Page 46 of Hearts Don't Lie
Mac left Intrepid in the capable hands of their employees at two thirty, intent on being home to greet Stowe. When he finally returned from fishing, an hour later than they had agreed, Stowe greeted her coolly before heading to his room. Instead of lighting into her son for his attitude and for being late, she trailed behind him, not saying anything, torn between giving him space and her desire to talk.
“Stowe—”
“Not now, Mom,” he said before shutting the door.
Unaccustomed to its use, the lock sounded loud. Mac stood outside her son’s door, wringing her hands, heart pounding with uncertainty. Shit. Had she failed him by not forcing the discussion of his father? The thing was, they needed to talk, and before Hardin arrived for dinner. His shower turned on, so she went to take a quick shower herself.
Stowe came into the kitchen and sat at the island while she was putting a pan of brownies into the oven.
“Catch anything?”
His answer was to stare at her.
“Look. A verbal answer is appropriate. I raised you to be courteous and respectful.”
“Does that apply to only me?”
“What exactly does that mean?” she asked, facing her son, leaning across the island to touch his hand.
He withdrew it just as her skin brushed his and dropped his head.
Mac’s heart broke and she moved around the island, next to him, but didn’t attempt to touch her son even though she craved pulling him into her arms to offer comfort. His breathing was jerky and shallow, and he rhythmically clenched and unclenched his hands in his lap, swallowing and blinking rapidly.
Softly she said, “Stowe…”
His eyes snapped to hers. His expression injured, his eyes shimmered with unshed tears until first one fell and then another. He brushed at them angrily and his chin quivered. “Is Hardin Ambrose my father? Beck thinks he is.”
“Yes.”
“Why?” he whispered hoarsely. He was crying now. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry, Stowe.” Her eyes welled up and her chin quivered in response. “I was weak. Every time I tried to tell you, you pushed back. It became easier to give in, and I shouldn’t have.” She gulped her tears and continued, stroking his face. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“Has he known about me all this time?”
“No. Not until this morning.”
“Why not?”
“It’s a long story, honey. A complicated one. Your father and I are just now putting the pieces together.”
He snarled at her. “Don’t call him that! And don’t expect me to call him that. I don’t even know him, and he doesn’t know me.”
“Hardin wants to know you.”
“I don’t want to know him! I don’t care who he is. Hardin Ambrose and his millions and his fame need to leave PR. Now!”
Mac slid her arms around her son. His trembling eased as she rubbed his damp back. She didn’t speak again until she felt he was calmer. “Honey, that’s not going to happen.”
“Why’s he here now?” Panic filled his voice. “Is he going to try to take me from you?”
“Ssh… Ssh… No. No one is going to take you from me. Ever,” she said, quietly but with heartfelt conviction. “Hardin’s not like that.”
“Whatishe like? When’s the last time you saw him?”
“This afternoon. He was helping us at Intrepid.”
“Before that. He was here this morning. What was he doing here so early, Mom?”
