Page 83 of Guarding My Love

If she hadn’t known how he felt at times, she wouldn’t have realized it last night.

There was nothing in his actions that led her to believe he didn’t like people or didn’t want to be around his family.

Was he not honest about that?

He let out a sigh. “I can’t explain it. When it’s just a few of us, most times it’s fine. I get along with those three great because we honor the other’s space even though we work together.”

“I don’t know that anyone was honoring your space or privacy last night. Or at least they did enjoy busting on you.”

“I think some of it was to see how I’d react in front of you. A test of sorts on their end.”

She frowned. “Did they think you’d lose your temper or want to leave? I just don’t think it’s as bad as you’ve said.”

“It hasn’t been for years,” he said. “I had a short fuse when I was worked up. I’ve learned to get a better handle on it. Or I’ve matured. I’m not sure. When you live with that many people in that close proximity, there is no room to breathe and recalibrate. I think I have enough of my own air now, that I’m not affected as much. I’m not sure if that makes any sense.”

“It makes total sense,” she said. “I struggled to be around my parents for years, but when I moved away, it was easier to have them in small doses.”

“But you have no relationship with them now?” he asked. “Nothing?”

“Not really,” she said. “It’s been years since I’ve seen them. I get the obligatory birthday and holiday text messages, but we don’t talk. Or haven’t in close to a year. It’s better that way. I stopped calling my mother and she never really saw much of a need to call me once she realized I was rebelling against her.”

“Rebelling how?” he asked.

“That I have a relationship with Amanda now. My parents ruined what they could have had with her. When she met Drew and got engaged, they wanted to get back in her life. She said no way. Amanda isn’t a mean person. She isn’t someone to lock anyone out and probably gives people more chances than they deserve.”

“Except for your parents,” he said. “But it sounds as if they didn’t deserve another chance.”

“They don’t,” she said. “They only wanted to be back in Amanda’s life for who she was married to rather than the fact they did their daughter wrong and wanted to make things right. Amanda knew that. She didn’t invite them to the wedding. Nothing. They found out about Liam, but I’m positive they don’t know about Harper. I didn’t tell them. She wouldn’t have.”

“My mother would have found out,” he said, laughing. “She has a way of finding everything out.”

“Because your mother cares,” she said. “That is the difference.”

28

OPPORTUNITY TO RUN

“Why am I not surprised it didn’t take you long to call?” Foster asked on Sunday when he noticed his mother’s picture pop up on his phone.

“I wanted to call yesterday,” his mother said. “But Laken told me to give you time to get home. I probably ruined a chance to meet Charlotte today, huh?”

He looked at his girlfriend sitting on the deck smirking at him. Marco was lying by her feet.

“Are you in town?”

“No,” his mother said.

“Then how did you plan on meeting her?”

“Really, Foster. King of technology? The same way I met everyone else the first time. Video chat. Is Charlotte there?”

“I’m not sure I want to answer that,” he said.

“Which means she is,” his mother said, getting excited. “I’m calling you back via video. Answer me or I’ll call you all night long.”

She hung up on him before he could tell her no.

Not that he had the courage to do that.

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