She took a shuddering breath and stared out one of the porthole windows. The clouds were gathering on the horizon, and the storm outside matched the one in her chest. “So, the simple answer to your complicated question is that I didn’t go away to have Colton’s baby. I was sent to a place called Longwood Academy for Girls for the purpose of recovering from my addictions.” She let go of a strangled laugh. “I was somewhat notorious there because I was the only student who was still a virgin. I got an education there, but maybe not the one my daddy wanted me to get.”
“Didn’t anyone at this school realize you didn’t belong there?”
“Sure. I never failed a drug test, not even before I was sent there. But Daddy was determined, not because he really thought I was doing drugs, but because my actions had humiliated him.
“My counselor tried to get my parents to take me back. But they refused. Mrs. Mulgrew was my savior. She helped me apply to college and get a scholarship. Without her, I would never have gotten my degree. As it is, I have a huge amount of student debt I’m still carrying, but I’m luckier than most. I have a professional certification.”
“I am so sorry.”
She headed toward the stairs, desperate to get away from the pity in his voice. But before she could reach the stairwell, Topher grabbed her by the arm, just as he’d done a few days ago. The touch was much the same as before. Oddly gentle.
And this time it had the opposite effect. Instead of unleashing a panic, it became a lifeline, like the flotation device she’d shoved at Topher a few days ago. His hand on her wrist pulled her up from the depths and saved her from drowning.
In the next instant, she found herself pulled hard against his chest, his warm hand cupping the back of her head, his deep voice rumbling in her ear.
“Oh, Jess, I am so sorry that happened to you. Let me hold you up for a while.”
Chapter Fifteen
Topher held Jessica close as she cried, and his heart broke for her. He knew in some ways what it felt like to be abandoned. His mother had died when he was young, and everyone said he and his dad had taken a long time to get over it.
But Topher didn’t remember much of that time. His memories were filled with big family gatherings at Howland House, Aunt Mary’s wonderful cakes, sailing with Granddad, camping out on the island. And making his father proud because of his ability to throw a football.
He’d lived a golden life. He’d been loved. Hell, he’d been smothered at times by the women in his family, every one of whom wanted to make up for the mother he’d lost.
He’d told Jessica that he could take anything she could dish, but he wondered. Life had thrown him a horrible curveball. But he’d never been alone.
His family had gathered around him. Not merely Ashley and Karen and Sandra, but all of his cousins. They called him. They badgered him. They pushed him. And yes, they tried to protect him. Because they loved him. No matter what.
Jessica had never been loved unconditionally, had she? In a lot of ways, she’d had a rougher time of it than he ever had. She deserved a few breaks. She deserved to be wrapped up and taken care of.
He held her a little tighter as she cried out her sorrow, burying his fingers in her hair and taking some of her weight on his shaky legs. By the time the storm of her tears had broken, the distant roll of thunder reached him through the thick lighthouse walls.
She lifted her head. Her eyes puffy and tear-swollen, her nose red and runny. She was still beautiful.
He let her go when she stepped out of the embrace and turned, wiping her nose on the back of her hand. He wished he was the kind of guy who carried a handkerchief. It would have been kind of romantic or noble or something to be in a position to supply one.
But he’d never carried a handkerchief in his life, proving once again that he was piss-poor hero material.
Once she’d dried the tears from her cheeks as best she could, she turned toward him, her face a beautiful mess. “Was that thunder I just heard?”
He nodded. “I’m a little worried about the boat. We should probably get back to Bachelor’s