nicer to you.”

“It’s fine. They’re dealing with a lot, and they’re still trying to understand the changes you’ve made in your life.”

He smiled as he considered the biggest change he’d made in his life, sitting next to him, holding his hand, offering comfort and understanding when he needed it most. As he kissed the back of her hand, he said, “Best changes I’ve ever made.”

“Your brothers and sisters don’t agree.”

“Please tell me you know that has nothing at all to do with you.”

“Feels like it does.”

“Isla, please hear me when I tell you that I love them very much, but they don’t dictate how I live my life—and I’d never tell them how to live theirs. Did we take a vow to stay single and unencumbered? Yes, we did, but things change. I’ve changed.”

She placed her free hand over her abdomen. “I still worry that you’ll wake up one day and ask yourself what the hell you’re doing in bed with a single mom of two little kids.”

“That’s not going to happen, sweetheart. I swear to you. I’m exactly where I want to be.”