Page 41 of Unexpected Heroine

Instead of leaving the room at a normal clip, he backs away at a snail’s pace, holding my eye contact as he goes. I read his actions loud and clear. He’s ensuring I’m okay with him leaving the room.

Rather than answering verbally, I smile and shift my gaze from him to Freya and back. With that, he tips his head and makes his exit.

My heart does a pitter-patter, and I’m unsure if it’s from nerves or how much I love him.

As he disappears, my chest constricts. To calm my quickly spiking anxiety, I remind myself that if Freya’s presence doesn’t soothe me like James’s does, I’ll yelp like a dying giraffe, and he’ll come running. Or I’ll pass out. Hopefully, Freya has good reflexes and catches me if it comes to that.

Oblivious to my chaotic thoughts, she pulls some clothes out of the bag. “Okay, kiddo. Let’s start with pajamas. I brought three sets.”

She holds them out for me, leaving them dangling between us.

My mind goes blank.

All I can do is blink.

Thoughts can’t permeate the barren expanse of my head.

Nary a llama in sight.

She must assume my reaction is a joke because she rolls her eyes and chuckles. After setting the stack of PJs down, she saunters over, takes me by the hand, and leads me to the side of the bed. “I’ll figure it out. You sit.”

Fighting a smile, I comply. “Woof.”

“Fuck, I missed you.” Wistfulness soaks her tone. Her chin wobbles, and her eyes turn glassy. “Lettie, I’m so damn sorry. I don’t want you to have to talk about it, but I hope you know how fucking sorry I am. It’s all my fault.”

Her tears pour freely, and her arms wrap protectively around her midsection.

Ready to talk about it or not, it’s happening. I won’t let her suffer this way.

“Come here,” I offer, spreading my arms wide.

With a quick nod, she wraps herself around me. Since I’m seated and she’s standing, my face burrows into her stomach. Lovingly, she cups the side of my head.

And for a few moments, we just cry.

James returns before we finish our tearful hug.

Freya and I both whip our heads in his direction. As he takes in our weepy states, discomfort coats him like he was dipped in wax. His features harden, his eyes triple in size, and his throat bobs with a tight swallow. Even the poor man’s hands are frozen in front of him, holding our glasses of tea out like they’re explosives.

Bless his heart.

His wide eyes bop from Freya’s to mine.

A chuckle erupts from deep in my belly, and I cup my mouth to muffle it.

He arches a brow in my direction, his face finally softening.

“Sorry to laugh at you, babe,” I croak. “It’s just that you look so... I mean, you look?—”

“Like he’d sooner jump out of a plane without a parachute than wade through the emotions in here,” Freya finishes for me.

His spine loosens, and he rolls his eyes playfully.

“Babe, you don’t have to deal with our feelings. Freya and I are gonna have a talk now.”

One side of his face lifts in an attractive grin. He sets the drinks on the dresser, kisses my forehead, and turns to go. “I’ve got to make a couple of phone calls. I’ll be in the other room.”

Freya drops beside me on the bed, close enough that our thighs touch. I take both of her hands in mine and prepare to discuss the worst night of my life.

---