Page 77 of Heated Takeover

“Because it could get messy,” she says.

“Everything is messy right now,” I say.

“I have a son,” she says, her words quivering slightly.

“Who I have told you I am crazy about,” I say. “Haven’t I made that obvious?”

“If people keep connecting us, they will start asking who his father is. They will ask what this means for my job and for Jamie. I can’t lose control of his life because I wanted something for myself.”

She swallows hard like she’s holding back tears, and I don’t understand it.

“I can’t lose him,” she says so quietly I almost don’t hear her.

“Why would you lose him?” I say, and she looks away from me again, blinking a couple times. “Natalie. Why would you lose him?”

When she doesn’t answer, I start to get defensively angry.

“Alright,” I say after a moment. “Fine. If the other night meant nothing to you and you’re too afraid about the what ifs, then it’s over. Plain and simple. But good luck pretending like this is what you want.”

I walk out, leaving her standing in the elevator alone.

Chapter 29

Natalie

“Mr. Ash is coming to my birthday party, right Mommy?” Jamie asks as he digs into his confetti pancakes. They’ve got whipped cream, sprinkles, and powdered sugar on them. He is gonna be wound up like a top! It’s seven in the morning on a Saturday, and he’s already wearing his birthday hat, but he’s still got Bluey pajamas on.

“I invited him,” I tell Jamie with a sigh, debating momentarily if it’s inappropriate to have mimosas at a four–wait, make that five– year-old’s birthday party.

“Did he say yes?” Jamie asks.

“He said yes,” I tell him.

Actually, he said he wouldn’t miss it.

The exact text conversation went like this:

Natalie- Hey. It’s Jamie’s birthday on Saturday. He’s going to be five.

Marcus- That’s exciting.

Natalie- It is. I can’t believe it.

Pause.

Natalie- He wants to invite you. The party will be at one o'clock. There will be cake, hot dogs, juice boxes, and party games. Plus way too many hyper children. We are having it at the complex pool.

Marcus- Sounds like fun.

Natalie- If only I felt that way too.

Then,

Marcus- I’ll be there. No swim trunks, though.

Natalie- Really? You don’t have to. I just…he would be upset if I didn’t invite you. Devastated really.

Marcus- I said I will be there. I wouldn’t miss it.