“Look at me.” His voice is serious, and his eyes are full of adoration as they soften. “I’m here for you.”
It makes me pause. Over the past few weeks, he’s been leaving clues for me, showing up every time I needed him. How did he even know? And every time, he was showing me the real him. The one that takes care of people—and that includes me. In a way, I never could have imagined after that first night. I’m seeing him in a different light and realizing I misjudged him. Now, I find myself looking closer at him and wanting time to see where this all goes from here.
TWENTY-SIX
Dane
Isee trust in her eyes. She trusts me. Not that I don’t want her to trust me, because I do. It’s different seeing it in her eyes. It makes me want to continue showing her the real me, not the one-night stand guy. The one I keep locked away for so many reasons, but with her, I’m myself. I don’t have to hide.
“Thank you.” She wraps her arms around my waist and holds my back, like I’m the one who needs to be held up. But it’s her I want to hold up.
“What time do you need to be back at the salon?” I hold her face and kiss her cheek.
She looks at her Apple Watch and says, “In about an hour.”
“Then let’s get ready and head out of here. We can stop at the coffeehouse first.” My hand slides to the back of her head, while the other one wraps around her—hand splayed, holding her up.
“Sounds like a good plan.”
We shower separately. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to resist her naked curves—her tits, that ass. She hops in first, so I have time to grab my overnight bag from my car. Yes, I have a bag in my car. When I brought Gram home last night, I stopped by myhouse to pack quickly. I knew I wasn’t letting her out of my sight after talking with her ex, Jake.
I hear her shut off the water and wait patiently for her to come out of the bathroom before heading in. She opens the door and strolls out in a towel. Water glistens on her skin. Those long legs that were wrapped around me just hours ago. And then it hit my nose, her watermelon shampoo. Linger a few extra seconds, taking her in. I walk by her and wipe my lips over hers.
Oh, fuck me!
I quickly walk into the bathroom, shut the door, and take a shower.
Once I finish getting dressed, I head downstairs to find Kendall. “You ready?”
She sits with her fiery red hair all done up and a beautiful emerald green dress that matches her eyes. “Yes, thank you.”
I slide my hand into hers and walk to the garage. Opening the door, I gesture for her to sit, and I close it behind her. I’m feeling high on life, and she’s the reason. We drive with soft music playing. I reach over and take her hand into mine. Glancing over, I catch her gaze for a few seconds before I have to turn back to the road. We stop for coffee on the way, and the salon is up ahead. I pull into the parking lot and park next to her car.
“You ready for today?”
“It feels like I’ve been waiting for this day for so long, and it’s finally here. I know it’s going to be a huge success. I’m giddy inside, but playing it cool on the outside.” She laughs, her head tipping back. The sparkle in her eyes, filled with anticipation for today, makes my heart squeeze, knowing I’m here with her today to celebrate this huge milestone and accomplishment.
I lean over, hold her face, and kiss her. “Today is going to be everything and more. I promise.”
We both hop out of the car and walk toward the back door. Out of the corner of my eye, I see what looks like a piece of paperunder her windshield wiper. Kids must have been out early with the Main Street advertising.
I stalk over to her car to grab the advertisement off her windshield. When I grab it, I realize that this isn’t an advertisement. It’s a handwritten note. I don’t want Kendall to freak out, so I fold it up quickly and pocket it.
We walk together into the back of the salon hand in hand. She is full on prepping for the grand opening. I excuse myself to the bathroom. I’m not saying a word to her until after the grand opening. The last thing she needs to worry about is this asshole.
I take the paper out of my pocket, unfold it, and read it:
I know you still love me. When you looked at me today, I could feel how much. I wanted to come in, hug and kiss you, but you looked really busy. I don’t know why you sent that man after me because I didn’t do anything wrong.
How could you leave with him? You love me, not him. You want to marry me, not himI’m going to make you see I love you more than the guy you shacked up with.
I’ll see you tomorrow, my sweet love.
This guy has some brass balls writing this note, leaving it on Kendall’s car, and saying he’ll be back today. He has another fucking thing coming. I’ll bury him if he even thinks about showing his face today—or any other time, for that matter. He should be locked up, not harassing Kendall.
I storm out of the bathroom to find her. I can’t tell her about this note, not yet. But that means I need to be by her side or within a short distance of her every minute of the day, today. She might get suspicious, but I’ll play it off.
“What can I do to help during your event?” This is my in. I’m going to help.
