Page 55 of Only Temporary

It’s bad enough that Tatum apparently knows about my relationship with Kellan, but if Margie finds out, it’s all over. Not only could I lose my job, but it could jeopardize the entire case.

I know it’s too risky, and this was stupid, but I’m falling in love with him. No doubt about it. No matter how badly this could wind up, I can’t seem to let him go.

But I can remain professional.

“It’s going really well. The kids are adjusting to school. Kellan has been working and fixing up the house. They’ve all turned down therapy, but at this point with them doing so well, I don’t think it’s necessary to push.”

“And Kellan—is he going to meetings?”

“He is. As needed. The family seems to be thriving.” Okay, that’s a totally normal thing to say. It’s rare, honestly, but it happens, and when it does, we’re always proud of our clients.

She goes over my notes, and I feel like I might throw up from the nerves. “Braylen was hurt.”

I nod my head, having put that in the report myself after the night Braylen fell out of the tree. “He was, and he got immediate care. A few stitches and seemed good as new next time I saw him.”

She purses her lips. “But Kellan wasn’t with him?”

All normal procedure. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But I did have to fiddle with the truth a little about that night. “Correct. Tatum—a family friend, who I’ve met several times and approved him for care when Kellan needs to be away—he was with the kids that night and took him right to urgent care.”

“And did Kellan say where he was?” It’s in the notes, but again, Margie likes to hear it from us directly. She’s thorough because she’s had too many kids slip through the cracks.

“A meeting.” Lies. But necessary. I can’t exactly say he was in my apartment getting naked.

“Okay, great.” She smiles, and I take a deep breath, hoping that wasn’t too obvious. I feel like I’m being watched like a hawk, and I know it’s my conscience. And being on edge because Tatum just figured it out.

Kellan assures me that it’s not that weird, that Tatum just knows him well, but I know I need to be extra careful.

That’s why, when I pick Raegan up from art club and drop her off at home, I keep her talking about school. And when Kellan arrives home when I’m making dinner, I keep my distance from him.

I don’t look at him, and it’s weird. I know I’m being weird. Raegan is looking at me strangely before going to her room to do homework, and the other kids are all out of the room when Kellan walks closer to me. “Are you okay?”

I shake my head. “I should go.”

“Why?” He looks hurt, and I hate that. But if we’re so obvious that Tatum picked it up, I can’t help but think it’s only a matter of time before the kids get it. They’re finally getting along. Raegan even showed Kellan some of her art this evening. Cason didn’t bark at him once.

And I’m going to ruin this for him. For them.

“Baby, talk to me,” he says, his hand cupping my jaw, and I jolt, stepping back and making him drop his hand, looking startled.

“We have to be careful,” I say, looking behind me to make sure the kids are still in their rooms.

“I know.” He takes another step back. I don’t think he’s angry, just worried. And I feel like a total asshole.

“I’m sorry. I just...” I keep my voice low. “I can’t mess this up for you. I know I said I was worried about getting hurt, but it’s different now.” I look into his eyes, feeling like I’m going to cry because how did this happen? I went from thinking he was sexy to wanting to protect him at all costs. I’m terrified of screwing up his life, like I seem to do.

I’ve always wanted to help. I’ve had good intentions, but sometimes things go wrong.

“I wish I could hold you right now,” he says but makes no attempt to touch me.

“Me too,” I say honestly, hating how much I want to walk into his big arms and never let him let me go, but knowing I can’t risk it.

“Is it too much?” his voice trembles. “This thing with us? Please tell me you aren’t ending it.”

I shake my head, but I should be nodding. “I can’t.”

That gets a small, sad smile from him. “Don’t pull away too much from me. I know you’re scared, but the kids have no idea. At this point, today would make them more suspicious than anything else.”

And I know he’s right. They were all giving me the side-eye, when I really think about it. Because the way I was acting today—cold and distant—that’s never been me. Not even on day one. I’m hands-on, and I get way too involved with clients—not ever as much as with Kellan—but I care.

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