Caught in Us (Caught Series Book 4) by Kacey Shea (free e books to read TXT) 📕

voice and insert all the confidence I can muster. “This is Simon, and this,” I reach for my son, his little arms wrapping around my neck, giving me as much comfort as I offer him. “This is Matthew. My son.”

I’ve seen the movies where everyone’s stunned silent at the sound of a record scratch. It isn’t my intent to recreate that when introducing my son today, yet that’s exactly what happens. Every conversation in the room hushes. All eyes fall on me and my little boy. I fight the instinct to lash out or retreat. The urge to protect Matthew at all costs is overwhelming, but I recognize that their shock isn’t misplaced. I should have told them. I can only imagine their surprise, and maybe disappointment. It’s more than understandable. Above everything, I avoid Chase’s gaze even though I know it’s on us. Shame floods my cheeks, hot and heavy with the weight of the answers I owe him.

“Wow.” Jill smiles, but it’s forced. “Looks like we’ve missed some major life events.” The hurt in her tone is as clear as the sky outside.

“Matthew?” My son’s name coming from Chase’s mouth does something to my insides. Does he make the connection? Is it obvious to everyone?

My spine straightens, an imaginary shield of armor coming up to protect my son. “Yes.” I bring my gaze to hold his, wondering if he can see my weakness. There’s no way he can know my thoughts, or what I’ve endured in these years apart, but the hurt in his chocolate brown eyes hits like a punch to the gut. I’ve disappointed him. Pasting a fake smile on my lips, I turn to my friends and pray for acceptance. “And we are so excited to be here for your big day. Thank you for the invitation, Jill. It came at the perfect time.”

“Are you still at the university in London?” Jill asks, her polite smile back in place.

“I’m finished with my Master’s and have been involved in several research projects while working on my doctorate.”

“A doctor?” Callie’s brows shoot up. “That’s great.”

My friends are trying, but the conversation is stilted and it’s my own damn fault. Maybe coming today was a mistake. “It’ll be another year or so, but yeah.”

“I’m sure that keeps you busy,” Jill says, her gaze drifting down to my son.

“It does.” I hate that there’s an awkwardness between us. That it’s my fault. I wish I could bridge the years we’ve missed, or beg for a fresh start. But this isn’t the time for that. “So what’s new with you all?” I ask, but my gaze drifts back to Chase as Callie and Jill do their best to keep the conversation light and impersonal.

Simon places his hand at my back, playing the role of the perfect boyfriend. I wish he would stop. I don’t miss how Chase’s nostrils flare. Of course, he has no reason or right to be jealous, but still I feel horrible. Why did I think this was a good idea?

“Mommy, down.” Matthew kicks his feet, getting restless and bored with the adult conversation. Or maybe he senses my unease.

“I’ve got him,” Simon says, taking his hand. “You catch up with your friends.” I should be thankful he’s so good with my son, but I watch them trail off, wishing I could escape too.

“How long are you back in town for?” Cam asks.

“A little over a week.”

“Are you staying with your parents?” Callie asks, and I catch the hint of concern in her tone. She and Jill know a little of the relationship I’ve had with my mother, and it’s touching she still cares. Maybe I haven’t completely obliterated a chance for us to rekindle our friendship.

“Yeah.” I exhale some of the stress in my body. “They send their best.”

“I was hoping they’d be able to make the wedding,” Jill says. “I haven’t seen them since before you left.”

“Yeah. Well. They really wanted to make it.” I lie for my mother to respect her wishes, but instantly regret it. Jill and Callie aren’t mere acquaintances, they were my best friends. They’ve spent the holidays with my parents, and come along on vacations. They deserve to know why things are different.

“Excuse me.” A woman in the restaurant’s logo’d uniform steps forward. “We’re ready to serve lunch whenever you are.”

“Perfect. Thanks,” Jill says, then turns to Cam. “You want to round everyone up?”

Cam whistles, drawing everyone’s attention and I am thankful for the interruption. I slip away to find Simon and Matthew. Overall, this went better than I expected, but still. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the rest of this afternoon. My stomach feels as if it’s twisted into a tight knot. Even my lungs feel short of breath. I keep a smile pasted on my face when on the inside I’m fighting the urge to run. It’s a little too late for that.

7

Chase

I make it through the lunch without staring at Alicia and her new family the entire time, and for that I should be given an award. It’s hard when I’m so drawn to her, and her son. His name is Matthew. My last name is Matthews. Does the similarity hold some significance? Or maybe I’m reaching. It’s a common name, and egotistical to think she named her own child after me, someone she hated for years—and for good reason.

I don’t see wedding rings, but I wonder if this clown is her future and how serious they are. Simon. He’s younger than I am. Skinny. And so fucking British. It annoys me every time one of Jill or Cam’s friends gushes over his accent. I wonder if Alicia intentionally set out to find a man who’s the opposite of me in every possible way. If she did, it’s a fucking success.

I have no reason to be this annoyed at her or her date. She made herself perfectly clear when she left and I know where I stand. Hell, I’ve got no