Love? It’s such a strong word. One I’d pushed down deep in my heart, trying not to deal with. I do love him. It feels amazing and scary to finally admit it. “If there’s a chance of being with Kade, then yes, I can live with my father’s disappointment.”
“And to live a lifeyou’rehappy with? One that’s outside of the church?”
My shoulders straighten. “Yes.”
Sally drops her hands on my shoulders, her body practically vibrating with excitement, and looks me dead in the eye. “Then what are you waiting for? Go for it. Tell Kade you love him.”
“Do you think I should?” Doubts thread through my thoughts.
“Do you want to live the rest of your life wondering how he feels?”
“No.”
“Then you know what to do.”
I’ll do one last service with my father tomorrow. After that, I’ll pluck the courage and go to Kade. I’m ready to open my heart. Start my own life. This is the biggest leap I’ve taken in my life.
I pray I don’t crash and burn.
thirty
CHAINS
“AshersaidI’dfindyou here.” Evan strolls into my office. I rise from the chair and give my brother a shoulder tap and back slap. Having him back in my life is something I never thought possible. And I’m forever grateful.
Evan takes a seat next to me at the monitors. Monitors I’ve been staring at nonstop since we opened for the night. Even though Daisy said she was having a girls’ night, I’m hoping she’ll walk in. It’s been three hours and twenty-six minutes, and there’s no sign of her.
“The club’s busy,” Evan points out.
“You here on your own?” I know he is. I saw him walk in.
“Yep.”
“Sally coming to the club tonight?” I try to sound casual.
Evan chuckles. “Why the interest in where Sally is? Didn’t Daisy tell you they’re having girls’ night?”
I look sightlessly at the crowd. “Just making conversation. Geez, is that a crime?”
“Why don’t you admit you’re pining for Daisy?”
My head swivels toward Evan. Appauled, I scoff, “What the hell? I don’t pine.”
“That’s not what Linc and Ash are saying. And from the looks of you, you’re a miserable man.”
“Don’t listen to anything they say. They’re full of shit. And I’mnotmiserable. This is how I always look.”
“When you’re with Daisy, you are happy. Always smiling. Damn, I thought you were going to break out in a song and dance a couple of times. One day without her and you’re a grouch.” His lips twitch with mirth.
I scowl. “I’m no fucking Disney character.”
“As I said, one day without her and you’re a grouch.” His expression turns serious. “I can tell you like Daisy. When are you making it official?”
“Official?”
“Ask her to be your girlfriend. Move in together. Stuff like that.”
I shake my head. “That’s not happening.”
