Page 49 of Payback
“She’s not an easy girl to love,” she said, looking concerned. “She pushes people away when they get too close. I’ve seen it happen before.”
“I know.” And unlike her mother, Loran knew the reason Bella was so guarded. “I’m not worried, Bev. I can handle this.” At least he hoped he could.
“You’re a good man.” She seemed pensive when she said, “But—”
“I have a reputation.” He was glad she’d had the courage to bring it up. He would rather address his past than pretend it didn’t exist. “I know that. I’m not proud of it.” He looked her in the eye. “But I’m not ashamed of it either. I was a single guy dating single women. I didn’t do anything wrong or hurt anyone.” Granted, there were women in his past who wanted more than he could give, but he’d made it clear from the beginning that he wasn’t interested in a relationship.
“Was?” She bit her lip, the concern deepening the lines on her forehead. “Past tense?”
“There’s no one else in my life, aside from your daughter. And there won’t be, as long as Bella will have me, which I hope will be for a very, very long time.”
She visibly relaxed. “You’re in love with her.”
It wasn’t a question, yet Loran felt compelled to confirm her suspicion. “I am.”
“And she knows this?”
“She does.”
She nodded, appearing satisfied. “And she didn’t run. That’s a good sign.”
“I think so.”
She obviously heard something in his response he hadn’t been willing to vocalize because she added, “But she hasn’t said it back.”
“Not yet. But I’m sure she will.” In his heart he believed Bella was in love with him. She just needed a little more time to come to terms with her feelings. He knew it was a big step for her and he didn’t want to rush her any more than he already had.
She nodded, but that still didn’t ease the knot in Loran’s gut. She wasn’t convinced her daughter would get there, that much was obvious.
“I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt.”
“I appreciate that, but we can handle this.” Backing out wasn’t an option for him. Even if Bella destroyed him down the road, there was no way he could walk away now.
She stepped up to him, her expression sympathetic when she said, “I know you think you can, honey. I only hope you’re right.”
