“What’s that?”
“It’s no problem,” Paige says.
“Good.” I finish the rest of my coffee and then dispose of the mug into the sink.
I hate the look that she’s giving me. Does she feel sorry for me? I’m tired of the pity looks and constant regards from fellow family members after Serene’s passing.
I still mourn the loss of my wife every single day.
I never thought I’d even consider moving on or thinking about a woman in any way other than platonically, but one glance at Paige, and I’m guilty.
I want her. My body wants her. And my heart is finally beating like I’m alive again.
But I can’t have her. She’s not mine.
Paige’s gaze is on me, and I swear it’s fueled with sadness and despair. She feels sorry for me. I can’t take it. I hate those looks of pity.
I don’t want a pity fuck.
I storm out of the kitchen, leaving her alone to finish her cup of coffee.
* * *
I’ve avoided Paige as best as I can. Mostly, I’ve avoided any conversation with her.
We have extra guards at the house and on the property to ensure the family is safe.
Paige hasn’t pushed going to the park, and I’m grateful I haven’t had to fight with her again.
There’s a soft rap at my bedroom door while I’m pulling on my slacks.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, Paige.” Her voice is soft, tentative.
“Just a second,” I call back as I zip up my trousers and then stalk toward the door. I’ll grab my shirt in a minute. I yank the door open, wondering what she’s coming to my bedroom door for.
Is something wrong with Nova?
“Is everything okay?” I ask, glancing her up and down. I’m expecting to find my daughter at her side, but she’s not there.
It’s still early. She’s probably in the playroom or getting dressed for the day. However, Paige helps with that task.
“The therapy appointment is this morning,” she says.
I stare at her blankly. Why is she coming to my door to tell me what I already know? Did she think I forgot? “Yes, I know.”
“If I’m coming with you, it might be good for me to know what I’m supposed to say. Are we married? Am I her mother and her nanny?”
I groan and throw my arms into the air. The whole point was that I didn’t want to talk about any of it or think about it.
I leave the bedroom door open for her to follow me into the room while I grab a dress shirt from my closet.
“Shut the door, will you?” I glance back over my shoulder at her.
I don’t need Dante or Nikki getting wind of this conversation.
The clasp of the door clicks into place. I breathe a sigh of relief and continue. “You will be accompanying me as her mother. Listen, I don’t want to talk about Serene. If you show up and just go along with whatever I say, everything will be fine.”