Inevitable(54)

“I just…” He paused. “Now that I know about you, Bree, you can’t expect me to not want... no, need to be a part of your life. So I want to try to be the father you need now. I know I can’t go back in time, but if I could, I would.” My feet closed the distance between us, and in a matter of seconds, I found myself in his arms.

I didn’t really know this man, but it was evident he loved my mother. I could feel the love he had for me each time he looked at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. I am the person they created together, out of love and for that reason alone, I know I have to try.

“I don’t want you to not be in my life either.”

“Then let’s cover the distance, years, and months once separating us. Let’s attempt this father and daughter relationship… I haven’t always been the easiest to be around, I mean, just ask Jared.” He sighed. “But I want this to work… Sam would have wanted that.” The mention of my mother’s name caused a shiver to run down my back. I knew in my heart, especially after reading the letter from her, she would have wanted it just like he said.

“So we try then.” He gently pushed me back to look into my eyes. I think he needed to see I meant those four words. “You mean that?” he asked anxiously.

“Hey…” I could hear Jared’s voice on the other side of the door as James wrapped his arms around me engulfing me in a tight hug. His hold was tight as if he was trying to embed an imprint of me into his skin—as if he might lose me again.

“Are you ready?” Jared asked peeking around the corner, hoping I wasn’t naked I was sure.

I ignored him for a moment. “Yes, I’m sure—Dad.” The words eased from deep within me, and I knew when I said dad now, I really meant it.

With one last tight squeeze, James released me with a smile on his face as he slipped out of the bedroom past Jared.

“What was that about?” Jared questioned, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“That was none of your business, what do you want?” I changed the subject standing before him in a defensive stance. I still wasn’t sure about Jared. Some days, we clicked and other days, we were like water and oil on two very different ends of the spectrum.

He watched me as I watched him, our eyes colliding.

“Right… Well, whatever it was, you’re holding us up.”

“From what?” I sputtered, clearly taken aback by his comment. What the hell was he talking about? I wasn’t holding anyone up.

“From going to the grocery store.” Jared sounded surprised, and I had no idea why. No one told me anything.

Huffing out a breath, I shook my head. “What are you talking about? I’ve never gone to the grocery store with you since we’ve been here. Why now all of the sudden?” It wasn’t a strange question really with the way Zerro had been acting and now Jared raising my suspicions.

“Well, since Zerro decided he didn’t want to do it, and Dad is busy, I figured you and I could go.”

“You mean you saddled me up for the job so you don’t have to go alone?” I asked raising an eyebrow.

“You know it. Now get your ass moving. Daylight is burning, and we have to be back before dark.” Then, just like that, he slipped from the bedroom. I slipped from the bed. My boots were next to the bed. I had tucked the knife into my boot the night Zerro and I had sex on the hood of his car. I wasn’t sure what he would think about Devon giving me a weapon, but I wasn’t going to go into all of this without one.

Slipping them on, I walked from the bedroom ready to go. What I stumbled upon was an argument between James and Zerro of epic proportions taking place in the living room.

“It’s not your choice,” Zerro growled bearing his teeth like a lion ready to roar.

“It’s not yours either.” James came back just as harsh, and for a second, I thought they were going to brawl right here on the living room floor.

“Just shut up, both of you. Don’t kill each other while we’re gone either,” Jared said, heading over to me. It was then Zerro had taken notice of my presence. His eyes lingered on mine for a moment before going to the floor. What is his problem?

“Let’s go.” Jared more ordered than asked, and even though I didn’t want to go, I knew I needed to get away, get out. Get some air. Clear my head and think about it all.

“You know you could ask me, and not so much order me. Just because you’re my brother doesn’t mean I have to listen to you,” I enlightened him.

With a short laugh and shake of his head, he entered the SUV, leaving me to stand there and wonder what the hell was going on around me.