Page 17 of Mistletoe Omega
I slid my wary gaze toward him. “I don’t need to talk.”
He shifted uneasily. “Right. I’m just saying, if you feel like youwantto talk. I’m happy to listen.”
My heart ached at how nice he was. I’d never met anyone so willing to help others. But I didn’t want to unload my problems on him. “It was a long night, that’s all.”
“Okay.”
He turned the music back up, and we drove without speaking for a while. I cast curious glances toward him now and then, studying his strong profile. What made an alpha good like him? Why was he so kind and Tim was such a dick? Was it merely their upbringing? Graham did speak affectionately of his parents. It was obvious he’d loved them, and they’d nurtured him growing up. I knew Tim hadn’t had the best home life, but neither had I. I had no desire to go through life stealing and being an asshole like Tim. Maybe it was just who we were when we were born.
I thought about the child I carried. Would he take after me, or would he be a mess like Tim? My stomach churned at the thought Tim would have any influence at all on this baby. I prayed I could raise a child to be a good person whether I had a lot of money or not. Hopefully just being there and loving my child would be enough. I tried not to give in to the voice that whispered to me that I’d never be enough for anyone, including my own child.
Once we got home, I went to my room, and I changed. Then I sat on my bed, staring into space feeling alone and hopeless. I had no idea how to be a father. I’d probably be the worst parent to ever live. I didn’t know the first thing about babies or kids.
There was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Graham poked his head in. “Can I talk to you?”
My stomach jolted at the serious glint in his eye. “Yes.” Was he going to ask me to leave? Had I over stayed my welcome?
He came in and stood awkwardly near the door. “I didn’t want to say anything in the car, but I feel like I have to.”
I nodded, feeling numb. “Okay.”
He sighed. “I came by the diner earlier to get a bite to eat.”
I frowned. “When? I didn’t see you.”
Crossing his arms, he said, “I didn’t end up coming in.”
“Why?”
He gave a stiff laugh. “I was almost to the door, and I saw you inside… talking to… Tim.”
I froze and stared at him wordlessly.
“I wasn’t trying to spy on you or anything. I just wanted dinner.” He raked a hand through his hair. “But I saw him… kiss you.”
My face flooded with heat. “I didn’t want him to do that.”
He grimaced. “It’s none of my business if you did.” He looked like he had a bad taste in his mouth. “I mean, obviously it surprised me. On many levels. For one thing, I thought he’d left town.”
“He had. He… uh… came back… briefly.”
“Okay. I also thought you didn’t want him anymore.” His face seemed flushed.
“I don’t.”
“But you kissed.”
“He kissed me. If you’d kept watching, you’d have seen I pushed him away.” I winced. “He’s an asshole.”
Relief seemed to wash over his tense features. “Really?”
“Yes.” I scowled. “He’s disgusting.”
“Oh.” He laughed, looking less stressed now. “I didn’t know what was going on.”
“He needed money, and he thought I should give him some.” I hated telling him any of this, but I didn’t want him mistakenly thinking I wanted Tim back in my life.
