Free Love Resolution (Black Cat Records series) by Michelle Mankin Page A

the end.” He sighed. “I didn’t think much beyond that.” He started coughing and his hand went to his throat.
    “Dad, you hurting?” Justin asked.
    Arthur closed his eyes and nodded.
    “I’ll go get a nurse.” He patted his father’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”
    Avery watched Justin go before turning back to her dad. Their eyes met and held.
    “I’m sorry to be such a bother, Kat. Justin told me you had a big sponsor dinner tonight.”
    She nodded.
    “I hope I didn’t ruin it.”
    “No.” She took a deep breath. “It was winding down.” She fiddled with the cuff on her blouse. She didn’t know who to be when she was around him. An awkward silence filled the room.
    “You’ve grown into a beautiful woman. Just like your mom.”
    Avery’s eyes watered with emotion. She looked away. “Thanks,” she muttered.
    “I bet you’re excited about going out on this tour,” he offered.
    She shrugged. She wasn’t buying it. “You don’t want to hear about my stuff. You’re sick, Arthur. You need to rest.”
    “I care about everything that’s going on with you, Kat.” His eyes glistened. “I’ve missed out on so much already.”
    “Well, that was your choice, wasn’t it?” she accused, peeling the lid back on her anger. “What do you really want from me?”
    “I just want a chance.”
    “A chance,” she scoffed. “A chance for what?”
    “A chance to show you that I’ve changed. A chance to get to know you again. A chance to prove to you how sorry I am that I failed you as a father.”
    “Did you really expect me to just say yes, to forget everything, and take you back with open arms just because you’re sick?”
    “No. I didn’t expect that. Forgetting the past is something I don’t think either one of us can ever do. And no, I didn’t expect you to let me back into your life because I’m sick. I wasn’t even going to tell you. But I have to admit that if it’s pity that gets you to let me back into your life. I’ll take it. I’m desperate.”
    “I’m sorry.” She stared at the floor. “I just can’t do that.”
    He didn’t say anything. When she looked back up she saw that he was crying. “I understand,” he whispered. “Really I do.”
    Shit. Her gaze fell to the floor. Twisting her hands together, her eyes filled, too.
     

 

    “Rest your eyes.” Marcus tucked Avery’s head into his chest, holding her close.
    She sighed and he felt her shoulders relax as she snuggled into his side.
    He ran his long fingers through the silky coppery strands of her hair. He glanced in the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of the Vancouver skyline as they crossed the Granville Bridge and left downtown behind. His muscles ached from all the tension. Unease trickled down his spine.
    Ray met his gaze in the mirror. “Is she ok?” he whispered.
    “Yeah,” Marcus replied, kissing the top of her head. “You know Avery. Life keeps throwing her curveballs, but she keeps on swinging.”
    Ray nodded soberly.
    By the time they crossed Thirty-Third Street, her breathing had evened out. Marcus’ flattened lips turned down into a frown. The entire evening had been an emotional drain. The downtime he had anticipated at the apartment had been spent at the hospital. They’d barely had time to pick up their bags on the way to the airport.
    Worry gnawed at his insides and his hand tightened possessively on her hip. Their idyllic interlude in Vancouver was over. He’d been dreading this for weeks. Soon they would be out on the road. Exposed. Any mistakes or missteps were sure to be magnified. The pressure on their relationship would be immense. Avery would have tons of guys throwing themselves at her. Better guys. He was forced to confront the very real possibility that he might lose her.
    He took in a deep breath. The familiar scent of her coconut shampoo flooded his senses and helped to ease his anxiety.
    “My mom made the two of you some of Avery’s favorite oatmeal cookies,” Ray