“Please tell me you don’t think that anymore.” David held his breath. This sweet woman had been through so much.
She laughed. “You seriously have to ask? No. I know that I’m worth more than being a doormat for that egotistical jerk…” She inhaled deeply and released the breath. “I will never be dependent on anyone like that again.”
And there it was. The fence erected between them. He didn’t want her dependence.
“Jennie, I want your trust. Because, believe me, I’m not all that dependable.”
“I do trust you, David. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy you are watching out for Zoey and me, but I have a feeling you’re the one keeping secrets now.”
And just like that, she zeroed in on the problem. He rubbed the back of his neck, debating whether or not to come clean. What if she turned her back on him? Didn’t trust him anymore? “You told me your darkest secret. I suppose it’s only fair I tell you mine.”
She shook her head. “No. This isn’t about fair. It’s about you wanting to open up to me.”
“I want to. You deserve to know.” He held her gaze, determined to tell her how he’d failed the woman he once loved. “Four years ago, I was engaged to a woman named Brenda. I don’t know why, but she put up with me. I was different then. Work came first. My relationship with her and my faith were afterthoughts. Something I’ve changed since then.” He swallowed the emotions that crept up his throat. “We had dinner plans. I’d promised her I’d pick her up, but I was running late—like usual. She told me she’d meet me at the restaurant. I agreed since it meant I could finish up what I was working on. Brenda called me a little later saying she had a flat tire. The street she was stuck on wasn’t the safest. I knew that, but I told her to hang tight, and I’d be there as soon as I finished up at work.”
Jennie cupped his cheek and her thumb wiped under his eye.
He hadn’t realized tears trickled down his face. “A half an hour later I received a call from my commanding officer. Brenda had been shot and killed during a mugging. It was my fault she was on that street without help. I ignored her, thinking my work was more important than the woman I loved.”
“So that’s why you watch out for Zoey and me.”
“I can’t lose someone else I care about.” He placed his hand on top of hers. Their combined hands warmed his cheek.
“You care about me?”
“Jennie. Somewhere along the line, I’ve fallen for you.”
She leaned in and pressed her lips to his.
Without questioning his actions, he deepened the kiss. He hadn’t allowed himself to consider a relationship with another woman until Jennie crashed into his life. Reluctantly, he pulled away. “Wow.”
Her timidness was adorable. “I shouldn’t—”
“Don’t you dare apologize,” he smiled. “I wish I would have had the strength to kiss you first.”
Her face brightened with confidence. “I didn’t think I’d ever want to be with another man, but you’re making me question that.”
“I never thought I could love another woman again, too afraid I’d fail her, but you’re making me rethink my stance.” He closed his eyes and gathered all the courage he could muster. “Would you be willing to try at a relationship together?”
She bit her lower lip. “Yes, but…”
“What is it?”
“Please don’t do anything controlling. I can’t handle that.”
“I want to be your partner, not demanding.”
“Okay.”
“As in you’ll go out on a date with me and see where this leads?”
She nodded.
He tucked her next to him and rested back on the couch. “For the first time in a long time, I’m looking forward to the future.”
She giggled. Actually giggled, and it was the most amazing sound he’d ever heard.
Twenty minutes later, David’s phone rang with Zoey’s ringtone. He furrowed his brow. “That’s Zoey.”
