“Shh.” His warm breath was comforting on her neck. “It’s over. You did it.”
She turned in his arms, burying her face in his chest. “Yeah, it only took me thirteen years.”
“Whoa, whoa!” Hank put his hands on her shoulders, putting an arm’s-length distance between them. “This was not your fault. The man in there would have found someone else to prey on if he hadn’t found that girl. Trust me on this, Annabeth, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“But I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t report it.”
“From the looks of it, the girl’s family didn’t report it, either. Obviously, they found out who the father was. If they wanted to charge him, they could have.”
“They took his money instead.” Annabeth had been disgusted when she met with Bethany’s parents the other day. Coach Zevalos had been a gravy train for the struggling family. Marie Zevalos would likely not see the money she expected when her husband died. Sadly, she’d probably never know why.
“Annabeth, look at me,” Hank commanded.
She lifted her gaze to meet his concerned one.
“From this moment on, you are not to blame yourself for this. Do you hear me?”
She wanted to, but she still carried so much guilt. “I let Will go play for him,” she whispered through her tears. “He was so excited to go to Yale and take advantage of all the opportunities it would provide. I couldn’t tell him. I let my son go off with that creep so he’d have a chance at his dream. A career. A life outside of Chances Inlet. He looked up to the man. He was always so distrusting of people, men in particular. I didn’t want to shatter his illusions. I’m a terrible mother. “
Hank pulled her in against his body, holding her while she cried. “You did what you had to do. The best you could. No one is blaming you.” She felt his lips brush the top of her head.
“I’m sorry for all this.” Her words were smothered against his chest.
Reaching a finger beneath her chin, he tipped her damp face up. “We already covered this back in Baltimore. Don’t apologize for being a good mother to your son.”
“But I dragged you to this horrible interview . . .”
Hank stepped out of their embrace and her body nearly went limp without his warmth. He pointed to the house.
“That? Are you kidding, Annabeth? I wouldn’t have missed that performance for all the money in the world. You were brilliant! My God, generals on the battlefield would weep at the magnificence of your strategy.” He wrapped her in his arms again, pulling her body flush with his. “And, if I’m being honest here, I’ve never been more turned on in my life.”
Laughing through her tears, she tossed her head back, giving Hank better access to her neck.
“And now.” He kissed his way along her collarbone. “Per our agreement earlier this morning, you’re mine. Prepare yourself, Annabeth Connelly, because we may not make it back to Baltimore. In fact, I know a place in Atlantic City that has big, comfy beds and an amazing shower.”
His mouth found hers in a searing kiss. Annabeth wrapped her arms around his neck, letting herself relax into his body. She could not have gotten through today without Hank. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to go through any more days without him.
His cell phone vibrated at his waist. He muttered a few choice words as he pulled the phone out. “It could be the office,” he explained as he checked the screen. “Nope, just Sophie.” He began to return the phone to his belt.
“Sophie!” she squealed, grapping the phone and hitting the talk button. “Hi, Soph!”
“Annabeth? Hi,” Sophie gushed over the phone. “Ohmigosh, it’s so good to talk to you. We just boarded the cruise ship and it’s soooo cool. Well, except for the twins jumping from their bunks. Be quiet, guys!”
Annabeth could hear the joyous shouts of the two boys in the background.
“Arghhh,” Sophie groaned. “Hey, so why are you answering my dad’s phone? Everything’s okay, right? Is he there? Ohmigosh, are you guys together somewhere?” Sophie’s voice rose an octave as she began to put two and two together. Thankfully, she couldn’t see her father’s hand kneading Annabeth’s bottom while his mouth made a beeline for her breasts.
“He’s right here,” Annabeth breathed, her pulse ricocheting.
The look Hank gave her promised retribution in the near future, and her body throbbed happily with anticipation.
“Hey, Soph.”
“Wow, Dad!” In her excitement, Sophie spoke loud enough for Annabeth to hear. “What’s happening between you and Annabeth?”