“You’re right,” he says. “You deserve better, but I am far too greedy to give you up now.”
“I like how you twisted that,” I smile.
“You like that?” he laughs. “No matter what negative things you say about yourself, I can always show you the truth beyond your trauma.”
“So… what now?” I ask.
“Now, we get you what you need. You can come work with me at the shop,” he says.
“I don’t think you want me working on cars,” I laugh.
“I meant in the office, smartass,” he laughs.
“I’ll save up and…”
“And nothing,” he says. “You live here. You let me take care of you. Magnolia, you have been going at it alone since the day you left. I think it’s time you take some time to heal.”
“I don’t want to be a burden,” I admit.
“At least you are a pretty burden,” he teases with a playful smile. “You’re not a burden, Maggie. I promise. I do not do things that I don’t want to do, but I want to do this. I want to take care of you.”
“I’ll try, but… It’s going to be hard,” I say.
“I know,” he says. “It’s never been in your nature to ask for help, so I know it’s going to end up being a situation where I will take the initiative to handle things before you need it done. I’m not going to wait on you hand and foot because I know that will not help you, but I will make your life significantly easier. You are having to learn the world all over again now that you have found freedom. Everything changes so fast, but I want to make it as easy as possible.”
“All of this feels too good to be true, which I guess should be a red flag. It feels so right, though,” I explain.
“It’s real, baby. I promise, you are safe with me.”
“I know,” I smile.
“Let’s get you something to eat. You still like pizza?”
“I do!” I say happily.
“Let’s order pizza, and we can watch the movie we tried to watch last night,” he says, kissing me.
Chapter Three
Iclose the dishwasher but scream when I turn around and find Beau behind me. He wraps me in a hug, letting my heart settle. “I’m sorry I scared you,” he says softly.
“It’s okay. I just didn’t hear you,” I mutter.
“You slept better last night,” he says as he pulls back to kiss me. “Man, I love having you here.”
“I love being here,” I admit. “And it’s hard to have a nightmare when I’m in your arms.”
“Good,” he smiles. “What do you want to do today?”
“Whatever you want to do,” I shrug. “I am content cleaning.”
“You saying the house is dirty?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
“No, no, no. I’m not. I just mean… I wasn’t saying…”
“Hey. Relax. It was a joke, Maggie. It’s okay,” he says, holding my face as I walk the edge of panic. “Breathe, honey. I’m not upset. Okay?”
“I’m sorry,” I say tearfully.
