Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,61

for the way you sent him packing without listening to him.”

“I just didn’t want him to lose his legacy. And I didn’t want him to resent me if that ever happened.”

“I understand, but you have to remember, it’s not your choice. It has to come from him. If he decides to walk away and choose his father’s company over you, then sadly, it has to be Kayden’s decision.”

“Why do you always have to be right?” I ask, a soft smile on my lips.

My mom shakes her head like she’s done countless times before when I’ve done something stupid. “Part of a mother’s role is to always be right. At least, I try to be.”

“I wish I’d given him a chance,” I whisper. “I was so hurt by his mother’s words. And I believed that he’d resent me for making him lose the company.”

“You can’t make anyone do anything,” Mom says. “You do, however, need to talk to him. Allow him to explain because pushing him away just because of something his mother said, it’s unfair.”

“You really like him,” I remark, looking at my mother with a smile.

She nods. “I do. He’s a good person. And he seems to care for you a lot.” Mom takes my hand, holding it in both of hers before saying, “Will you talk to him?”

“Yeah, I have to. I need to, and hopefully, he’ll take my call.”

23

Kayden

“I have it on good authority he’ll take your call,” I chime in as I step into the living room. Haelee’s eyes snap up to mine. They widen, and a small smile spreads on her face. Then she glances at her mother. When I came to Caroline and asked for permission to speak to Haelee, I had to explain what happened, how my mother had come across the information, and told her how much I care about her daughter.

“What are you doing here?” Haelee questions, her gaze flicking between her mom and me.

“This young man came to me and asked me to help. He knew you were angry, and sad, and your emotions were all over the place,” Caroline explains. “I wanted him to know that even though I was hurt by his mother coming here when I wasn’t home and verbally attacking you, I could see it wasn’t his doing. And he needed to talk to you.”

“And I have to explain what happened after you sent me away,” I add as I step deeper into the room before settling on the couch. My girl looks gorgeous in her mussed-up state. She always looks beautiful, but right now, just freshly showered with her hair pinned messily on top of her head, I can’t help but see the natural beauty who’s most definitely stolen my heart.

Caroline pushes to her feet. “I’ll leave you to it.” I watch her leave, and once I’m alone with Haelee, I want so badly to go to her, but I know I need to talk first. Because if I were near her right now, I’d kiss her until she couldn’t think straight.

“My mother is a nightmare, and I didn’t want you to meet her—ever. But she took it upon herself to make herself heard.”

“I was hurt by her words. When I thought about it, when I really sat down and went over everything she said, I knew I couldn’t let you lose the company.”

“My mother will never speak to you again. Ever. I made sure of that. Walking away from my dad’s company doesn’t hurt me as much as losing you,” I state earnestly. “You’ve done something to me, Haelee Pearson. You’ve stolen my heart and mind.”

Her lips curl into a small, shy smile. “Are you trying to tell me you like me or something?” she quips.

I can’t be away from her for another second. Falling to my knees, I grab her hands and pull them to my lips, pressing soft kisses on her knuckles. My eyes lock on hers.

“Or something,” I tell her. “I’m so sorry for what my mother said to you. Her hate clearly knows no bounds. I’ve never been a son to her because she’s always treated me like a stranger. I don’t think she’s capable of love. Or affection.”

“I’m sorry you grew up with someone like that.” The glassy cocoa orbs that regard me shimmer, and I reach up to cup her face, pulling her in for a kiss. It’s gentle, sweet, but the moment a soft whimper falls from her lips, I steal into her mouth, swiping my tongue