Page 32 of My Heart Still Beats
“No, I’m far from that. But Skye is your best friend, and I know you’d never forgive yourself if you didn’t do everything within your power to give her the bachelorette party and wedding of her dreams.”
He’s right on point about that. The fact that it’s been so difficult for me has added guilt to the already ridiculous load of crap in my head.
“Now eat,” he says.
I look down at my untouched burger. His Reuben is already half gone.
I pick it up, take a bite, and grease runs down my chin.
Normally on a date, I’d be completely embarrassed to have grease running down my chin.
But I don’t embarrass so easily anymore. I put the burger down, pick up my napkin, and wipe my chin as I chew and swallow.
Surprisingly good.
“So?” Ben asks.
“Good,” I say.
“Just good?”
I sigh. “Just good is about all I can handle these days. It’s actually an improvement.”
He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Demons? If he has demons haunting him, I certainly can’t tell from looking at him.
I take another bite of my burger. The meat is juicy and full-bodied without the smokiness and fattiness of bacon that I’m used to. The tomato, lettuce, and onion add freshness and crispness, something else I’ve missed. Maybe it’s time to eat real food again. I wash it down with a sip of water and wipe my chin once more. Then I grab the ketchup bottle from the side of the table, remove the top bun, and squirt some onto the burger.
I take another bite.
This time it’s even better. Ketchup is a miracle condiment. I almost smile, thinking about what Nana would say to that. She hated ketchup. Said it was a poor man’s salsa.
Ben smiles at me from across the table.
Warm quivers shoot through me.
Ben is gorgeous, and I haven’t felt a tingle like this in a long time.
And it feels…good.
It feels good to know I’m with a man who won’t hurt me.
Because Ben won’t hurt me.
I know that already.
But knowing I can trust him and actually trusting him are two completely different things.
Still, a blanket of appreciation covers me, keeping me warm.
“Thank you,” I say.
He lifts his eyebrows. “For the burger? You’re welcome.”
“Well, yeah. For the burger, for getting me out, but also for making me feel safe.”
“You’ll always be safe with me, Tessa.” His face is serene. “Always. Take that to the bank.”
Chapter Eight
