Page 51 of Trial By Fire

Am I?

Was it a mistake?

I wouldn't have kissed her if I didn't want to. So, no. It wasn't.

But I have no idea where my life is headed at the moment, and neither does Lindsey. I don't want her to feel pressured by me or think I expect benefits to come with the caretaking. Then there's the fact she's pregnant and vulnerable. Overly emotional and struggling just to cope. I'd be a jerk to take advantage of her vulnerability.

So, yes, it is a mistake. Neither one of us is in any position to even consider a relationship under the circumstances. I have to suck it up and own the fact that the timing isn't right for either one of us.

And until it is—if it ever is—we are strictly friend-zoned and forbidden.

End of story.

* * *

Hours later I'm in the recliner watching an old sitcom when I hear a noise. I turn my head, trying to decipher what it is—who it is—and hear it again.

I grab the crutches and sit up in the recliner, doing the whole balancing act to stand and move into the hallway. I go to the master bedroom first, thinking it's Lindsey getting sick only to realize her door is open, and she doesn't seem to be there.

I hear the noise again, as well as a low murmur from farther down the hall and move toward it. Light peek

Chapter 21

s out from beneath Madi's door. She's in the spare bedroom—now her room, and it has been since Pam left her and took off.

"Madi, what can I do?" Lindsey asks softly.

I hear a shuddering sob and fist the crutches until my knuckles pop.

"Nothing. I'm fine."

Yeah, right.

"Is this…about your mom?" I hear Lindsey ask in a tentative tone. "Your birthday?"

I still and even hold my breath so I don't miss Mads's answer.

"She texted," Madi says, sniffling. "She didn't even call me. Probably so I won't go off on her about leaving me."

Lindsey is silent, and while I can't see them, I picture Lindsey patting Madi's hair or…something.

"All she said was happy birthday, and I'll be back soon. I tried to respond, but she's blocked me again."

I silently curse Pam and want to wring her neck for hurting Mads. She's just a kid. Maybe she's turned seventeen but to abandon her?

"You don't deserve that, Madi. I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make this better."

I hear Madi cry a little harder before getting herself under control again. That's when I hear Lindsey repeating, "It's okay. You're going to be okay. It's all going to be okay."

I want to haul that woman into my arms and kiss her again for reassuring Madi when she needs it most. I know for a fact Madi isn't going to confide in me the way she does Lindsey, which makes it all the more important that Lindsey sticks around and I keep my hands to myself.

"I know I'm not your mom, but I think you're a pretty awesome young woman. You're so strong, Madi. You shouldn't have to be, no, but you are, and don't you ever forget that."

I hear Madi scoff.

"Something's wrong with me. She left me here. And who says Kace won't kick me out, too?"

"Oh, honey, your uncle is not going to do that."