Page 13 of Prove Me Wrong
I haven’t spoken to Mia since last weekend in the café with her brother, Sinnett. I’ve seen glimpses of her coming and going from the house and even caught sight of her through the kitchen window one evening when she was making herself a hot drink before bed. My eyes lingered on her loose satin pyjamas for longer than I’m proud of, and I definitely felt myself hardening over her. I haven’t thought about a girl since Em, but for some reason, I can’t seem to get Mia out of my mind. There’s something about her that draws me in. I can’t figure out what it is, but I don’t want to ignore the sensation.
Clearing my throat, Mia hands me the plastic drink bottle covered in wild animals and Jade’s name. It was Nathan’s latest Christmas present for Jade.
Studying her silver-blue irises, they are now seared into my memory like a tattoo. I could stare at them all day if she let me. “Thank you,” I murmur, exhaustion coating my words.
Pale lips parting, throat working, I watch Mia step backwards, creating some space between us.Is it because I’m intimidating? Or is she like this with most people?“You’re welcome, Noah,” she utters, biting her bottom lip.
I like hearing my name coming from her mouth.
Swallowing, Mia turns her attention to my upset daughter, who is whimpering on my shoulder.
Tears fall down Jade’s cheeks, dripping onto my tee. “Is she all right?” she questions, tone quiet.
“She’s teething. It’s painful for her. I gave her some medicine that usually helps, but it’s still kicking in,” I explain without taking my eyes off Mia.
Frowning, small lines deepen in her forehead. Mia reaches out and strokes Jade’s hair gently. I remain still, watching her comfort my daughter, heart expanding like a balloon. “You’ll be okay, little lady. It’s just a part of growing up.”
A smile grows on my face when I hear her name for my baby daughter. Jade sucks on her tiny fist before holding out her arms to Mia.
She grins. “Can I hold her for a second?”
I nod, and Mia wraps Jade up tightly in her lean arms. My chest sears with flames like a wildfire, engulfing my heating flesh. Jade is only this open with Tatum and June, but to see her warming up so quickly with Mia makes my pulse skitter. There’s a kindness and gentleness to her that I haven’t seen before.
I’m drawn to it.
Taking the moment to open the car door, I place our bags in the back as Mia whispers something into Jade’s ear. I can’t hear it, but her cheeks pinken as my daughter giggles, finding it amusing; although, I highly doubt she understood what Mia said.
“Come on, princess. Time for daycare,” I announce with slumped shoulders, plucking my daughter back into my arms. Fingers brushing Mia’s skin, I fight to keep myself under control as sparks run down my arms.
Jade’s pale lips tremble as I let out a heavy sigh, buckling her into the car seat. Her tiny hands grip onto my shirt, and I run a hand down my face, not wanting to crack in front of Mia. My heart aches right now as exhaustion builds behind my eyes like an immense weight.
“Jade, let go, please. I need to get to work.” My words are soft, my soul cracking as her sobs get louder, droplets of salty water streaming down her flushed face.
I reluctantly pull her hands off and close the door right after I hear her scream, her tiny lungs wracking with pain. It crushes me.
Cloudy eyes watch me closely, and I bite back the stinging moisture brimming my eyelids. I can’t crumble. I have to stay strong for my daughter because I’m all that she has left in this world.
“Noah.” Mia’s voice breaks me out of the drowning feeling, trying to swallow me up again. I glance at her while my daughter screams inside my ute, my world tilting. “Do you want me to take her for the day? I can watch her if you want.”
My saliva is thick and hot like tar, sliding down my throat as I blink at my new neighbour.I can’t believe she’s offering to help me out. Every other girl who has offered to watch Jade just wanted to be close to me. Being a small town, they knew my parents were wealthy and well-known, and I hated that they used my daughter to try to win me over.
But Mia knows about my racing, about the athlete lifestyle, from her brother. Yet, I can tell from the expression in her delicate, dark features that she’s concerned for Jade. She’s hesitant around me, and I don’t know why, but she’s also worried for my daughter, and that makes my heart melt.
Shaking my head, I run my fingers through my slightly sweaty hair, trying to settle my rapid pulse. “Thank you, but it’ll be all right. I have her enrolled in daycare, and I’m sure you have work to do.”
Shiny eyes shutter at my words, plucking at my heart uncomfortably. I feel the air constricting around me like it’s thickening.Crap, maybe I said something wrong. Possibly struck a nerve?
Mia shakes her head, forcing out a tight smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry for offering.”
She turns away when I walk around the car, but before she can leave, I grab hold of her arm, grip loose. The feeling of her skin against mine is silky, soft and pleasant. Fingers tingling, stormy eyes meet mine, and up close I see flecks of silver in her greyish blue irises. They almost shimmer like metal, so mesmerising. I don’t want to look away.
“Don’t be sorry, Grey,” I murmur. I hear her breath hitch at the base of her throat. “I appreciate the offer more than you think.”
Dropping her arm, Mia glances away before stepping backwards. I don’t miss the ache that wedges itself in my chest.
“I hope your day gets easier, Noah.” Her voice is barely audible before she jogs towards her house and vanishes inside.
Groaning, I rub the back of my neck before getting into my car filled with Jade’s loud crying. Resting my head against the steering wheel, I shut my eyes, and for a moment, allow myself to sink back into the drowning feeling I’ve pushed away for so many months.
