Hendrix - Kelsey Clayton Page 0,15

shush him so he doesn't wake up Brenna. “No. Absolutely not. He's not going anywhere near that kid.”

I take a step back, surprised at the response. “No offense, but that's not really your choice to make.”

“The hell it's not. He can go fuck himself, or fuck one of the million checkmarks on his bed post.” He laughs dryly at me. “Oh look, there's one of them.”

I recoil further at the insult. “You're mad? Not because I lied to you but because of who he is?”

He comes forward until he's right up against me. “Oh, I'm more than mad, but mark my words— Brenna is not going to have anything to do with him. I get a say, and I'm saying no.”

His insinuations and tone push all my mama bear feelings to the surface. “You don't get a say, Topher! You're not her father.”

It happens so fast I can barely even register it. His hand flies up and slaps me right across the face. The only thing that tells me it happened is the stinging feeling in my cheek. My eyes widen as I stare at him. Remorse overtakes his features, but it's too late.

“Saige,” he breathes.

“Don't!” I step around him and grab my phone off the dresser. “Don't come anywhere near me.”

I rush down the hallway and into one of the many guest rooms, making sure to lock the door as soon as it shuts. Tears rush down my face. He hit me. He actually hit me. I collapse into the bed and let my sobs rock me to sleep.

I WAKE IN THE morning to a text from Maddie, asking me if I'm nervous about today and if I want her to come with me. It's tempting, but with the hostility she holds toward him, I'd hate for Brenna to pick up on it. Starting their relationship off on the wrong foot won't do any good for anyone.

Sitting up in bed, I catch my reflection in the mirror and memories of last night come rushing back. There's a bruise on my cheekbone, but thankfully it's one that should be easily covered with makeup.

I can't believe he hit me. Sure, we've had some pretty intense arguments at times, but I never thought he would be one to put his hands on me like that. It's definitely something we're going to need to talk about, but my stress is already on overload right now with introducing Brenna to Colby. It'll have to wait.

After sneaking into my room to put on some foundation to cover the bruise, I head downstairs. Brenna is sitting on the couch, watching TV. I look around for any signs of Topher, but the only thing I find is a vase of flowers on the kitchen island that wasn't there last night. I walk over and pull the card out.

Saige,

I'm so, so, sorry. I promise it will never happen again. Please let me make it up to you.

- Topher

6

COLBY

I don't think I've ever been this nervous. Not when I played my first football game. Not when I knew scouts were watching me. Not even when I was drafted. Nothing even begins to compare to how hard my heart is pounding against my ribcage.

“I don't know if I can do this,” I say, probably looking like a freak to anyone not in my car.

“You can,” Lennon's voice comes through the speaker. “I know you can. She's just a little girl.”

“She's my little girl, Len. Do you know how scary that is? What if she hates me?”

She giggles. “Well, then she can join the other half of the female population.”

“Ha ha,” I deadpan. “You're such a comedian.”

Cade's voice echoes in the background, and Lennon mumbles for him to shut up. “You're going to be fine. Mentally, you're practically her age. Just relax. She's going to love you.”

Her words shouldn't make me feel better. She's basically done nothing but roast me this entire conversation. But somehow, they do. She manages to instill confidence in me that I didn't have before. Kind of like Saige used to before a big game.

“Thanks, Len,” I say, bringing my thoughts back and away from places they shouldn't go. “I'll call you tonight to tell you how it went.”

“You better.”

We get off the phone, and I climb out of the car. The park is empty, which is part of the reason I picked this one. It's secluded, and most people don't even know it's here. With Saige wanting to take this slow, I figured the last thing