When We Touch

“There’s not much you could have done. I’m going to see if I can find another judge to issue a temporary restraining order. Worst case, Marjorie can’t hold her longer than seventy-two hours without just cause.”

“This is bullshit.” Chad’s fists flex, and I like this guy.

“I agree.” I’m scrolling through my contacts, looking for a number.

We’re standing on the balcony when I hear the voices rising inside. “How dare you come here?” Ember shouts, and I hop back into her apartment.

Her mother stands in the doorway with her hands on her hips. I’m frozen in place when her eyes lock on me like lasers.

“I see you’re back,” she says in a low tone.

“I see you’re up to your same old tricks.” My voice is equally low and furious.

She shakes her head and dares to laugh. “You can’t make me the bad guy in this scenario, Jack Lockwood. I called my detective the night you came back. Phillip is very good at his job.”

My brow lowers. I guess she thinks she’s intimidating me. “I’m sure he is.”

“Why, Momma?” Ember’s voice is strong, but I hear her waver. “How can you do this? You want Brandon to take Coco away from us?”

Turning on her heel, she looks straight at Ember. “I would rather see her with him than here in this toxic environment.”

Ember clutches her head and does a little growl. “What toxic environment? Love? A real home? Are you afraid Jackson’s going to take your place?”

“If only it were that innocent.” Marjorie’s voice crackles, and she turns to face me as she addresses her daughter. “Did you ask him why he came here? Did he tell you the truth or did he lie like I said he would?”

Rage filters through my blood. My fists clench—I’ve never wanted to hit a woman before…

“He came back for me…” another waver in Ember’s voice, “He came back to find me.”

“He didn’t even know you were here.” Marjorie’s brow lowers, and my heart beats faster. “He came here because he was running away. Tell her the truth, Jack Lockwood.”

My eyes flicker to Ember, and she’s looking at me with round eyes. She’s still mine, I can see it in her posture, but her mother has successfully thrown her off balance.

“You’re right, I didn’t know Ember was still here,” I say, controlling my tone, restating the truth I believe in my heart. “The moment I saw her, I knew I’d come back for her.”

“Liar.” Marjorie’s voice is even. “He came back because he’s running from sexual assault charges. His law firm put him on professional leave for forcing a young woman named Tiffany Rogers, the receptionist at his office, to perform despicable acts against her will. She filed a police report—”

“That is not true!” Emberly screams at the woman. “How dare you?”

“How did you…” I can only whisper.

Phillip is very good at his job…

“It is absolutely true,” Marjorie continues, watching me.

“What the hell?” Tabby shouts at me.

“For that reason,” Marjorie continues. “I will allow Ember to come home with me tonight and be with Coco. I don’t agree with her choices, but I know she is not a threat to my granddaughter.”

Tabby’s arms are tight around her friend, and Ember looks up at me through damp lashes and a deeply furrowed brow.

“Jackson?” The fear and confusion in her voice shoots ice through my stomach. My eyes meet hers, and they’re flooded with tears. “Is what she’s saying true?”

“Yes, but—”

“Oh, God,” she gasps, holding out a hand and shaking her head. All signs she’s still mine are gone. She’s backing up on her bed, defensively holding onto her friend. “What does that mean?”

“It means you’re coming home with me now.” Her mother holds out a hand to her daughter. “Jack Lockwood is a sex offender. I will not have my daughter or my granddaughter anywhere near him.”