Page 56 of Always Mine

“No, I called him.”

“Mom…”

“Hush, it’ll be good for you to see him.”

Seth walked inside, so he must have been right behind her mom. Her gaze softened. He was so sad, so concerned. She wished she’d stayed with him.

Liar.

“Sit down, Seth.”

Before he did, he leaned over the bed, and kissed her cheek. “Hi.” The kiss made her uncomfortable.

“Hi.”

He dropped into a straight chair. “I can’t believe this happened to you.”

“Frankly, I can’t either. I live a pretty sedate life.”

“Well, youdid.”

She winced at the sarcasm in his voice. “I know. I put myself in this position.”

“Why, Annie?”

She felt sorry for this man that she once loved, but she needed to be really clear. Remnants of the dream stayed with her. “Because I’m in love with Diego.”

“He’s done nothing for years but hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, Seth.” A sudden wave of exhaustion overcame her. “I don’t think I’m up for this conversation.”

“All right. Want to hear about school?”

“Yes. Maisy said Jackson Kane himself is taking my sessions.”

“He is. I have no idea what’s happening in your classroom, but I assure you he’s not teaching literature.”

“The boys are probably benefiting from his experience. He’s a self-made billionaire. I understand he had a horrific childhood.”

“I suppose.”

They spent the next twenty minutes talking about school and his family. Finally, Annie said, “I need to go back to sleep. I’m sorry, I just can’t keep my eyes open.”

He stood. “I didn’t mean to tire you out.” He kissed her cheek again. “Can I come back?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Especially for your welfare.”

He bit his lip and turned away. Once again Annie wondered why she couldn’t love this decent and kind man.

* * *

After one night at home, Annie decided to go back to her house. Her dad and mom both took her. Her mom filled the refrigerator, and her dad checked all the windows and doors. Then she was blissfully alone.

* * *

Jackson Kane sat in the classroom with the boys, who were wrestling with some vocabulary words, when his cell phone rang.

“Hey, that’s a no no.” Bryce said. “No cell phones in class.”

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