Page 64 of Before and After

Caden reached across and grabbed my hand. “From what I can tell, you’re doing a great job with him. He has a home, love, you. Everything a kid needs.”

“I feel like I get it wrong a lot. I feel like I’m not in control. I’m doing my best, but I’m worried I’ll still screw him up.”

“Hey, give yourself a break. Even families with two parents and tons of support make mistakes. No one’s perfect, and mistakes are part of life.”

I looked at his profile, his strong jaw. “Did you…have a rough childhood? With your dad gone?”

He remained quiet.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t pry. Ignore?—”

“I didn’t. Mom’s a lot like you. She worked two jobs to make a good home for us. Dad was a piece of shit. I was five when he left, and my only memories are of him getting drunk and yelling.”

“You have sisters?”

He nodded, but seemed tense. “Sara and Clara.” He pulled into the parking lot in front of my condo.

It appeared the conversation was over.

When he opened the door, I touched his arm. “Don’t get out.”

His dark gaze leveled on me. “I’m walking you to your door.” His voice said he wasn’t going to argue about it.

I unbuckled my seat belt. “Okay, Broody. I’ll let you fight off any bad guys lurking in my condo stairwell.”

He shot me a look, then grabbed my backpack.

We walked up the stairs and I unlocked the front door to the building. I saw him look around.

“It’s not fancy, but it does the job. I really wish I could’ve kept my brother’s house. But Ollie doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Home isn’t really about the building.”

“Right.” We headed up the stairs and for a second, I stumbled and teetered.

He caught me, hands gripping my waist. I was pulled against a hard chest and I sucked in a breath. I glanced up and saw his face. Saw the fierce need.

“Caden.”

There was a flicker in his eyes and he released me. “Walk to your door, Allie.”

Suddenly I felt angry. “You’re just going to ignore this?”

“I should. You should.”

I set my hands on my hips. “Why?”

“Because you deserve better.” He nudged me forward.

I walked toward my front door, conscious of him behind me, my mind whirling.I deserved better? He didn’t think he was good enough?

That was crazy. He was Caden. Protective and brooding, a veteran.

What the hell had happened to him to make him believe that?

We reached my door, tucked away around the corner, and for a second, it was like it was just the two of us.

“I bet Mrs. Jenkins will have her hearing aid out. She never hears me come in.” I whirled, and our gazes locked.