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I was halfway across the barn before a hand clamped down on my wrist and I was pulled into a broad, warm chest.
“You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Mollie.” Cain’s arms wrapped around me, giving me solace I wasn’t sure I deserved. “Only he does.”
Now I was feeling emotions. Big emotions. Ones that swirled together and made my eyes water. “I should have left before it got that bad.”
His hold tightened. “Leaving is the hardest part. I know that for a fact. And you did it. Instead of being embarrassed that it happened, you can be proud that you’refree.”
I’d expected him to be annoyed I’d waited this long. I didn’t expectcompassion,and somehow, his kind words made everything I felt even stronger.
“It wasn’t like it was that bad. I don’t know why I’m reacting like this.”
He pulled away and made me look him in the eye, a gentle hand on my chin. “It may not have been that badyet,but things escalate. They did for Jackie. It started with him slowly driving wedges between her and her friends. Then, he made sure she never had enough income to leave. And maybe he was just an asshole, but in the off chance he was planning something bigger, I’m glad you’re here instead.”
“I know he blindsided you this morning, but I’m glad you saw him and not me. I don’t even know what I would say to him if I saw him in person.”
“Well, ifIsee him again, I’ll tell him he looks like a little rat, and no amount of fancy suits is gonna hide it.”
I laughed. “I might steal that.”
He stared at me, his hand now gently tracing my cheek. And I couldfeelhow much he cared this time.
“Thank you. For understanding.”
“You’re welcome, but I need you to know one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I willnevertry to control you. Or take you from the people who care about you. I might not be liked. I may have made mistakes. But if I ever do a damn thing like he does, you can kick my ass.”
“With you ... I would. But I don’t think I’ll have to.” I wiped at my eyes, finally feeling like a human again after my meltdown. “Hopefully I don’t see him next week when I go to Nashville.”
“You’re going to Nashville?”
“My mom’s birthday. I’m mad at her for keeping the farm from me, but this is the longest I’ve gone without seeing her. I wanna go, but I have a feeling he’ll be there.” I shrugged. “I’ll avoid him the best I can. But honestly, I’m dreading it.”
“If he’s there, you don’t have to go.”
“I can’t keep pushing my parents away. I really miss them, and it’s her birthday. I’ll be fine.”
His jaw tightened, and I thought he would argue, but he let out a breath instead. “Okay,” he said. “But if he doesanything?—”
“I’ll leave.”
“Or you can kick his ass. Either way is fine with me.”
“I’ll have to make a plan.” I smiled at him before it faded as all the things that had happened today hit me again. “Are we okay?”
“We’re okay, Mollie.”
His confirmation made my whole body loosen. “Thank God. I think I exhausted myself worrying about it. I’m probably gonna need to sleep this off.”
I was halfway to the barn doors before he spoke. “One question, before you go?”
“Yeah?”
“What are you gonna do when you go back to Nashville?”
When.