Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
His old teammates had hung out and were taking photos and signing autographs. All had signed a waiver that photos could be posted. People drifted in and out of the cafeteria where the tables were full of chips, sandwiches—from TC’s—drinks, ice cream, and more.
Making his rounds, he congratulated the kids and spoke with parents. But no Emma. His father walked by him, giving him a look he understood all too well. He’d disappointed his old man. He’d disappointed himself far more. And if he could just track this woman down, he would make it up to her.
His father pointed at the painting of Palisade Glen, then continued on his way. For a second, he thought the man was telling him she was at the bridge. But no, Greer was still at the center, which meant her mother would be as well. Walking down the hallway, he paused outside the room he used to teach his painting class.
Sure enough, there she was. Off by herself, like normal. She didn’t push to be the center of attention and he admired that. She did what she did and didn’t ask for any recognition. At the moment, her shoulders were slumped and he hated that look on her. More so when he was the ass who had put it on her.
He rapped his knuckles on the door twice before opening it.
…
Emma hoped there weren’t any lingering traces of tears in her eyes as she turned to face whoever was coming through the door. Not that it mattered, her body tingled as it did around Linc and she had her answer before her pivot had her facing the entrance.
He looked so handsome it hurt. Linc stayed in the doorway.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine. I should get going.” She curled her fingers so they vanished inside her sweatshirt.
He didn’t get out of the way. In fact, he rested one shoulder against the frame, blocking her in.
“I was talking to Greer today after the game when she helped me pick up the gear.”
His dark gaze moved slowly over her body, taking in every inch, every curve. She didn’t doubt he saw the circles beneath her eyes as well.
“I would have explained to her why she can’t play again next year.”
He pulled away like she’d struck him. “What? No, Emma. It wasn’t anything like that. I told you she was welcome.”
An unamused snort escaped. “Right, because the magnanimous person you are doesn’t punish the child for the sins of the parents.”
His bow-shaped lips thinned and a muscle flexed in his jaw. She didn’t have the energy to do this again. Nerves were already strung taut from the underhanded comments she’d endured before Dawson arrived.
“She was telling me that I should apologize, that her mother told her that’s what someone did when they messed up.” He took a deep breath. “And I did. I fucked up in ways I never thought I would be able to accomplish.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
Music pulsed on the other side of the wall and seeped in from the doorway he still blocked.
“Everything, Freckles. It has everything to do with you.”
Damn her belly for clenching and flipping at his casual use of Freckles. “What else do you want from me, Mr. Conner? I’ve apologized, I’ve walked away, and I’ve tried to limit our interactions. If you never want me to come in, fine. I won’t.”
His face contorted as his brows furrowed. “Baby, that’s the last thing I want. I want to explain my stupidity.” A shrug. “I can’t really. I was angry and jealous and I took it out on you. I was wrong. And I apologize. God, I apologize for all of it.” He yanked a hand through his hair. “Hurting you is the last thing I ever want to do.”
Nope, still didn’t have the energy to deal with this. “Fine. Do you mind getting out of the way?”
His small nod was jerky and hesitant. “I mind. Because if I do, you’re going to run and while I don’t blame you for wanting to, I need you to hear me out.”
“You want me to give you the courtesy you didn’t give me?”
“Yes. And I know you will because you’re a far better person than I’ll ever be, Freckles.” He swallowed. “Greer also told me she wanted to be able to call me Dad.”
Emma gasped. And he moved toward her, only to regather himself and stay put.
“I’m not going to lie and say that wasn’t part of what prompted this today, but damn it, Freckles. Until I heard her say it, it didn’t register how fucking much I wanted to have that honor. I want to be her dad. I want her to come to me for help, for scraped knees, to beat up some boy who makes her cry.”
Her heart was splintering into shards. Ones that would shatter into pieces upon impact with the ground.