When we got back to my house, she gave me a little space and I walked Nyx to my room and laid him on the bed.
“I’m so sorry buddy. I’ll be more careful, I promise. Get some rest, okay? I love you, Nyx.” I kissed the top of his head and felt a single tear slide down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away but more came to follow.
Before I knew it, I was covering my face in my hands, unable to control the sobbing that came out of me. I was just glad Cara wasn’t witnessing my breakdown. That was the last thing I needed.
I couldn’t believe I’d let this happen. I was so responsible and made sure the house was safe for both of us to live in. I’d been so careless and I didn’t think I’d ever forgive myself.
“Oh, baby.” I jumped when I heard Cara’s voice in the doorway. Great. Just what I needed. For her to see how weak and stupid I was.
She came to sit next to me on the bed and wrapped me in a hug. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“What do you think is wrong? This is all my fault! I almost killed him!”
“Stop. It was an accident and he’s okay.”
I shook my head. “I was reckless and stupid. I’m never bringing alcohol into this house again. I’d never be able to live with myself if something happened to Nyx because of me.”
I couldn’t believe how stupid I was, leaving a beer in the open. I should’ve known better. The more I thought about it, the harder I cried, but Cara just sat there, holding me and letting me cry on her.
After a few more minutes, I was able to pull myself together, if only a little bit. Cara pulled me back and put her hands in mine.
“Hey. Hey, look at me, V.” I did. She’d never called me that before, and her hands touching mine were making me feel warm. She smiled and I swore it could’ve solved any problem.
“Listen to me, okay? It was an accident. They happen. The vet said he’s going to be fine. It was only a small amount, and he most likely threw up most of it by now. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. The important thing is that you didn’t do it on purpose, and he’s going to be okay.”
“I know you’re right, but my brain won’t let me focus on that. I can only see what could’ve happened. I could’ve killed him because I was lazy and stupid and irresponsible.”
She squeezed my hands before bringing one up to caress the side of my face. The gentle touch she was showing me was one I wasn’t used to, and one I didn’t think I deserved. I tried to turn away from it, but her hands turned my face so we were eye to eye again. “Well, your brain and I see things differently. Do you want to know what I see?”
“What do you see?” I asked, not sure I wanted to know.
She smiled and it lit up the whole room. I never wanted to see anyone else smile except for her. “I see the most compassionateand caring person. Someone who puts other people’s needs before her own. Someone who feels awful about unintentionally harming someone she loves. You’re an amazing woman, Vera. I really hope you know that.”
“Thank you, Cara. I’m not sure I believe your words right now, but I want to. I’m sorry for crying in front of you and freaking you out. Let me drive you home.”
She frowned. “You were being vulnerable with me and it shows that you’re comfortable around me. That means a lot to me, Vera. And I’m not leaving you to deal with this alone. I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll sleep on the couch if it makes you feel more comfortable, but I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’ll be fine, Cara. You’ll be happier in your own bed, not my couch. Let me take you home.”
I made to stand up but she sat me back down with a hand on my leg. I looked at her. She glared and wasn’t letting up. “I’m fine right here. I’m not going anywhere, so deal with it.”
She crossed her arms, daring me to argue. The softness in her eyes had me nodding my head. It was impossible to say no to this woman. “Fine. But you’re sleeping in my bed. No way in hell I’m letting you sleep on the couch.”
She nodded and kissed me softly, caressing my thigh and making me forget about all my problems for a second. My feelings for Cara were growing more and more by the day, but today? What she was doing for me just by wanting to be here? That made it all the more obvious. I was falling deeply in love with Cara if I wasn’t in love with her already.
Chapter Thirty-One
CARA
I woke up to the delicious smell of bacon and chocolate. I opened my eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room. Last night was the first time I’d seen this room. I hadn’t even hesitated when I offered to stay. It had been an awful day, and I wanted to be there for her. To show her I wasn’t walking away from whatever we had or could have.
She had been vulnerable with me and I didn’t think I’d be able to repay her for showing that much trust in me. I rolled over and saw that her side of the bed was empty and I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
Before I could get out of bed, a tiny shadow appeared outside of the door. “I see someone’s feeling better,” I said as Nyx came bouncing into the room. He licked my face and demanded attention.
Last night was scary. I couldn’t have imagined how much worse it was for Vera, though. I didn’t know what I’d do if I were in her shoes and my dog got sick like that. I knew she was strong and could handle it, but I wanted to be there for her. She was a little reluctant, but I was persistent. I was determined to show her I’d be there for her through the hard times too.
Bali had changed things for me. I’d been stubborn and trying to forget about my feelings and I told myself it would never work between us. Being forced to share a room together for a week had only brought us closer, and when we kissed for the second time before the wedding and finally got together, all those feelings resurfaced.
