Novah stood. “I’ll go talk to her.”
With a shrug, Egan eased back into his chair. “If you think it’ll help.”
“I agree, Novah,” Hannah added. “She’s confused and has pregnancy hormones rushing through her. She needs someone who’ll just listen.”
~~~~~
Lindsay was sitting under an ancient oak tree along the white fence with a barn cat who was missing a chunk of one ear. “I’m sorry about walking away. I needed a minute.”
Novah sat down beside her in the thick patch of grass. “An apology isn’t needed. You have every right to be upset.”
Lindsay plucked a blade of grass and rolled it between her fingers. She looked at Novah with an expression full of worry. “What should I do?”
Although a part of Novah wanted to encourage her to get away and protect herself and the baby, another side warned Novah that allowing Lindsay to make the choice for herself was best. Just as Egan had said, if she wasn’t into leaving one hundred percent she’d come back. “Only you can decide for yourself.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Do you attend church?”
“Huh?” Her brow popped up.
“The cross tattoo on your shoulder. Are you religious?”
Rubbing the ink, she sighed. “Not really. I haven’t been to church in years. My dad—he was a minister until he retired—and he used to force all of us to attend. I decided when I turned eighteen, I’d do what I wanted to do. He didn’t like the new and improved Lindsay so he kicked me out of the house.” She laughed but it was raw and full of emotion. “When I call my mom she tells me, “You’ve lost your way. Come back”. She says Dad has forgiven me, as if I did something wrong. Now look at me, screwed up and proving him right.”
“We all lose our paths at times, but you shouldn’t feel guilty for being independent.” Novah looked into the distance where two white horses grazed.
Lindsay pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on her hands. “So, you still love him, don’t you?”
Novah met the girl’s gaze. “What?”
“Egan. Come on. It’s obvious that he loves you too.”
“I don’t know.” She carried her gaze to the house. “It’s a lot harder than just loving someone. Even having a child together.”
“If I had someone who looked at me the way he looks at you I think I’d find a way.”
Novah wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Sorry. Relationships can stink.” Lindsay pulled a lock of her straight hair behind her ear, showing off a hoop earring. “Pao thinks I should go.”
“You’ve grown to trust him, haven’t you?”
Her bottom lip quivered. “I think I just need someone to rely on and he’s been there. He said whatever I decide he’ll make sure I get on my feet.”
“I think Pao’s a good guy, and he and Egan really do want what’s best for you, but it has to be what you want.”
“My career is important. And so is my baby.”
“I understand this is hard for you. Sometimes things happen not when we want them to but when they’re supposed to.”
“Peter was the first man to treat me with such tenderness. Kindness. I mean, I guess I knew it was too good to be true, but I wanted to believe that for the first time in my life someone cared for me—genuinely cared for me.”
“I know we don’t know each other very well, but I do care for you and your safety. Everything you’ve been through has made you stronger,” Novah said.
One corner of her mouth lifted. “Thank you for caring.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
NOVAH HEARD THE knock on the door, knowing who it was before she opened it.
“Can we talk?” Egan asked.
“What’s there to talk about?” All she wanted to do was fall into his arms and allow him to comfort her but then what? There were always consequences.
“I think we both know there’s a lot to talk about.”
“Fine.” She stepped back and allowed him to enter the guest bedroom.
He closed the door softly. “Pao is preparing to leave with Lindsay after she finishes her phone call with her family. You did great with her. You convinced her that this is the best option for her.”
“I didn’t convince her of anything.”
“You’re upset.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Oh, so the steam coming out of your ears is normal?”
“Maybe your eyes need tested. And then your brain.”
“Really?” he smirked. “Would you like to talk about the issue?”
“You wanted to talk, so talk.” She busied herself picking lint off the black skirt laid out on the bed. Anything to keep from looking at him.
The tension radiated off him. “I think it’s time we were honest—”
Her phone buzzed and she reached for it. The screen read “unknown caller”. “I don’t know who this is but they’re sending files.”
“Can I see?”
She handed him her phone. “Do you think it’s Mom or Finley?”
“No.”
Seeing his tight expression, she knew something was wrong. “Egan? What is it?”
“That fucking bastard!”
“Show me the phone.” There was a picture of Langley kissing her in his office. Then a picture of Finley popped up.
“What the hell?” she blurted. Her heart dropped not her knees. “We need to go to Finley.”
“Wait. Gather your emotions,” he said in a calm voice.
She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze, frustrated that he showed no signs of worry. “Don’t tell me to gather my emotions. You can stay but I’m going.” She took another step,
