Page 39 of The Hermit on the Hill

Brittany shifted in her seat, frowning. "Jenna doesn't want you to do this for her."

"She agreed I could buy her a few things. It's child support."

And that's what I would tell Jenna, too, because it was the only answer I figured she'd accept. If I told Jenna the truth, that I wanted to make her smile, to make this whole mess easier for her, she'd never believe me.

"You've already racked up over three hundred dollars."

"It's what she needs. It's not like she's asking for designer clothes or trying to take advantage."

Brittany sighed. "Look. She seems really nice, and it's nice of you to want to help her out, but are you even sure the baby is yours?"

I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth ached. It wasn't like I hadn't had the thought myself, but if Jenna was lying, she would have taken advantage of my generosity, and she was doing the opposite.

Besides, if the father wasn't me, he had to be a monster, because I was the asshole who stole from Jenna. If she chose to lie to me rather than go to the real father, he wasn't a man who should be allowed anywhere near a child.

"She's not lying." That baby needed a father, and I was ready to be there for him and for Jenna.

"Maybe not on purpose," Brittany said. "But don't you want to be sure?"

When I didn't respond, she huffed. "Look, I'm worried your desire for a big, loud family is overwhelming your common sense."

"This is not how I wanted to start a family. This is exactly the situation I'd hoped to avoid. So, don't go thinking I'm caught up in some dream scenario, because this whole thing is my worst nightmare."

A gasp made me turn to see Jenna standing outside the dressing room, a hand to her mouth, tears already springing to her eyes. Fuuuuck. "Jenna, I didn't mean that. I—"

She spun and went back into the dressing room, slamming the door.

"Damn it, Brittany." I turned on my sister. I couldn't even yell at her, though, because she'd gone pale.

"Shit, Sam. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to—"

"I know. You were looking out for me. Just. Don't you think I can take care of myself at this point?"

She looked up at me, eyes glassy. "I don't think either of us is any good at doing what's best for us. You should talk to her."

"She looked really upset." I glanced back at the dressing room. "She probably needs girl talk."

"From the girl who suggested Jenna was lying about the paternity of the baby?" Brittany stood, purse over one shoulder. "I'm going to the food court to eat my emotions. Text me when you're done here."

"Are you fucking serious?" I grabbed her wrist to keep her there. "What do I say to her?"

Brittany shrugged. "I avoid interpersonal relationships for a reason, Sammy. Maybe try telling her the truth? Jenna's not one to fall for your bullshit."

She walked away, leaving me on my own. I'd rather be facing down the damn bobcat.

I barged into the changing room without knocking, my mind on what I could say to fix the mess I'd made.

I saw a flash of bare, full breasts before she yanked her dress down over her head. She glared at me, but it was less effective with her damp cheeks and red eyes. All the words I'd planned to say fled, and I reached out and pulled into my arms.

Not gonna lie, I was still thinking about her breasts and fully aware of how they felt pressed against me, but comforting her was more important than my libido.

She stiffened for a moment, but I held on. It felt damn good to hold her in my arms and even better when she wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me back.

"I'm sorry," I said.

She pulled out of my arms and swiped at her face. "Don't be sorry if you meant it. Just admit what you're really sorry about is that I overheard it."

I sat and pulled her onto my lap. This woman. Damn, why did it hurt so bad to see her upset? "I didn't mean it."

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