Page 23 of Hearts Don't Lie
Mac and Hardin had been each other’s rocks in high school. He had spoken of the pressures of being a soccer phenom and the baggage that accompanied it; the worst was the prevalent feeling of being regarded as chattel rather than a beloved son. She had shared what it was like to be raised with indifference, to not feel loved, to be emotionally and physically abused. They were each other’s best friend, a safe haven, and they discussed whether what they sought from each other was what they were missing from their parents. After many months of examining their growing feelings for each other, they accepted that what they felt for one another was real. And it had been so real. For her, she had never been as close and intimate with someone as she was with Hardin.
She scooted closer to him, and he leaned into her. Mac’s arms slid around him as he wept, her hands rubbing his broad, corded back, her cheek at home on his chest. He was more muscular than in high school but still felt like Hardin. He melted around her. Warm. Welcome. His unique scent enveloped her. It was soothing and stirring at the same time. More of her emotional armor came apart. Having Stowe only magnified what she had felt for Hardin but had locked away—a deep, abiding love.What am I going to do?
Everything had shifted within Mac as Hardin told his side of the story. His anger and grief were palpable. She had always admired how he showed her that a man could feel and express emotion, that it emanated from a place of strength.
She found herself affected by his obvious distress and drawn to his vulnerability, unable to hold the boundary of emotional distance, more than willing to be there for him. Realizing it had been misplaced, any rancor she had for him dissolved, but her resentment toward his parents escalated into red-hot rage. What the Ambroses had done to keep them apart was unconscionable. The deceit and injustice were mind-boggling, seemingly driven by a belief that she was completely wrong for their precious son, that she was beneath him. But she was cried out for now, numb.
“Alicia was a guilty party in destroying us too.”
He gazed at her somberly. “Yeah.”
“Well, now I know where her cache of money came from.” Mac pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. “Her actions don’t surprise me. I shared her story with you back in high school. Alicia was always about Alicia. Only out for herself. Damn the consequences.”
“She was.”
Feelings attributed to being abandoned by Alicia resurfaced. Raw. Stinging. But instead of loathing her mother, Mac felt pity—born of compassion and understanding, from walking in shoes similar to those of Alicia’s. “I get that Alicia came from a place of survival, but I can’t overlook her need to hurt others in the process of getting what she wanted. I can’t forgive what I suffered being raised by her, if a person can call it that. It was no way to treat and react to a child. Ever.
“I can give her grace. She put me in soccer when I was five, more to have time for herself. Unintentionally, she also gave me a gift, provided me with role models who exhibited kindness and fair discipline, who challenged me. Those coaches and other parents provided me life examples and lessons, and those became my foundation, impacting my academics and friendships. My relationship with you. Motherhood.” Fuck. It just tumbled out. Mac stumbled over her next words. “I’m glad you came and shared what you knew. Thank you.”
“Don’t cut me off, Mac. I know you have a kid. I know you were married because of your name change, but you’re single now.”
“Your PI dug that up?”
“She did.”
“I see. What else?” The edge in Mac’s voice masked her fear.
“I’m hoping you’ll fill in the rest. I’d rather hear it from you.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know, and please, don’t presume to know. You don’t know me.”
“I knew you. The foundation of what is you, that person I gave my heart to. I’m confident she’s still there. I want to learn these new aspects of you.”
Interesting.Mac adjusted the blanket around her and searched his eyes. “We were teenagers, Hardin. Young and naive.”
“We were also wise beyond our years.”
“In some ways, yes.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to talk about my name or my history since I saw you last. I don’t want to discuss my child with you other than to say he’s what I hold most dear in this world, and if there’s one thing I’m most proud of, it’s the parent I am. Please respect my wishes and don’t ask me again.”
“Fine. I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell me.”
“What does that mean? Don’t you have to be back in Spain for training soon?”
Hardin narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head, an impish grin on his face. “Wow. You’ve been keeping track of me.”
“Hardly.” She scoffed. “My son is an enthusiastic fan. He leaks like a sieve.”
“Sounds like a cool kid.”
“He’s the coolest ever, and you’re skating on thin ice. Dangerous for a renowned soccer player.” She rose, bent over because of the tent’s low pitch. “It’s terribly late. I’m tired and I need to have my wits about me so that you’re safe tomorrow. Like it or not, I’m responsible for you while we hike. My reputation is on the line.”
“I’m a thoroughbred, Mac,” he said teasing.
She turned on her lantern and grasped the flap, ready to step out into her boots and make her way back to her tent. “On the pitch you are, but not out here. The wilderness can sneak up on the best of us at any time. Later, Hardin.”
Back in her tent, Mac slid into her sleeping bag. Intrepid Adventures used only the best products for their activities and trips. Questions had been answered, but Mac had so many more. Two things were clear—they were going to talk more, and the topic of Stowe was safe for now. Hardin had always been honorable, and he’d behaved so tonight.
In her mind, she kissed her son good night and ruffled his floppy dark waves before tucking him in.I love you more than you’ll ever know.Peace filled Mac, and she relaxed in her toasty sleeping bag, falling into a dreamless sleep.
