Jett (Arizona Vengeance 10)

“Fuck yes it was best,” I growl at him. “While I wanted her to see a woman who was willing to care, be supportive and forgiving, I didn’t want her to see her mother stay in an abusive, loveless marriage.”

“I loved you,” he whines. “And you left me.”

My tone gentles, but I’m seething inside that we’re even having this conversation. “But I didn’t love you anymore; not after all the hurt you caused us. And Felicity needed to see that you don’t stay in an unhealthy situation. You make yourself strong and you move on to better things. I had a duty to teach her that and I don’t regret a thing.”

Shane holds his hands up as if he’s surrendering. “Okay, okay. I get it. I’m a loser and I never should have expected you to uphold the vows of for better or for worse.”

“Seriously?” I ask him in frustration. And because I’m so astounded he’d even go there, all I can do is repeat, “Seriously?”

“I’m just saying—”

“Good night, Shane,” I say firmly as I give him my back, moving quickly down the steps.

“Wait,” he says beseechingly, and something about his tone makes me stop. He’s out of his pity party, I can tell.

I glance back at him.

“I’m really sorry,” he says and I can tell he’s being genuine. I know all the various facets of Shane Kelly enough that I can hear truth in his voice. “That was way overboard and you didn’t deserve that. I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself for the things I lost, but I also know that’s all my fault. Not yours.”

I hesitate a moment before nodding. “Thank you.”

“Just bear with me, Emory.” His tone is soft and contrite. “I’m trying my best.”

“I’m glad you are,” I commend him. It’s all I can say because I don’t know what his best is anymore, but his apology is heartfelt and it means a lot. Throwing my thumb toward the driveway, I say, “I have to get going.”

“Yeah, sure,” he says with a genial smile as he starts to reach for the door and then turns back to me. “Um… Felicity said she’s going horseback riding tomorrow and had also told me that she used to take lessons. I’d really love to see her on a horse.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, heavily lacing my words with an apology I don’t really feel but I try to keep the peace. “But this is a private invite to a friend’s house and…”

My words drift off, my heart telling me to only speak the truth to Shane. I cannot be vague about where he stands in the life I’ve built with my daughter, because, for the most part, it’s going to be separate from any life he might have with her.

“No wait,” I say, correcting myself. “It is a private invite, but that’s not why you can’t come. You can’t come because I don’t want you to come.”

“That’s harsh,” he murmurs, but to my surprise he nods in understanding. “I get it.”

“Do you?” I ask hesitantly. “Because Shane… my life is my life. My life with Felicity is mine alone with her. What you have with her will be yours. But you cannot be part of mine anymore. I’m really sorry if that’s harsh, but I have to protect myself too.”

“I get it,” he assures me, holding his hands up again. A smile forms on his face, every bit of pain and sorrow for himself evaporates. “Now, you get going. You have a game to get to.”

I don’t move a muscle, wondering if I’m being played or not. Shane waves, turns from me, and opens the door to my home. It’s only after he disappears inside that I head to my car.

CHAPTER 20

Jett

Nora’s ranch—or rather I should say Nora and Tacker’s ranch since they’re married—is a pretty fantastic place. It’s not only beautiful but the purpose is humbling. Nora’s a psychologist and she uses horses in her therapy. It’s the place the team gathers the most for get-togethers because it’s so huge with plenty of room between their house and the barn.

It’s no surprise that Nora has taken a shine to Emory and has been handing out advice on her situation with Shane. They both have the same grit and determination to be champions of others. When Nora invited Emory and Felicity out here, it was for two reasons. The first and most important, was to let Felicity ride and have fun. But the second was to give her an opportunity to talk to Nora about any fears or worries she had since her father had come back into her life after a very long absence.

When I got the invite to attend with them—from Emory not Nora—I was shocked. It was a mother/daughter thing and I didn’t want to intrude, but on the other hand, I wanted time with Emory. We’re both so fucking busy in our careers that our time is very precious. And if I can only get a few hours with her today for a trip to Nora’s ranch, I’ll gladly take it.