Page 106 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
I become even more uncomfortable, not feeling like I deserve her praise, but I pat her shoulder awkwardly, not wanting to be a total asshole and clear my throat, “It’s nice to meet you too.”
I didn’t think things could get any more awkward, that’s until the next person steps up. The one I have been dreading to meet.
“All right, Linda, let the boy go now, so I can properly meet him.”
Faith’s mom steps aside and I get the overwhelming urge to keep her here, anything to stop this moment from happening.
“Cade, this is my father, Joshua Williams.” Faith’s introduction is soft and apprehensive.
“Well I have to agree with my wife. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the men who saved my daughter’s life and especially you, Cade.”
Knowing I can’t prolong it any longer, I look at him. He isn’t what I expected. He doesn’t look anything like ‘him’, he even has the same green eyes as Red and his father, but that doesn’t stop my heart from jack hammering in my chest and rage rushing through my veins as I see him holding Ruthie. Her arms are wrapped tightly around his neck, which has a small gold chain with a fucking cross hanging from it. I get the urge to rip her away from him, and it takes everything in me not to react to it. Images from so long ago try to resurface, but I clench my teeth and fight like hell to stop them from emerging, knowing I will lose my fucking shit.
“Cade?” Faith says nervously.
I quickly realize the guy’s hand is extended, waiting for me to take it; everyone is quiet, watching the scene unfold.
Jesus calm down, he isn’t ‘him’. He is not the same guy. I clasp his hand and try to keep my body relaxed but no matter how many times I repeat the mantra it doesn’t do anything to ease the fire rushing through my veins.
“Hi,” is all I can manage to offer, and if my expression is as hard as my voice then I know I’m not fooling anyone. The man doesn’t deter from it. He even manages to keep his smile and give me a firm handshake, but I remove my hand from his quickly.
Katelyn clears her throat to break the tension, “How about opening birthday presents since everyone is here now?”
“There wasn’t supposed to be presents, just a supper,” Christopher mumbles uncomfortably.
“Of course we brought you presents,” Kayla replies. “What kind of party would it be without them? Especially your sweet sixteen,” she adds with a chuckle.
Everyone takes a seat at the table to watch the kid open his presents. I find myself wanting to snatch Ruthie from the guy before he sits down but I manage to restrain myself. I look at Faith for the first time since her introduction, and the hurt in her eyes as she looks back at me is like a punch to my throat. Fuck!
I shake my head and walk into the house, needing to get my shit together. I go into the bathroom and slam the door, wanting to punch my fist through the fucking wall. I look into the mirror and the reflection I see staring back at me is one that I haven’t seen for a while, not since Red and the kids, but it’s one I know so well. My expression is cold, and my eyes hard and violent. I also look pale and it’s because I fucking feel physically sick, rage twisting my stomach in knots, my skin cold and clammy.
Jesus, what the fuck is happening to me? I splash cold water on my face and grip the sink while I try to take deep breaths through the tightness in my chest.
Minutes later, when I’m a little calmer, although not by much, I walk back outside to see the kid opening the last of his gifts and feel like shit that I missed it. Everyone glances at me but quickly shift their attention back to Christopher, not wanting to make shit more awkward.
Red looks at me, and if it’s possible her eyes turn even more fucking sad. She walks over and wraps her arms around me, then places a kiss right over my raging heartbeat, which only adds to the restriction in my chest. Figures. I’m the one who’s fucking hurting her but she’s comforting me. I hold her back, pulling her against me, needing to show her what I can’t say. That I’m sorry.
“Holy crap, are you serious, Katelyn? You got me tickets to KISS?”
Katelyn claps her hands excitedly, “I know. It’s awesome, right? A client of mine hooked me up and even got us backstage passes. I thought we could go for the weekend since it’s in Raleigh. I was able to get four; two of those are for Faith and me and the other one can go to whoever you want.” She looks over and blatantly winks at Alissa.
“Thanks. This is seriously awesome, actually, thank you everyone. All of the gifts were great, unnecessary, but great.”
“There’s still one more,” Faith adds quietly and looks up at me with a smile. The beauty of it eases a small part of the rage coursing through me.
She walks over to Christopher and pulls him to stand. “Cade and I got you something too.” She starts leading him across the backyard toward the garage. Everyone gets up and curiously follows.
“Oh I tan’t wait till you see dis, Twistiphwor,” Ruthie squeals excitedly. I don’t look over, not wanting to see him holding her. Because I know if I do, I will fucking lose it. I’m close to the edge as is.
Once we reach the side door, Red stands behind Christopher and covers his eyes. “What are you doing?” he asks nervously.
“I don’t want you to see until the very last second.” She looks at me, her excitement shining through her eyes, and nods. I unlock the door and open it. She leads him in blind and everyone follows, then she leans in and kisses his cheek. “I love you, Christopher. Happy Birthday.”
