“Cliff’s Notes, he was a good guy in the beginning. He made me fall for him and then tore me down every chance he got. We’ve been broken up for almost two years. After my grandma’s death, he was… let’s just say he wasn’t there for me, and I finally saw my situation for what it was. I was in an abusive relationship. Mentally. I got out.”
“You’re glossing over a lot there, sweetness.”
“I just don’t want to talk about him. Not right now. We’ve had a nice night, and I’d like to forget that I’m ruining it with the drama of my past. It’s way too early in this dating thing we have going on to bring you down with all of that.”
“This is more than just a dating thing, but you’ll realize that with time. Tell me what brought on tonight’s episode, and I’ll let it be for now.”
I sit up and look him in the eye. “It was me making the decision. It’s not something he ever approved of, and I had to hear it. I’m a work in progress.”
“We all have our issues, Aurora.” He leans in and kisses the tip of my nose. “I promise you I won’t stop until everything he did to you is nothing but a distant memory in your past. I won’t stop until you understand how amazing and beautiful you are. And know this. If you pick something, I’m good with it as long as I get to spend time with you. If it’s something I absolutely hate, we’ll discuss it. You won’t tell me, but I assume there were never any discussions with this asshat. We are a team, Aurora. That’s what I want us to be, tonight and twenty years from now. However long you allow me to be a part of your life. We are a team.”
I give him a watery smile with a slight head nod. That’s all I’m capable of with the emotions rolling through me—the fear, the relief, and the hope that what he says is right.
“I’m going to close my eyes and hit the button on the remote. Whatever pops up is what we’re watching.”
“What if we both hate it?” I laugh. How he always manages to calm me is beyond my comprehension, but I’m grateful for it.
“I’m not going to be watching it anyway.”
“No?”
“Nope. Not if I’m holding you.” With that, he places his arm around my shoulders and pulls me back into his chest. I don’t fight it. I settle in close, letting the warmth of his arms soothe me, as some action movie begins to play. Neither of us moves until the movie ends. I don’t remember any of it. I couldn’t focus on his hands running through my hair and tracing up and down my arm.
It’s not until the movie finishes that his lips finally connect with mine. He kisses me like he always does. Like I’m the air he breathes. He never takes things further, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s intentional, or if he doesn’t want to see the rest. My heart cracks a little at the thought. I know he’s not like that. But he’s also all I think about. Grant is the man who’s slowly bringing me back to life. I can’t help but wonder how I will deal with the carnage when he decides I’m not the one he wants.
Chapter 11
Grant
Walking into Warm Delights, I take in the smell of sugary goodness. My stomach growls, and I’m not even hungry. I had breakfast after I hit the gym this morning with Marsh and Con. My eyes scan the room, and it’s packed, which has my smile growing. My girl is killing it. She’s making a name for herself, and I’m thrilled for her. My eyes scan until they land on her. What I see has my smile dropping. There is a man at the counter, and he’s leaning over, leaning toward Aurora. She doesn’t look impressed.
My feet carry me to them. “Hey, babe.” I stand tall next to the asshole talking to my girl. Aurora visibly relaxes.
“Who are you?” the guy asks. This guy is lanky and rough around the edges.
“I’m her boyfriend.” It’s not a lie, but not the truth either. Aurora and I have been dating for a month this week. I’ve been taking things slow, not wanting to scare her. I assume I’m the only man in her life. She’s the only woman in mine. It’s time we have that conversation just so that we’re both on the same page.
His beady eyes move toward Aurora. “And she’s mine.” I hear from beside me. I know without looking it’s Marshall’s voice.
“Fucking figures,” the guy mumbles, grabbing his bag and stalking out of the bakery.
Marsh and I watch him go. “What are you doing here?” I ask my brother.
“I saw your SUV outside. I thought I’d stop and grab something too.”
“I’m not eating. I’m just here for Aurora.”
“Suit yourself.” He turns his attention to the girls where they’re still standing behind the counter. “Hey, Aspen, what’s today’s special?” he asks, his eyes dropping to scan the display case.
“Apple fritters.”
“Perfect. I’ll take a dozen. Might as well get some for everyone,” he says, pulling his wallet out of his pocket.
“You good?” I keep my eyes trained on Aurora.
She nods. “He was harmless.”
“You looked scared to death.” I give her a pointed look, daring her to argue with me. She’s only given me bits and pieces about her douche ex, but I’d say the fear in her eyes isn’t from the guy who just stalked out of her bakery. My guess it has everything to do with the ex who she refuses to talk about.
“I wasn’t scared. I’ve dealt with guys like him in the past.” Something flashes in her eyes, and my suspicions are confirmed.
“Well, now, you don’t have to. I’m just down the block. If someone fucks with you, they fuck with me. You call me.” I turn to look at Aspen, who is boxing up Marshall’s order. “Aspen.” She stops to look up at me. “You ladies need me, you call the office. If I’m not available, one of my brothers will be.”
“We got you,” Marshall says. “Besides, that gives us an excuse to grab a sweet treat.” He winks at Aspen.
“We’re big girls, Grant,” Aurora replies defensively.
I release a heavy breath. “I know you are, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Not anymore.”
She closes her eyes, and I’m ready for her to fight me, but she surprises me when she nods, those hazel eyes slowly opening and staring into my soul. “I’ll be at your place at five,” I say, leaning over the counter for a kiss. Today is Valentine’s Day, and I have plans for us. For her.
“I’m working,” she says, trying to refuse my kiss.
“And I need to go to work, but not until I feel your lips against mine. We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” I tell her with a smile.
She rolls her eyes but leans into my kiss. Her lips press to mine, and it takes more restraint than I knew I had to not deepen the kiss. Hell, I want to say fuck work altogether.
“Have a good day, baby.” I kiss her one more time.
“I should get another dozen on the house for having to see that,” Marshall jokes.
“Oh, hush,” Aspen tells him. “It’s sweet.”
I laugh, and the smile on Aurora’s face tells me she’s not the least bit upset with me for my insistence to kiss her. “Call me if you need me.”