Page 94 of Rebound

His eyes narrow. “You don’t have to do this. Yes, they are important to me, but not half as important as you are.”

I rest my head on his shoulder. My lips brush his neck. “I love you for saying that and meaning it. But I really do want to have dinner with them. It will give me chance to speak to Maddox with all my clothes on, and then…” I run my fingernail down the buttons of his shirt. “As soon as we get home, you can show me how much you’re going to miss me while you’re in Seoul.”

He scoops me up into his arms bridal style, making me giggle like a teenager. “Why wait until tonight when I can show you that right now?”

* * *

Elijah’s handrests on the small of my back as we ride the private elevator to Drake and Amelia’s loft. “You okay, baby?”

Only six months ago, that question would have been met with ice-cold hostility—I would have snapped at him, telling him that of course I’m fine. That I’ve dealt with far more intimidating men than Dalton and Maddox. Now, I take a deep breath and admit my true feelings. “I feel a little nervous. Like when you brought me home for the very first time.”

He pulls me into his arms, pushes a lock of hair behind my ear, and smiles. “I’d already told my mom you were the woman I was going to marry. Did I ever tell you that?”

I comb through my memories. “No, you never did. Is that why she made her famous paella and had me sit next to her at dinner?” They were all so warm and welcoming that day, even Nathan. Well, as much warmth as he could muster for anyone back then.

“No.” He smiles down at me. “She did that because she loved you from the minute she met you.”

My heart splinters a little. Before that awful day, Verona and I were close. That’s why I was so hurt by what she said. And yes, she was sick and not entirely herself, but she tapped into my deepest, darkest fears. “I’m sorry she hurt you, baby.” His voice is low and sincere. It cost him a lot to come to terms with the fact that the woman he idolized hurt me so badly, even if she didn’t intend to. Now, with the benefit of distance and hindsight, I know that she didn’t do as much damage as I did. One conversation can’t undo all the wonderful memories we made before then. And I’m disappointed that I spent so much time using her words as a tool to deconstruct our marriage because I didn’t know how else to deal with my pain.

“I’m sorry too, honey. But this is a new start, right? That’s probably why it feels like I’m meeting them for the first time.”

He nods. “Thank you for giving them all another chance too. And whatever happens, whatever’s said or not said, know that I will do anything to make you happy. You are always the most important person in any room as far as I’m concerned. You want to leave for whatever reason, all you have to do is give me a signal and we’re gone.”

I curl the thick hair at the nape of his neck between my fingers. “And what would such a signal be, sir?”

He grins, but the elevator doors slide open before he can answer.

“Jeez, put her down, bro,” Maddox says.

Elijah coughs, and I step out of his embrace and into the loft. “It’s nice to see you again, Maddox,” I say politely. “Especially when I’m fully clothed.”

He blushes adorably. “Hey, I saw nothing.” And then he does something unexpected and sweeps me into a giant bear hug, murmuring into my ear, “It’s really great to see you, Amber.”

I’m overcome with a rush of affection for him that catches me off guard. He’s dealt with so much heartache in his life, yet he still has the capacity for so much kindness. Instead of trying to hide my feelings, I embrace them, letting a tear fall. “Thanks, Maddox. It’s great to see you too.”

“Amber, it’s been far too long.” Dalton holds out his arms when Maddox lets me go, and I steel myself and walk right into them, deciding to embrace this new start with my whole heart. Being hugged by Dalton James feels warm and familiar. He’s worn the same cologne for over twenty years, but it’s more than that. It feels exactly like it did the first time I met him.

The buzzerin the kitchen signals someone has arrived in the lobby and makes Amelia squeak excitedly. “That will be Mel with Luke. I’ll go help her with the baby bag.”

Drake winks at her, his hands covered in raw chicken, and nods toward the bubbling saucepan on the stove. “Not unless you want to serve your signature sauce with a fork, mi rosa.”

She flutters her eyelashes at him. “I’m sure it will still taste delicious.” They’re staring at each other now, sexual energy crackling between them, and I suddenly feel like a voyeur. Especially as I’m the only other person in the room while the other James men set the table.

I set my champagne flute on the counter, happy for a chance to leave the two lovebirds alone for a moment. “I’ll go help her.” My heels click on the marble as I hurry for the door, excited to see Mel and Luke. Except when the doors open, it’s Nathan who steps out, his sleeping son in his arms.

With an inward groan, I roll back my shoulders, preparing for battle. Our eyes meet, and a shudder runs down my spine. Sarcastic remarks are right there on the tip of my tongue, but I bite them back. If Elijah and I are going to make this work, I need to at least try to be civil.

Nathan speaks before I do. “Before you say anything, I want to apologize for whatever you may have overheard yesterday. Elijah is a grown man, and I know that it takes two people to make a marriage work—or not. If you two are happy together, then I have no right to get in the middle of any of that.”

I can imagine how hard that was for him to say, but I can’t resist making him squirm. “Is that your idea of an apology, Nathan James?” I make sure to follow the question up with a wicked grin.

He screws his eyes closed like he’s in agony. “You have no idea how much that fucking hurt.”

“Oh, I think I do.”

Luke’s eyelids flutter open, and he looks around, trying to identify where he is. As soon as he realizes he’s in his dad’s arms, he gleefully shouts, “Dada!”

Nathan’s entire being softens, and he kisses his son on the head. I’ve never seen him interact with Luke before. It makes him look… Well, almost human. Then Luke spots me, and his sweet brown eyes sparkle with delight. “Bam!” he yells, holding his chubby little arms toward me.

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