Page 42 of Meant To Be - Irresistible Bachelors

Tears rush to my eyes as I stare at the pain written all over his face. I take a deep breath as I try to explain.

“When I landed back home, I got a call from my aunt saying that my mom was in the intensive care unit. Things had gotten worse with her while we were on tour, and when I got to the hospital, I barely recognized her. She was really sick, Leo, and she needed me by her side,” I explain.

“You could’ve called; I would’ve understood. But instead, you pushed me away. I could’ve been there to comfort you in your time of need, but you didn’t let me,” he says.

“I know, and I feel horrible about it,” I say, feeling embarrassed about the way I treated him.

“That’s no excuse,” he states. “Maybe you should leave.”

He flings the door open, his eyes still full of hurt.

He has every right to be angry with me, but I never meant to hurt him. I just needed some time alone. I cancelled all my interviews, and I haven’t been in the studio since I got back from the tour. I closed myself off from the entire world, not just from him.

“I don’t want to go,” I say.

“Nikki, you broke my heart,” he says firmly as he folds his arms.

“I didn’t mean to. I wanted to call, but I was in too much pain,” I pause.

There’s a lump in my throat and a knot in my stomach. I can barely get the words out.

“A few days after I got back to Hollywood…” I stop again.

I swallow hard and take a deep breath.

“I stayed in the hospital day and night with my mom, but there was nothing the doctors could do. I held her hand as she…” Tears roll down my cheeks as my voice cracks.

His hard expression softens, and he slowly unfolds his arms. I don’t even need to finish; he knows exactly what I was about to say. He rushes over to me and holds me in his arms. I bury my face in his chest as I weep. He gently strokes my back as he tries to soothe my aching heart.

“Baby, I’m so sorry. I had no idea,” he says.

He lifts my face and wipes away my tears.

“You should’ve told me. I would’ve gotten on the next flight to Hollywood to comfort you.”

“I wanted to tell you, but for days after it happened, I couldn’t even speak. I was completely paralyzed, unable to move and unable to think. My body shut down, and I was frozen in depression and fear. Once I was finally able to move again, I completely spun out of control. I was so angry that I lashed out and pushed everyone away,” I explain.

I had sat in my house alone for days, sulking in my depression. Kenny had stopped by a few times, but I wouldn’t answer the door for him. I just couldn’t handle the fact that I’d lost my mother. She had been my support system my entire life, especially in the crazy world of show business. The blow from her death knocked me down so hard that I didn’t think I would ever be able to get back up. Somehow, I’d managed to find the strength to pull myself back together.

“I understand,” he murmurs consolingly as he pulls me close and holds me tight in his arms. “I know what it’s like to lose a parent. After I lost my dad ten years ago, I went on a drinking binge for an entire week afterward. I was depressed and thought I would never get through it. I’m sorry that you had to go through that alone, especially at your age. I should’ve been there to hold you.”

His comforting arms make my tears stop flowing. Now I’m starting to wish that he had been by my side to help me get through losing my mom; it would’ve made things a lot easier. I’d forgotten how good it feels to be in his embrace. His arms have enough strength to heal my heart.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what was going on,” I say.

“It’s okay. I get it, but next time, just reach out to me so I know what’s going on. I love you, and I want to be there for you. It hurts that you don’t understand that.”

“I do. I was just in so much pain that I didn’t know how to handle the way I was feeling, but as soon I felt better, I came here to see you,” I say.

“I’m glad you did.” He gazes into my eyes. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I should never have spoken to you that way.”

“It’s okay. I get it. I would’ve been upset too if I were you.” I nuzzle my face against his chest. “I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”

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