Oh boy. That charm again. Like Pat, I was putty in his hands.
“Before you say anything, I have to ask. How are my animal peeps? Little Dick? Is he still being a dick?”
“Yes, of course.” I laughed. “Would you expect any less?”
Bodhi shook his head. “God, he’s such an asshole. I love that dog. And the family?”
“They landed yesterday. And you want to hear something amazing? Their house was only one of three on the block to survive the inferno! It’ll be a while before they can move back in but at least they still have a home.”
“Damn. That was unexpected. Honestly, Breeze, fuck the county! You’re the best pet-sitter in the whole state!”
“Yep, I’ll be adding ‘saves homes’ to my flyer too.”
Suddenly serious, Bodhi gripped my arms, staring all the way to my soul. “You amaze me. I’m in awe of everything you do. I want you to know that whatever scares you about us, I will find a solution.”
My heart soared. Bodhi was ready to fight. For me. For us.
But there was no need. I’d already chosen him. Now all he had to do was be quiet long enough for me to tell him how I felt.
“How can I help you see that we’re perfect for each other? You and I, we’re not meant for anyone else. You’re my tailor-made princess.”
He buried his face in my neck, placing feather-like kisses onto my flushed skin.
“And if you’re worried about the Dayers, don’t be. In a little less than two monthsAnyDayNowwill officially be over.”
The gasp that burst out of me startled us both. “Oh no.” I shook my head, panic sweeping through me. “Oh Bodhi. You didn’t do that for me, did you?”
He cupped my cheek, thumb skating over my quivering bottom lip. “It’s not because of you, I promise. Remember what I told you before— what happened when I was a child star who’d worn out his welcome? Well, boy bands have expiration dates too. I’d rather take myself out of the game now while I’m still at the top than to end up somewhere down the road on Dancing With The Stars.”
“So what does this mean?”
“It means…” Bodhi pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “You’ll be seeing a lot more of me. If you stop playing so hard to get, that is.”
“I wasn’t trying to be difficult, Bodhi. I was just scared.”
He frowned. “Of me?”
“No, not you. Just the idea of you. We’re so different. You’ve never even been in a relationship before. How do you know I’m the right woman for you if you haven’t tested the waters?”
“I’ve tested the waters. Remember the nickels?”
“I’m not talking about sex.”
He sighed. “Listen to me. The reason I’ve never been in a relationship is because I’ve never met anyone I wanted to risk my heart on. I’m not looking to waste your time. I want the whole thing—proposal, engagement, marriage, kids. But I only want to do it one time. That’s all I have in me.”
“And you think the person you want to do that with is me?”
Bodhi touched his forehead to mine. “I know it’s you. And it sounds crazy to even say, but I believe there’s love at first sight and I’m pretty sure it feels like this. There’s no one like you, Breeze, and there never will be.”
My insides caught fire, spreading a warm glow throughout my body. “You’re a poet.” I brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. “You need to write this stuff down.”
He grinned, rolling up his sleeve to reveal lines of fading ink. “Way ahead of you.”
I ran a finger over the smudged edges. “What is it?”
“The story of us.”
I took a few moments to read the words before I tore my gaze from the tribute. “I guess what scares me most is falling in love with someone who gets me so well he has the capacity to destroy me.”
