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He started to respond to his daughter’s obvious lie, but I interrupted him—my voice once again cracking as I spoke. “Actually, I was about to head out. I knew today would be kind of difficult, so I made plans. However, thank you for the invitation. I wouldn’t want to interrupt anything…of value.” I pointed my teary glare directly at Harper, and her triumphant smile faltered. I looked at the ground before looking back at Rick.
His lips pressed into a thin line as he gave a shallow nod. I had no doubt he had a great poker face—especially in his line of work—but right then, I could see many emotions crossing his face before he schooled his expression. “I understand. I hope you have a fun day, Temperance. It’s always a pleasure.”
I gave him a genuine smile and reached out to shake his hand again. He squeezed mine, so I squeezed back. “Yes, it is. It was good to see you again, Rick. Have a good day, guys.” I turned to Harper. “Enjoy the day withyourdad.”
With that, I turned and walked away, tears welling in my eyes faster than before. What a cruel fucking joke. The world took my father from me and saw fit to gift me another, but we couldn’t even acknowledge one another in public. It broke my heart and made me want to scream. I needed to get to my car fast before I lost it.
I’d just put my key in the driver’s side door when I was rudely interrupted.
“Why the hell was Rick Avery talking toyou?”
I jumped, dropping my keys to the ground as I turned to face Damian. His eyes widened briefly before narrowing.
“Are you crying?” He reached out with his thumb and gently wiped away a tear that had fallen when I jumped.
The moment his skin touched mine, I jerked back and swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
“Why were you talking to Rick? And why are you crying? Did that asshole say something shitty to you?”
I looked at him with obvious confusion. “What?” I asked before leaning down to pick up my keys. When I stood, I noticed his expression was expectant. “I told you. Rick’s my aunt’s neighbor. Harper caught up to me to say some shitty, cunty things about me not having parents, and Rick saw me with her.Probablyassuming all was well. He stopped me and wanted to say hi and ask how I liked Crestview so far. Jesus, what’s wrong with you? Are you always so damn suspicious of everything?”
He shrugged. “Only when I get the sense I’m being lied to, and there’s something there. I know it. I’m usually not wrong about these things.”
I groaned. “Whatever, Damian. Look, today isnotthe day. I will run your ass over and not think twice about it. I even prepared your epitaph. ‘Here lies Damian Alexander Wolfe. The world won’t mourn him as a whole because he was a dick, but by coincidence, that’s the only part of him thatwillbe mourned.’”
He smirked. “A little long, don’t you think? Don’t know if it’ll fit.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“That’s what she said,” I spat out humorlessly the moment it popped into my head. “Besides, don’t pretend you wouldn’t have one of those giant, gaudy headstones that lord over all the others surrounding it. It’ll fit just fine. Hell, I might even have to add a few more lines.”
I turned back toward my car, but he lightly grabbed my wrist. “Why are you crying?”
My head fell forward as I sighed. I opened my mouth to respond, but instead, a sob took me. My shoulders shook as I fought it, inhaling deeply through my nose and sniffling at the same time.
“Temperance, what’s wrong?” How could he sound so concerned when I knew how horrible he was?
“It’s nothing. Just… Just let me go, please. I can’t do this. Not today.Nottoday.”
In a flash, Damian had me pressed against him, one hand on my lower back and the other cupping the back of my head. My ear pressed to his chest, and I could hear the steady beat of his heart. More tears came, and my body relaxed as I wrapped my arms around his waist, squeezing him. My body shook as more sobs tore through me.
“It’s okay,” he whispered, placing a kiss to the top of my head.
I hate him for this…
But I kind of adore him for it, too.
“Hey, is everything okay?”
I sniffled but didn’t move when I heard Asher’s voice. When no one answered, Asher walked around to the side of Damian I was facing. His eyes widened as he looked at me, then his expression softened.
“Hey,” he said softly, his hand moving to gently stroke my arm. “What’s going on?”
“It’s parents’ weekend,” Damian said, his voice rumbling against my ear. It took him a minute, but it seemed he finally understood. I was impressed.
Realization crossed Asher’s face, and he nodded.
I sniffled again and pulled away, clearing my throat as I looked down at the ground and wiped my tears. I cleared my throat again and looked up.
“I’m fine. I mean…” I sighed. “I’llbefine, anyway. I just need to get the hell out of here.”