D trembled under my fingers. “We want the same things. All the same things. I can’t imagine not wanting you, Tegyn.”
“Oh, sure,” I joked. “Guys always say that, then the woman’s belly grows and he starts to stray.”
“Not me. Not us.” He laid a hand on my lower abdomen. “I’d drive you crazy. I’d be so protective, so doting, you’d kill me.”
“Like last time?” I asked, while feeling guilty for even wanting to know.
“Nothing like last time. I didn’t love Camilla. Anything I may have felt for her was long gone. You’ve had my heart the whole time and you didn’t even know it.” He crushed me to his chest.
And I couldn’t help it. I burst into tears while he rubbed my back and whispered the sweetest words to me.
“We’ll both get divorced. We’ll get married. We’ll build that beautiful life you described, Tegyn. Don’t make me live another day without you. Don’t make me sleep another night without you in my bed.” DeSean planted kisses all over my face and I felt the fear, sadness, and tension. “Swallow those tears, baby. You got nothing to cry about anymore.”
ThoughI never expected to be so easily convinced, I actually believed him. But I slept in my own bed. And the next morning, I woke to Keyon climbing into my bed while D smiled at me from the doorway. “I held him off as long as I could. You were up late last night,” he commented absently.
“Well, I had to prepare for mediation today. And I had to catch up on work last night.” I shrugged as I sat up against the mahogany head board. “Morning, Keyon,” I murmured as I hugged the little guy to me.
“I yuv you, T,” he announced as he squeezed my neck.
“I love you too.” I rubbed his back and melted a little inside.
“We eat now?” he asked as he bounced in my lap.
I laughed. “I’ll meet you downstairs. I need to shower.” As he climbed down, I threw back the covers.
“We’re going together. You know this, right?” D asked seriously. “I called Tommy. He’s going to play with the little man.”
“Uncka Tommy! Yay!” Keyon danced on the floor.
“We talked about this,” I reminded him as I stood.
DeSean shook his head. “I had a message from Paxton Gentry, the football player. I have to meet with him this morning. It shouldn’t take long. And we’ll drive there together. Parking garages are the most dangerous places. Come on, you’ve seen the movies.” He huffed.
“It’s a courthouse parking garage. How dangerous can it be?” I rolled my eyes.
“Just wait on me. I’ll be leaving in an hour. We let you sleep in. It’s nine already.” He jerked his head. “I’ll get some hot chocolate made while you get ready.”
I didn’t want to fight. All I knew was if he wasn’t back by noon, I’d be leaving without him. It was a half hour drive to uptown Charlotte. Then we had to make it through security. And I had to be in the meeting starting at one in the afternoon. Instead, I decided to get ready, and get on with my day. By the time I met up with them in the kitchen, D was helping Keyon with his jacket. “I’m dropping him with Tommy now. I don’t want to be late returning. I’ll be home by eleven thirty,” he assured me.
I nodded. “Okay.” I knew he read the doubt in my face, but he simply rubbed my back.
“I got plans for you, baby. I’m filing today. I’ll have paperwork as proof.” He grinned. “And maybe you can wait up for me after work…like old times.”
My face burned. I remembered the old times. Still, the thought was tempting. “We’ll see,” I murmured. Then I moved to give Keyon a kiss. “I’ll see you later. We get to hang out tonight while Daddy works.”
His eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yup. Just you and me.” A smile spread easily across my face.
“See you soon, baby. Don’t think too much.” DeSean leaned in and kissed me on the lips, which felt so nice but surprised me all the same.
When they left, I locked up behind them and watched as they drove away. And when they were out of sight, I realized I had mixed feelings. I liked the thinking space, but hated being in the house by myself. It wasn’t a home yet and it most definitely wasn’t mine. So, I read to stay busy. I scheduled posts on my travel blog. I planned dream vacations. And then I ate lunch, all while watching the clock like it was my job.
I checked my phone and found no missed calls, no texts. I watched as the clock neared noon. And finally, at five minutes past twelve, I gave up and gathered my purse and paperwork, before leaving.
The entire drive up to the courthouse, I checked my rearview mirror. Though I didn’t see anyone following me, I probably would be easily fooled. As I pulled into the parking garage, I started to breathe easier. I’d made it. So, I slipped out of the car, shut my car door, and opened the one to the backseat in order to gather my purse and the paperwork I’d packed. That’s when I heard the brakes squeal and I froze.
Out of the corner of my eye, I recognized Trent’s truck and he had pulled up behind my vehicle, blocking me in while revving his engine. My heart was in my throat. The sound of my blood rushing through my veins filled my ears as the garage filled with emissions and his engine echoed through the cement structure. Suddenly, I wished I’d reached out to DeSean, but I was a coward. I didn’t want to be the nagging woman in his life. And I didn’t want to appear weak. I was going to show DeSean he was being overprotective. Hello pride, meet your fall. I refused to look at Trent, refused to let him see my fear. After what seemed like forever, Trent sped off and I started to breathe again. I finished locking my vehicle and made my way through the garage toward the elevator when a hand grabbed my arm. Stiffening, I whipped around and came face to face with Trent.
“Why are you ignoring me?” he asked angrily.
“I don’t have to talk to you, Trent. We’ll talk in mediation. Go, please.” I tried to puff out my chest and act tough. What had DeSean said in class? Behave like a victim, become a victim.
“Why do we need mediation? Why can’t we just work this out?” He released my arm, but threw his hands in the air, his frustration obvious.
“We tried that. It didn’t work. I’ll see you in there.” I paused, hoping he’d pass me, but he stood staring at me. I hadn’t entirely recovered from my earlier fear. Suddenly, I was all too painfully aware of how alone we were and how vulnerable I was.
Trent took yet another step toward me, all while I slowly backed away. Just a few steps later, I was backed against a cement column. I closed my eyes, remembering the times he had lost his temper and figuring this was how it ended for me. How far would Trent go to avoid the divorce?