Page 19 of In It for the Long Ride

“Don’t.” His gaze dropped and he licked his lips.

“Don’t what? Speak the truth.”

“That isn’t the truth, and you know it,” he murmured, in that silky tone of his.

“Fuck you. Fuck you and your definition of truth. Every time I think I have some comprehension of just what your truth and intentions are, you're right there ready to twist it all up again.”

I clutched the letters to my chest and tried to push past him. His hand snaked out so fast I screamed, but the grip he laid to my forearm stole my breath in the next blink.

He didn’t have to pry the letter from my hand, he knew just where to press to make my grip loosen, whether I wanted it to or not. I’d never been manhandled before. I didn’t slap, I doubled my fist and swung hard at his face.

It hit high on his cheek bone, and he curled, taking the letters, and my heart and soul with him.

“Goddamn you!” I shrieked as I pummeled him.

“Whoa, whoa.” Eric’s voice boomed and his long arm shot between us.

He pulled me away from Carl and hugged me into the corner.

“What’s going on? Daisy, what the fuck?” he quietly questioned, as his hands rubbed at my shoulders and back.

He pulled me away and looked me over.

“What is this?” he firmly demanded, looking between us as Carl zipped up the bag.

He didn’t turn to face us.

“Daisy?” Eric persisted.

“I need to go,” I heaved, once my brain cooperated enough to finally shove one of those racing thoughts past my lips.

I tried to press past him, but he snatched me up and forced me to look at him.

“I need my keys.” I said a bit more loudly, and firmly.

“Aunt Daisy, where are you going?” Blaze’s voice melted the fire in me, and I took a deep breath.

“You can’t go anywhere.” Eric quietly pleaded.

“We’re going to church.” I growled.

He sighed and waved toward the door.

“Let’s go then.” Eric bobbled his head.

I curled my fingers into a fist, but somehow managed not to slap at him. Instead, I calmly collected Blaze’s hand and led him to the car.

Chapter 9

Daisy

It wasthe longest thirty-minute ride of my life. I clutched my purse and stared out the window, avoiding eye contact and conversation. When we arrived in front of the Catholic church, I turned to address Blaze and realized he was asleep.

“Just leave him. I got him,” Eric quietly encouraged me.

I stiffened, but upon thinking about it, he was probably right. I’d be able to unburden myself much easier without the child. He didn’t need to hear the misery within me.

I stepped out and started toward the big double doors. Father Barnetti, the man who had been my priest since the day I was unbundled and baptized as a babe met me at the door.

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