Step by step, I backed away toward her door until there were no more steps to take. Instead of letting my words speak for themselves, I allowed my actions to take over. Pulling out what was in my pocket, I showed her his hairbrush that I’d grabbed out of his bathroom when she was changing.
I didn’t want to do this, but what other choice did I have?
Her mouth parted, seeing the blatant truth in front of her gaze. “Please don’t do this.”
“Tell me the truth and I won’t.”
She closed her eyes and looked away, knowing I’d called her bluff.
“Your silence speaks volumes.”
“Yeah, well your audacity makes me sick.”
“Sweetheart, you haven’t seen anything yet. I’ll be back tomorrow morning. And just to make it clear...” I opened the door, speaking with conviction…
“With his DNA test proving I’m his father.”
* * *
Meaning every last word.
SEVEN
JAX
THEN
It was late by the time I walked into the Halloween party dressed in my jersey and jeans. This was the extent of my costume. The house was packed with people from our school, drinking and acting a fucking fool. The party was just how I’d expected.
The place was crowded, alcohol flowing loosely, and the music was blaring. I wasn’t much for booze. My life revolved around football, and the last thing I needed was to wake up hungover to run laps around the field at five am.
I was constantly training and staying in shape. It was how I remained the best quarterback in our state. Last week, I finally made my choice to play college ball for Texas. I wasn’t ready to leave my hometown, knowing I’d eventually have to move for whatever team drafted me into the NFL.
Kinley was ecstatic with my decision to stay put for a while, at least the next four years. We’d be graduating from high school in the spring, and I for one couldn’t wait. All I ever wanted was to play pro ball. It was what I’d worked so hard for, determined to make it happen for myself no matter what. It didn’t feel like a sacrifice to be missing out on normal stuff guys my age were doing.
I played football, and I fucked.
To me, that was enough.
“Hey!” Kinley greeted, walking up to me. “You made it.” She was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.
“Is Christian the Big Bad Wolf?” I teased.
“And don’t you ever forget it,” he replied, handing Kinley a drink.
I chuckled, taking his fresh beer out of his hand. “Thanks.”
“You’re drinking?” Kinley asked, rubbing Christian’s back. Fully aware I was baiting him.
“A beer won’t hurt me.”
She smiled. “Maybe not you, but it’s definitely working for your housekeeper’s daughter.”
I arched an eyebrow. “What?”
Kinley nodded behind me, and I never expected to see what I did when I turned around. Sophie was dancing on a table, dressed in a fucking cheerleading uniform. It was the first time I’d realized she could dance.
“And you live with her?” Christian taunted, causing Kinley to slap him on the chest.