By the time I reach the address Bree handed me, my bravado has almost dissolved. Once I park, I pick up the slip of paper from the cup holder and check that I have this woman’s name in my head.
Charlene Winston, who likes to be called Char.
I study that detail, written in Bree’s familiar handwriting. She’s the one I’d rather be spending the evening with, even if it means sitting in front of the TV eating one of those pizzas she likes.
Might as well get this over with. I told Bree I would enjoy myself—more out of an attempt to tease her back, but for the sake of this woman who had so generously donated her money to help sick kids with cancer, I put on my game face, ready to show her a pleasant evening.
I just hope she’s not the handsy type. That I won’t tolerate. I lift my hand to knock, then turn and stare off into the distance, thinking of Bree, of course.
The door whips open. A rush of sweet honeysuckle teases my nose, painfully reminding me I won’t see her tonight. I turn to face my date and freeze.
Bree stands in the doorway, her cornflower blue eyes more vivid than ever. My gaze coasts down her body like I did earlier, taking in every curve accentuated by a dress that appears made for her. My perusal stops at the folds of fabric dancing around her legs before shooting back up to her face.
“Bree, what are you doing here?”
She lets out a soft giggle. “I’m your date.”
I look past her, searching the simple entrance to the small apartment for what, I don’t know. “What about Charlene?”
The redhead I remember from the auction comes into view and makes a fake coughing sound. “I’m sick. So sorry. I hope you don’t mind if Bree takes my place.” She hands Bree a clutch and whispers, “Get going before I changemymind.” Then she coughs again and winks at me.
Bree steps out, closing the door behind her. When she walks past me, headed for my truck, I grab her wrist and tug her back harder than I mean to. She tumbles into me, grabbing my shoulders with a gasp.
I hold her hips to steady her, ready to apologize, but she’s so close now, and I’m not sorry at all. “What’s going on, Bree?”
Her gaze drops to my lips for a brief moment. “Char’s sick, so you get me instead.”
Silly woman. She still doesn’t realize what she does to me, and for the first time, I’m ready to lay it all out for her. No more holding back.
“You could never be ‘instead’for me, Bree-bear. More like the only one.”
She gasps. Her eyes search my face as if she wants to believe me. And I intend to make sure she does by the end of this evening.
“Are you sure? Even after…” She looks down as if she’s…ashamed.
I lift her chin with my finger, forcing her to look at me because I want her to know her worth and see everything I’ve held back for so long. “After what, Bree?”
Her eyes turn glassy, and for a moment, I hesitate in pushing her to be honest, but something deep inside says she needs this.
“Tell me.” I keep my tone firm, yet soft so she knows she’s safe with me.
“After dating Chase, after ghosting you?—”
“We already dealt with that, Bree-bear. It’s in the past. We’re here, right now.”
She nods, but I still see the doubt clouding her gorgeous eyes.
“Tell me what you’re really afraid of?” I draw her against me.
Hands on my lapels, she swallows, then presses her forehead against my chin. I want her to look at me, but if it’s easier for her to say it this way, then I’ll let her hide for now.
“That you won’t still want me anymore,” she whispers.
“Look at me, please.” I wait until her eyes meet mine. “I’ve always wanted you. I’ve known you were the girl for me since I was ten years old. Nothing can ever change that.”
She tries to turn away, but I catch her chin and gently tug her back to face me. “I can see you’re struggling to believe me, so let me say it a different way. Aubrey Marie Sutton, I love you. I’minlove with you and have been for years. What can I do to convince you that nothing will ever change that?”
Her eyes are so wide now, I’m worried she’ll bolt like a scared rabbit. But then she lifts onto her toes as she wraps her hands behind my neck, pulling my lips to hers in a crushing kiss. I weave my fingers into her soft hair, tilting her head so I can kiss her. Really kiss her.
