Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,83
children, I do believe in the power of love. I understand what it’s like to be loved by a parent. My role in Noah’s life is not to replace you. You’re irreplaceable. I’m his best friend, his partner, and his family is everything to him. As for the bouncing woman-to-woman comment, nobody is perfect. Noah isn’t, I’m not, and I’m pretty sure you aren’t either.”
“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that,” she mumbles, lowering her head. “Because I’m being made to feel like I am irreplaceable.”
“You’re Jessa’s mother and always will be. Nothing could ever change that. I’m only asking that we work together as a team. We all want the same thing, for Jessa to be happy and feel the love she so greatly deserves.”
“And what about Michael? He’s grown fond of Noah. Noah has always been this male figure in his life. I can’t take that away from him.”
“He’s welcome in our home, Morgan,” I insist, my eyes watching her closely. “You don’t have to do any of this alone. Just remember that.”
Silence falls between us, and despite my phone blowing up with notifications, I don’t want to push her. I don’t want any animosity between us, worried it will filter through to the little girl who’s innocent in all of this.
“I knew, from the beginning, that you and Noah had this unbreakable bond. I should’ve followed my instincts.”
“I know exactly how it feels to be on the outside looking in. I’m not here to flaunt our relationship. I truly want to make this work. And while you may not trust me around your daughter, I hope, with time, you’ll feel comfortable enough to do so.”
I check my watch while standing. “I appreciate your time today.”
As I turn to leave the room, Morgan calls my name.
“Jessa likes to read at night. Her favorite is Beauty and the Beast like her cousin, Addison.”
I nod my head with a knowing smile.
“She’s obsessed with unicorns right now, so if she doesn’t eat her food, tell her that unicorns eat all their food so they can fly.”
“Seems logical.” I nod again.
“And Noah always spoils her when they go out. If you can try to control his urge to buy her every stuffed toy known to man, I’d appreciate it.”
“I’m happy to crack the whip and control his spoiling of stuffed toys.”
I release a sigh, keeping my stare fixated on Morgan. “It’ll work out, this whole co-parenting thing. We simply have to find the rhythm, so we can play the right chords.”
I turn back around, leave the room, and head back to the office.
When I step inside my office, Noah is standing at the window, arms folded and his brows snapped together with an unrelenting stare. He’s removed his jacket he wore earlier on, wearing only his white business shirt with a herringbone blue vest and matching pants. His tanned belt and shoes match. The guy knows how to dress, making it harder to resist him. He screams sexy even when he’s staring at you with angered eyes.
“Where were you?”
“I went to see Morgan.”
“You met with Morgan?”
“Yes.”
“And?” His eyes widen, hands moving toward his pockets in anticipation. “You’re alive?”
Moving over to where he stands, I grab his hand and place it on my heart. “Yes, still beating.”
“Is that all you’re going to say?”
I explain to him what happened, knowing his pride and ego will have an opinion, but I’ve learned how to make him see the bigger picture and not focus on what isn’t worth his time. His fear of losing his kids often makes his reaction reactive.
“It’s not that easy, everything you’re offering.”
“Life isn’t easy, Noah,” I remind him sternly. “We’ve said from the beginning that our relationship will be unlike others. Granted, your baggage is bigger than mine… I only bring Eric.”
“I don’t know. I’d argue who’s is bigger.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course, I do.” He softens.
“Then, we can do this together, okay?”
He nods, sliding his hands back into his pockets, knowing all too well our office protocol, and touching each other is off-limits.
“So, what time are you picking up Jessa? And, what do you want to do this weekend?”
“Hmm, I was thinking of a movie tonight. Chances are it’s Beauty and the Beast for like the hundredth time. Then tomorrow, we hit up Santa Monica Pier. She loves all the stuffed bears.”
The corners of my mouth quirk up.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Oh, nothing,” I say, with a surge of happiness. “Just something between Morgan and me. You know,