Page 49 of Take My Kiss
“Amelia, I’m not askin’ for anythin’ from you besides to be honest with yourself. And me. If all we can be is friends, then I’ll live with it. But you don’t need to lie on my behalf to protect my feelings. I’d rather know the truth even if it’s not what I wanna hear. Relationships aren’t easy, and it’s why I haven’t been successful at one either. We all have baggage, trust issues, and insecurities. It’s how you work through them to find happiness that makes the difference.”
I want to know about his past and who he’s been with, but at the same time, I want to pretend none of them exist.
“There’s no way you’ll be single for long. You have so many great qualities that most women look for in a partner—you keep up a beautiful home, you’re a great cook, you work hard but have a good work-life balance, you have the patience of a saint, you’re selfless, and dammit, you’re fuckin’ hot,” I blurt that last one without thinking. “You deserve someone as equally put together as you are. Gettin’ involved with me would be like jumpin’ into a car that’s on fire and the doors auto-lock. You’ll suffocate to death or get burned alive before someone can pull you out.”
“Maybe it’s how you look at it…” He arches a taunting brow. “What if I came prepared in a flame-resistant suit with a breathin’ tank and brought a powerful hose? Then I could fight the fire without anyone gettin’ hurt and be a hero for puttin’ it out.”
He cock his head and smirks proudly.
“And where’re you gettin’ this water for your special hose from?”
“From whichever resource is closer. A pond. Fire hydrant. Outside faucet from a nearby building. There’s always an option.”
“You’re one of those glass half-filled types, aren’t ya?” I quip, reaching for my mug and blowing over it.
“Usually, yes…but only when it’s ’bout somethin’ Ireallywant.”
“And that’s what? A chance with a single mom who hardly has it together? Less than two years ago, I couldn’t afford rent, groceries, or clothes. I would’ve lost my kids if Wilder hadn’t stepped in and given me a job and a place to live when he did. I can’t repay him for what he did. Ever. And I hate that.”
“Why? What’s wrong with acceptin’ help? It doesn’t make you weak, Amelia. It makes you human, like the rest of us.”
“’Cause I—” I swallow down the warm liquid that soothes the back of my throat. “I don’t like owin’ people who might use it against me someday.”
“Wilder would never do that.”
“I know.” I nod with certainty. “But it’s a hard concept to accept when I was raised by narcissists who made me feel like I owed them for providin’ for me, and if I didn’t show my appreciation enough, I was called an ungrateful bitch. Amongst many other colorful words. And like a statistic, I ran right toward the types of men who did the same thing. So, yeah…I don’t wanna owe anyone ’cause I can’t pay them back.”
“Amelia…” He steps directly in front of me, the mug squeezed between us with my hands tightly around it. “Your parents are despicable and truly missed out on not only what an amazin’ person you are, but your kids, too. It’ll always be their loss, not yours. Not everyone is like them or the men in your past. In fact, most people who wanna be a positive light in your life won’t be. My word might not be enough to prove that I’d never treat you that way, but hopefully, I can show you so that at the very least, you feel worthy and appreciated.”
Tears well in my eyes, and it’s only a matter of seconds before they fall down my cheeks. But I’m too overcome with emotion to move my arms and brush them away.
“No one has ever called me worthy,” I choke out, my voice cracking with each word.
“And no one has ever looked at me the way you pretend not to, so I guess there’s a first for everythin’.” He cups my chin and wipes my face, grinning coyly.
“Um…” I clear my throat, needing to put some distance between us before I lose my mind. “Thank you for the kettle and tea. Once again, provin’ you’re absolutely perfect.”
“You’re very welcome.” He shifts slightly so we aren’t touching anymore. “But I’m not. I just notice things ’bout you and wanna do whatever it takes to make your life easier and y’all happy.”
“You are in my eyes.” I shrug vulnerably. “Less than a week here, Sam no longer has nightmares and sleeps through the night. Lily hasn’t had a single accident in her big girl pull-up. They feel safe and secure here. You’re givin’ my kids everythin’ I’ve ever wanted to, and you did it without even realizin’ it. You’re” I shrug again. “Too good to be true.”
chapter ten
Colton
After a restless night’s sleep,I’m up far too soon, but I can at least get an early start on the day. Fridays are the busiest, with guests checking in for the weekend, so our staff has a quick turnaround to get the cabins clean and ready. It’s my job to make sure supplies stay stocked, regularly check each one for maintenance, and submit work orders for anything that needs repairs.
I typically do inventory on Mondays after the busy weekends, but with Amelia and Lily getting sick, I had Bellamy do it for me. So now I need to double-check the storage rooms to make sure we won’t run out before the next order arrives.
When I left the house, it was still quiet, so I filled Remy’s food and water dishes, made a pot of coffee, and then headed to the Branch Haven. I should work a few hours this weekend to catch up on what I missed earlier in the week, but I’d much rather spend time with Amelia and the kids than be glued to my desk.
After an hour of counting shit, I check my phone and am shocked to see a text from the woman sleeping in my bed.
Just not with me in it.
Amelia
Where are you?
