Page 64 of Burning Obsession

“I bring food.” Lincoln’s deep, cheerful voice fills the room. “And I have a bag for the most beautiful woman in the room so that she can shower.” Lincoln’s eyes move between Nellie and me, his smile morphing into a frown. “Is something wrong? Are you and Miracle okay?”

“No, we’re fine,” Nellie tells him, stopping his pending freak out. “Jake messaged Victor; apparently he’s here, and wants to finally listen to what my brother has to say.”

“Nellie,” Lincoln starts, but she cuts him off.

“Don’t Nellie me.”

“I will. This is between Victor and Jake.” He steps over to me, placing the food and bag on the table by Nellie’s bed. “Listen, Vic, I love you man; you’re my brother. But what you did was a little creepy, and I get why he freaked out. He needed time to be able to hear what you said. Speak from the heart, and I have a feeling everything will be okay.”

“Never took you for a romantic,” I tell him, smiling.

“Learned it all from the movies. It’s how I won your sister over. Now let’s eat while the food is hot. Think about what you want to do and then message him with a clear head.”

“Okay.”

Lincoln takes a sleeping Miracle from Nellie and places her in the bassinet before handing out the burgers and fries. I eat slowly, my mind racing over what to do. I finish before them and decide to give them some alone time.

I need a shower and clean clothes. And I don’t have that here.

"I'm going to head out."

Nellie looks at me. "You sure?"

"Yeah." I walk over and lean down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you, sis."

"I love you too."

I straighten back up and step over to my niece. I just look at her for a moment, taking in all her baby-goodness, then bending over, I place a soft kiss on her forehead, not wanting to wake her.

"If you need me, you know I'll bust out of this joint and come handle business."

"I know." I shake my head at my sister’s antics.

"Good."

I take one last look at them.

My sister is sitting against the pillows, her husband beside her, their eyes focused on their daughter. I pull out my phone and quickly snap a picture, wanting to save the moment.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and step into the hallway slowly pulling the door shut behind me.

The second it clicks closed, I exhale and make my way toward the elevator, my thoughts already racing.

He wants to talk. And now I have to decide whether I'm brave enough to finally tell him everything. The elevator doors open, I step inside and press the button for the lobby.

As the doors slide shut, I pull out my phone. My mind is made up. My thumb hovers over his name for a second. Then I type.

Me: I'll meet you. 7pm. I’ll tell you everything.

I hit send before I can change my mind. Whatever happens next, there's no hiding anymore. Not from him. And definitely not from myself. There will be no more secrets. No questions unanswered. And by the end of it, I’ll know exactly where I stand with him.

Chapter 21

Victor

Istand just outside of the coffee shop, pacing back and forth out of sight of the window. I don’t know if he’s in there or not, but I’m scared as shit to find out. I’m early. About ten minutes to be exact. Bile rises in my throat and I’m afraid I’m going to throw up, but I need to get through this. I’m going to lay everything out on the table and hope that it ends in my favor.

I take a deep breath, close my eyes and blow it out. I count to five, open my eyes, and head inside. When I look around the coffee shop, I don’t see Jake at first.