Page 64 of Shark’s Pride

“Huh?” she mumbled. “Why?”

“I’ve pretty much ruined the night for you.” While I infused my tone with heartfelt remorse, I doused it with equal sarcasm. It was well past time for the tension to lighten in here.

Abbigail leaned back to look up at me. “You haven’t ruined it for me,” she chided. “I’ve had a wonderful night.” She touched my cheek gently, smiling as I covered her hand with mine. “Thank you for opening up about the situation between you and Viktor. It goes a long way in helping me understand things. The vehemence between you two…it makes complete sense now.”

I turned my head and kissed her palm. “I’m not used to talking about my past, Abbigail. It’s not easy for me. Or comfortable.”

“I know. I get that.” Her eyes glittered, gorgeous and catlike, in the halogen light that shone through the car’s tinted windows. “And thank you for trusting me with your history.”

“My antagonism was never a personal thing against you.”

“I get that too,” she assured me.

“It’s just the opposite,” I stressed. “I want you to know things about me that other people haven’t. And when I get frustrated or feel like I’m being backed into a corner, I come out swinging. And I know I can say some pretty harsh things. I also know that those words hurt. I saw the look on your face, and I hate being the cause of that pain or fear.”

She compressed her fingers tighter, working the tips into my hairline. “This is still new, for both of us. The whole idea of being in a relationship, let alone really giving it a go. It’s going to take work.” She smiled deeper, bringing out the sweet dimples in her cheeks. “People I’ve known, who are in relationships for years, like Rio and Sean and even my parents, say that relationships constantly evolve. They’re works in progress that require maintenance. It’s like taking care of a machine, because of the moving parts. Nobody can expect to get it right on the first try or every single time.”

I responded with a determined nod. “All right. Fair enough.”

“The thing is, we have to be willing on the ‘trying’ part. To keep at it and not run away when it’s hard. Because some days will be hard, Bas.”

I reached for some stray curls that had tumbled into her eyes. “And the other days?”

“Will be even harder than that.”

Instead of tucking the strands along her head, I held on. I contemplated how perfectly these shiny red strands fit her. So many fascinating turns. So many brilliant depths. “How did you get so smart about all this?” I softly asked.

“Mmmm, I don’t know.” She laughed lightly, pulling my hand down to her lap. There, she entwined our fingers. “My mom always told me I was a born nurturer. It’s why I enjoyed cooking so much. That I inherently love caring for people and making sure their needs are met. I’m still not one hundred percent convinced, but as I get older, it seems like she may have known what she was talking about.”

She finished with a big, unabashed yawn.

“My exhausted little girl.” I murmured it against her forehead before pressing a kiss there. “Are you ready to head home?”

“Hmmm.” She smiled wistfully. “Yes. I was just thinking how nice that shower of yours would be right about now.”

“Of ours,” I corrected before leaning forward to tap on the privacy divider to signal to Joel we were ready to leave. Since the night had already been unusual, he lowered the partition to confirm my request.

“Let’s head up the hill,” I stated.

My neighborhood sat atop of one of the canyons in Calabasas, meaning we had to wind through a few other residential areas to get there. The trip didn’t take long. About fifteen minutes later, we pulled into the circular driveway in front of the house—and for the first time in a long time, I was content about thinking of it with another word.

Home.

As I helped Abbigail from the car, I told her, “I want to walk around the back and check in with Tawny before we call it a night.”

She cocked her head. “Is everything all right?”

“Probably,” I answered. “Since my conversation with Elijah earlier, I’ve just been thinking it wouldn’t hurt to check in on her. He said he hasn’t seen her all day. Though she’s been keeping to herself, that’s a little unusual.”

“Of course.” The woman’s usual compassion took over the curves of her face. “She’s been through so much. Best to make sure she’s just regenerating and not going stir-crazy.”

I fingered one of her curls again. “You know, your mom was right. You have a real gift for getting people.”

I was rewarded for the compliment with one of the most glorious smiles across her full lips. “Do you want me to come with you? Maybe she’d like a woman to talk to.”

“Good idea.” I stretched my arm back, and she clasped my hand, so I tugged her close to my body. We stood chest to chest under the lamppost near the large eucalyptus tree beside the patio gate. I pushed more hair back from her face before pressing my lips to hers in a grateful but demanding kiss. Her lips parted for my seeking tongue, guaranteeing her moan vibrated through me while I thoroughly explored her candy-sweet mouth.

When we separated, she stood with her eyes closed for a few seconds longer. She swayed in place until I scooped my palms beneath her elbows.