Page 124 of Howlin’ For You

He takes my hand as I go to pull it away and kisses my palm. “You’re perfect exactly as you are. Bumps, bruises, emotional scars, and all.”

“So are you,” I whisper.

“Your dinner has arrived.” I jump into the air at the server’s arrival. I lean back from the magnetic pull of Nick’s eyes, only barely restraining the urge to fan myself.

The slightly awkward but adorable teenage boy places our plates in front of us and then stands straight. “If either of you needs a refill or anything else, please wave and I’ll come on over.”

I take a sip of liquid courage before turning to Nick. I like this vulnerable side of him, and selfishly, I want to know more about the person underneath the reliable, kind handyman.

“I have something to admit,” I say once the teenager is out of earshot.

He slices into his chicken but doesn’t take his eyes from me as I work up my nerve.

“I may have heard some things about your past as I’ve been meeting the locals.”

His knife stops for a beat before he clears his throat and starts again. “Kind of the norm for a small town. What would you like to ask me about?”

Nerves work their way down my spine until his expression softens. “I’m an open book, Isabella. Anything you’ve found out is something I would’ve told you eventually.”

The reassurance helps. I straighten my spine and meet his gaze.

“I was told about an accident.”

He sighs, resignation on his face. “I figured that may be the case. The accident happened a few years ago. Both of my parents lost their lives, and while my brother was severely injured, there wasn’t any permanent damage.”

I place my hand on his cheek, the pain on his face slicing through my chest. “I’m so sorry, Nick. I can’t imagine.”

He covers the hand on his cheek with his own, squeezing as his voice takes on a gruff edge. “It was the worst pain I’ve ever endured. Grief stays with us, becomes part of who we are. We just learn how to carry it.”

“And your brother?”

“Caleb.” He coughs. “Once he was able, he left and hasn’t set foot in this town since.”

My mouth gapes open. “He just left you? Does he at least call?”

His eyes close, as if thinking about this is just too much. Guilt rumbles in my belly for even bringing it up in the first place.

I have to give him an out. “I’m sorry, we don’t have to⁠—”

“He left because he had to,” Nick continues. “At the very least, I understand that.”

I look at this man who has been through so much, and my heart aches for him. For the way he must feel being in this town every day. Serving this town every day.

“Nick,” I whisper until he meets my gaze. “You were worth staying for. You are worth staying for.”

And I can’t help but think about how much that rings true. If this date continues this way, and our relationship progresses, he would be worth staying for.

He leans his forehead into mine until I can feel his breath on my face. “Thank you, Izzy.”

“You know, you’re the only one who calls me that. Everyone else calls me Isabella.”

He quirks a little half smile. “Then that can just be mine.”

His.

I like the sound of that.

We stay on softer topics while we finish up, and I can honestly say this has been the best date of my life. I’ve never opened up like this before with anyone, and I’ve certainly never had anyone open up to me.