Page 16 of Far from Destined
“I’m sorry I made you think that. I promise that you can text the others. They wanted me to be here so we could stop fighting with each other.”
“Are they going to do the same to Nate and Myra then?” she asked, and I snorted.
“I said the exact same thing.”
“I can’t believe the girls did this. And I can’t believe you went along with it.”
I shook my head. “It all started with me standing in my underwear in my house, pretty much flashing everybody.”
Her eyes widened comically. “What?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I think that’s why you’re here.”
“To tell you why I was in my underwear? Or for me to ask why you hate me?” I asked, trying not to notice how her cheeks flushed at my words.
“Macon,” she sighed. “I don’t hate you. We’re friends. I guess.”
“The last time I saw you, you told me to stay away from you and your son.” There, now that the words were out, I couldn’t take them back.
I felt her gaze, and she shook her head. “I shouldn’t have been so cruel about it. But you scared me, Macon. And I don’t like that you got into a fight…whatever. I know it’s none of my business, but I need to protect my son.”
I worked my jaw for a moment as the waiter came over with my drink and told us about the specials.
“We’re going to need a few moments,” I said, my gaze still on Dakota’s.
“Of course, I’ll be back as soon as you need me.” The waiter was discreet, and I was grateful.
“Dakota, I would never hurt Joshua.”
“Maybe not physically, but he’s still a little boy. He latches on to people without thinking of what might happen if and when they walk away.”
“You don’t have to worry about me or my brothers. I know you and I aren’t going to be anything.” Her eyes widened, and I hastened to add, “Not that we were ever on that path. Regardless, I’m not going to hurt Joshua.” I paused. “Or you. We can find a way to be friends. To maybe figure out why we keep sniping at each other.”
“It’s just so easy to do.” She shrugged.
“That’s true,” I said, snorting.
“I had a very long day. A very long week, truth be told,” Dakota began. “It feels like it’s been a long year.”
“Tell me about it.” I rubbed the scar on my chest without thinking. I hadn’t even noticed I did it until I caught Dakota’s gaze zeroed in on the action.
I held back a curse.
“I’d ask if it hurts, but I know that not all scars ache. At least not in the ways some might think.”
There was more to that statement. “Do I have to go and find someone and hurt them for you?” I asked, not entirely joking.
“I don’t want any more violence. Especially not things done in my name.”
My hands fisted around my drink. “I see.”
She shook her head. “You don’t. But, honestly, we don’t need to get into that. We can be friends. Maybe it’s inevitable. And perhaps I need to get over my misconceptions. But, Macon? I don’t want a relationship. Joshua doesn’t need a new daddy. I don’t need anyone in my life who’s going to complicate things.”
“I don’t need anything like that either. I’m only doing this so our friends get off my back.”
“Okay, then.” She paused. “Maybe we can enjoy dinner.”