I made my way inside, dropping my keys and setting my purse on the kitchen counter. When I dug through my bag to charge my phone, figuring it was dead since I purposely put it away for the afternoon, unread message alerts were still on the screen.
Dominic:Just checking to make sure you aren’t sunburned. In case we do end up like we did last night, I don’t want you sore. Or at least not sore like that ;)
A loud laugh fell from my lips. We made do in Florida with my terrible burn, but we’d been a lot more athletic last night than in years past. It would suck to have limitations if we did end up in my bed tonight—which was the level above a forgone conclusion.
Dominic:I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m annoying the shit out of Joe because I thought I saw you come back in about ten times today.
Thea:I’m sorry. I put my phone away for the afternoon. But no burn, and I’ve been in Pentier Beach all day so that wasn’t me.
Thea:And I’ve been thinking about you all day, too.
Dominic:We’re going to make it this time, sweetheart.
Thea:What makes you so sure?
Dominic:Because I won’t stop fighting for us until we do.
He didn’t have to fight for me. I was always his. Maybe it was time I stopped fightinghim.
32
Dominic
“DoesJoe know that you stole all his food?” A wry grin stretched Thea’s lips as she held the door open for me to come in.
I gave her a quick kiss since my hands were full. I didn’t plan on bringing three bags full of food, but when I started packing, everything I picked made me think of something else. I knew Thea wouldn’t be picky about the food. As long as I threw a couple of shrimp on a plate she would be happy, but I was obsessed with making all of our time together perfect.
I was so fixated on details because I was afraid it would all end soon. The distance didn’t scare me, although managing the new space would make it more difficult to come into the city and see her, but I was sure I’d find a way to work that out.
It was the flash of hesitation I kept seeing in her eyes. I wasn’t worried that she didn’t want to be with me or that she didn’t love me. It was that she didn’t trust me, and I didn’t blame her. We went from being on the verge of moving in together to me slowly isolating myself from her and everyone else.
“It’s notthatmuch food.” I set it down on the dining room table and ambled back over to her. My heart raced at the sight of her tight tank top and painted on denim shorts. She knew I loved her in shorts, so I took that as a good sign of things to come tonight.
“Weareonly two people, unless you planned on a party stopping by.”
“And share you, tonight? No way.”
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me, kissing her crinkled forehead.
“And it’s notallJoe’s food. I have some news.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What news?”
“Over the years, I saved whatever money I made at the pub for the most part. I had a small apartment and didn’t travel or anything since living out here always felt like a vacation. Plus, I had some insurance money from my mom that I didn’t touch. So long story short—”
“That would be a first.” She laughed when I swatted her thigh.
“I’m an investor in The Beach Pub now, not just a manager. Which means the new space is mine too, I won’t just be managing it.”
Her eyes widened as she clutched my biceps.
“That’s amazing! I’m surprised Joe let you do that. He always talked about being his own boss and not having to answer to anyone.”
“He did.” I cocked my head from side to side. “But he also realized that if he wants to renovate the pub and keep the new place going, he needs capital. He’s still the main owner, but I get to share in the profits, too. So think of this asmymountain of food.”
“I hope you brought champagne, too, we need to celebrate this.” She gave me a soft kiss as her hand drifted down my cheek. “I’m happy for you. You deserve this.” Her big smile never made it to her eyes. I knew she was happy for me, but I’d bet watching me fit into Ocean Cove so well and putting down roots hurt her all over again.
“That’s not the only thing to celebrate, tonight.” I put my finger under her chin to make her look up. “I couldn’t wait to see you. The day dragged on until I got here.”
