Ten
The following Thursday, a week past her sexual détente with Deacon, Solene sat in her daycare, surrounded by toddlers, her teenage help, and Darcy, who seemed as if she’d been born for the job. The day progressed like any other, and as usual, dissatisfaction with the job weighed heavily on Solene’s shoulders. With all that was happening with Little Dee and Burleigh, the normalcy of running her business felt more like a dream. The piece that didn’t fit her puzzle of a life.
She couldn’t believe she’d told Deacon how much he meant to her in that hotel. Or that she’d had angry sex with him that had burned her from the inside out. Or that after finally having him inallways, he only got better. No selfish lover, the man constantly saw to her needs first.
Freakin’ Deacon. He continued to act charming, to listen when she spoke, and to cook for her. He seemed to get such a kick from watching her eat. She’d teased him about it being some kind of kink over dinner last night, but his response had broken her heart.
“I guess I’m always feeding you because I had so little for so long. When I was younger, food meant care. Seeing you eat, it makes me feel good. Like I’m taking care of you.”
She hadn’t complained about one thing he’d made. Or the fact that after the meal they’d snuggled on the couch before she’d fallen asleep in his arms.
She’d woken up alone and in her bed, but she swore she could smell him on her pillow. All man with a hint of citrus from sharing her shampoo and soap.
The intimacies continued to grow, and she wondered if she was insane for not cutting her losses now. Each minute with him drew her deeper under his spell. She, the woman who liked to think of the glass as half empty, had fallen in love with a man more shadow than real.
It was like she wanted to hurt herself, so she had to get as tight with Deacon as she could before he pulled away, taking her heart with him when he left.
“Solene, can we talk?” Darcy asked and sat with her while Annie put the children down for naptime.
“Sure.”
Darcy looked nervous, spiking Solene’s concern.
“What’s wrong?” Solene knew Hammer was watching her from the small storeroom she’d turned into a tiny security room, full of monitors watching the place. From there, Hammer could keep an eye on everyone around the building and in it, while still being able to do whatever research kept him busy. He’d traded off with Deacon this afternoon due to some errand Deacon had to run.
“Is everything okay, dear?” Darcy asked.
Solene blinked. “Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Well, you seem a little…jumpy.”
Solene decided to stick to the cover story the guys had prepared in case anyone asked. “I’m fine. It’s just, I had a bad breakup with a guy a few days ago, and I keep thinking he’ll turn up here. Am I happy or mad about that? I don’t know.”
Do I want Deacon to stay with me, get down on one knee and proclaim everlasting love? Or would I laugh at him if he tried?Part of Solene wanted to be strong and reject any potential hurt that might come her way. But the hopeful part, the side of herself she’d sworn she’d buried years ago, continued to pray for a happily ever after.
God, she wanted to slap herself for being so naïve. She was turning into Addy—herbest friend, whom she hadn’t confided in yet. They hadn’t talked much in weeks, not with Addy and Noel so busy together and Solene and Deacon enjoying each other. With so much going on, she hadn’t had a real chance to sit down and bounce her concerns off her friend.
“Oh good.” Darcy blushed. “I mean, not good for you. I was afraid I’d done something to put you off.”
“Nope. It’s all me.”
“Because these children are just angels.” Darcy beamed.
Solene got a sick feeling in her gut. Anytime someone mentionedangelsshe thought conspiracy.
She had to stop feeling that way. And she had to stop cringing at the thought of Deacon leaving her. So what that they’d discussed a possible menu for her future sandwich place? Or that they seemed to enjoy arguing as much as they enjoyed making up? Deacon loved serving her breakfast in bed, mostly because she ended up becoming the main course. They talked about upcoming events, their friends, when they thought Noel and Addy might get married. Everything but the fact he’d be leaving soon.
She sighed. At Darcy’s look, she shook her head. “Men.”
Darcy patted her hand. “Enough said.” The older woman smiled. “But if he drives you crazy, he’s one to watch out for.” Darcy said something else, but Solene missed it, thrown by a surprising yet familiar face appearing in the hallway behind her.
“Oh, ah, Darcy? Excuse me for a minute. I’ll be right back.”
“Sure thing. I’ll keep an eye on the little ones with Annie.”
Solene hotfooted it down the hallway, then nearly yelped when a hand pulled her into her office and closed the door. “Vi—?”
The dark-haired woman who had served as Noel’s nurse, courtesy of the Business and Big Joe, held a finger to her lips and shook her head. Then she lifted what looked like a transmitter from under Solene’s desk and smashed it.
