Court Summon

Court Summon
Kayla’s POV

Forty minutes later, Nathan pulled into the courthouse parking lot with minutes to spare. 

My heart was hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat. Holly and David were already waiting outside their car, looking sharp and ready for battle.

The moment I saw the imposing courthouse building, all the confidence I’d built up earlier evaporated and a wave of anxiety crashed over me. 

This was real. Caleb was really trying to take my son away from me. My hands started trembling in my lap as I thought about all the things that could go wrong.

Nathan noticed immediately. He parked smoothly, turned off the engine, and placed one of his large, warm hands over both of mine.

“Hey,” he said softly, squeezing gently. “You’re not alone anymore. I’m right here. Holly’s here. David’s here too. We’re going to win this. Caleb might have pulled some strings to rush the hearing, but I’ve made calls of my own. Trust me, okay?”

I exhaled shakily and looked into his steady eyes. “Can I really trust you, Nathan?”

He gave me that sincere, heart-melting smile. “That’s one thing I’m completely sure of. Even if I’m unsure about a lot of things in this world, I’m sure that I’ll do anything to make you happy and never disappoint you.”

The knot in my chest loosened a little. I smiled softly, leaned over, and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

We stepped out of the car minutes after that.

The moment I closed the door, Holly came rushing toward me excitedly and linked our arms together like we were heading to a party instead of a courtroom.

“So…” she whispered dramatically, wiggling her eyebrows, “did you finally ride Nathan like I told you to?”

I blushed hard, trying not to laugh as we started walking toward the entrance. “Holly!”

“What? Why are you blushing? Oh my God, Kay… what happened? Tell me everything! Why are you suddenly glowing, girl?”

I leaned closer and whispered, “We… fucked. Nathan and I fucked a couple of times.”

Holly stopped dead in her tracks, jaw dropping dramatically. I had to tug her forward again, giggling as I saw the look on her face.

David’s voice came from behind us. “Babe? You okay back there?”

Holly waved him off without looking, eyes wide on me. “A couple of times?! Kayla! Look at you being all bad and freaky! You know what? Since you guys have progressed to that point, I’m willing to be your sex coach from now on. I’ll teach you all the nasty little tricks that will have his begging…”

I burst out laughing and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Holly! Lower your voice! We’re literally about to walk into a courtroom.”

She grinned mischievously under my palm. “Fine. But we’re having a girls’ sleepover after this. I need all the freaking details, Kay.”

I chuckled as I nudged her playfully. “Look at you talking about sleepovers. Do you think you can bear to be away from David?” 

Holly leaned in again, whispering, “David doesn’t even let me go to the bathroom without breathing down my neck. I need him out of my face for a second. He’s like a golden retriever on steroids. My desk is literally right in front of his desk at the office. We have more sex than actual work everyday. But I need to go back to LA soon. School’s starting.”

“Have you told him yet?” I asked.

“Not yet,” she sighed. “We’ll have that conversation soon.”

I glanced back at the men walking behind us now…Nathan and David deep in quiet conversation. 

The picture felt strangely nice. Like a little family unit. Holly with her David, aka Mason Brown, me with… Nathan. If this worked out.

The men caught up just as we reached the right courtroom door and Holly groaned.

Nathan immediately pulled me into his side while David wrapped an arm around Holly and dropped a kiss on her lips.

I smiled at the sight. Holly finally had her David… the man she’d been obsessed with for years. 

And Nathan… I looked up at him. He gave me peace. Strange, steady peace. 

We hadn’t known each other long, but after every heated thing that has happened between us these past hours, I am willing to give this a real chance.

I am willing to acknowledge my feelings.

What did I have to lose? Another broken heart? I couldn’t keep hiding forever.

Nathan kissed my forehead tenderly. “Shall we?”

I looked at Holly, who gave me an encouraging smile. Then at David, whose eyes never left Holly. Of course.

And finally back at Nathan, whose gaze was locked on me like I was the only person in the world.

I took a deep breath.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “Let’s go get that bastard.”

Nathan opened the heavy courtroom door, and we all stepped inside together.