Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
“Thank you for that…” I said with a frown.
“What? There is a ‘but’, isn’t there?
I nodded.
“The night I met you, you had been in a brawl. That means you do have a temper.”
He blinked.
“That was different. Just guys ribbing each other until it boils over to let off steam.”
But he looked worried.
“I’m not used to that. I… I don’t like loud voices. It reminds me of my parents. My father… he yelled a lot. He was mean. Maybe it’s not fair but it does.”
He nodded slowly.
“It took me a long time to get used to the sound of an engine backfiring,” he said tentatively. “Trauma does all sorts of things to our brains that we can’t control. But I’m not your father. I’m not perfect. But I don’t yell at women.”
I nodded, starting to realize that he really did understand. That it might not be as big of a deal as I’d thought.
“I can’t promise I will never raise my voice again. But I won’t ever be mean to you. I don’t think I could. I’ve… I’ve never met anyone like you,” he said, looking miserable and hopeful again. “I’d rather cut off my own arm than hurt you. I’d rather die.”
The air went out of me at that. I wanted him to pull me into his arms. I wanted him to kiss me. And more.
“Thank you. I believe you, Drake.”
“I’m a dumb ass,” he said. “I’ve never felt like this. Or wanted to be so serious with anyone… to make someone happy… you might have to spell things out for me.”
“I haven’t had a boyfriend in years,” I said primly. “I’m learning, too.”
“Well, then, maybe we can figure this out together?” He asked, his eyes lighting up.
“I’d like that,” I said with a shy smile. I felt utterly girly when he looked at me like that, all gruff and tender.
“Can I kiss you? I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t feel you in my arms.”
“Yes. You may.”
He took my hand and stood up, pulling me to my feet. My breath caught in my throat as he tugged me closer, tenderly touching my chin and tipping my head back. Our eyes met, dropped to each others lips, then closed, before his lips caught mine in a tender, searching, sweetly passionate kiss.
Muffled cheers broke out from behind the glass. The ever present motorcycle guard on the street started clapping. I blushed and hid my face in his rumbling chest.
“Are you laughing at me?” I asked.
“Maybe a little,” he said, giving me a squeeze. “But mostly, I’m just happy. Want to get out of here?”
I nodded, still hiding my face.
“Where are we going?”
“I want to show you something. Grab a jacket.”
I ran inside to do as he asked, my face split open in a wide smile.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Drake
“It’s beautiful,” Dana breathed as she looked out over the bluff. We were on the undeveloped side of Devil’s Lake. We’d picked up snacks at Mae’s and ridden out here to have a little picnic. But I hadn’t told her why we were here.
I rested my chin on her shoulder, wrapping myself around her from behind. I couldn’t stop myself from touching her every chance I got. Every damn second. I would very happily attach myself to her permanently if I could.
I was pretty sure Dana didn’t mind. Or if she did, she hadn’t complained about it yet. She was so easy going and sweet, she gave me a toothache.
In the best way possible.
“Do you like it? This spot, I mean?”
“Of course, I do. It’s so peaceful here.”
“I bought it.”
“What?”
She turned to look at me, still circled in my arms. I wasn’t going to let go of her if I could help it. Not ever.
“I bought it from Dev.” I squeezed her and stared into her eyes. “I thought… someday… I would build a house here. For us.”
“Oh my God, Drake.”
“Too soon?”
“No. I just… I wasn’t expecting you to say that. It’s…”
Her eyes got a little teary.
“I want you to feel safe with me.”
“I do.”
“Not just safe from me. Safe with me. Safe knowing I had your back. Forever.”
Her mouth opened slightly.
“I’d be watching over you. But even if I wasn’t there every second, nobody would ever mess with you out here. You would be safe in your own home. In our home. And I could build it just the way you want it. With a big ole’ guest room for Auntie. With an en suite bathroom. But that’s only part of the plan.”
“Part of it?”
“I have another surprise in the works.”
“Another? Drake, I can hardly keep up with you.”
“That’s okay, Sunshine. I’ll wait for you to catch up,” I said, giving her a soft kiss and then looking down at her. She was so petite compared to me. It made me feel strong. It made me feel like I was strong enough to protect her.