I sagged back into the chair, my emotions haywire and my body quivering. I wasn’t a cruel person, and I didn’t like being intentionally mean or causing others hurt. But when I saw Everly, it was like my survival instincts took over, wanting to protect myself from further harm.

I had so much to unpack from the short exchange, but one deafening thought overrode all others.

He thought it was me.

Chapter 30

OWEN

“I love you, Alexis. So fucking much it hurts. ”

Why did I say that? Because I couldn’t fucking help it, that’s why. Her presence felt like a slow toxin infecting my veins. Every time she was near, every time she smiled or laughed, I couldn’t help but want her.

It made my desires escalate out of control, so I kissed her. Her lips, tongue and skin felt like they always had, however infused with so much more.

And when sheer happiness took hold from the long awaited reconnection, it all came crashing down around me. Under the influence of her touch, my declaration of love came rushing out without thought.

The way she froze beneath my hands made me fucking livid at myself.

What right do I have to touch her? To put that type of pressure on her? Fucking none.

It was late evening, and there was a coolness in the air as I sat on a picnic rug at the water’s edge of Mercy Lake—our lake.

My touch really is poison. I was the worst of fools.

Then, my name sliced through the wind. And again, this time closer, dripping in expectation.

“OWEN!”

I jolted to my feet and turned to find Alexis racing towards me, and she was upset.

Give it to me, baby. I’ll take it all.

As if reading my mind, she proceeded to tighten her little fists into my shirt when she reached me. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you come after me for so long? WHY!? WHY!?”

She was crying, hysterical, emotionally charged. It broke me.

I cupped her face with my hands, forcing her eyes to meet mine and for her to hear me. “I was going to come to you after I found out the truth about Everly, but I spoke to your father and decided not to.”

That stopped her crying at least. Her expression twisted in confusion instead. “What?” She hiccupped.

“When I was recovering and had gotten back to some type of normalcy, I ran into your dad. We hadn’t conversed in months, but I knew I had to ask him. I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to gauge the chances of reconciliation with you. So, one year after our divorce, I asked your dad if you were happy. Truly happy.”

“And he said yes,” Alexis whispered.