Page 81 of Defying Ella
I glanced back through the peephole in time to see him shrug. He didn’t look fazed by my hesitation. In fact, his smile grew bigger.
“It took me longer than I hoped, but this is me trying, Sparky.” His green gaze focused on me, on the peephole. “Open up and let me ask you out properly for once.”
My stomach somersaulted and I staggered back. Of all the things I expected to ever happen, this was not on that list.
If I opened the door, I could be opening myself up to true heartbreak. I’d escaped with some dings up to now, but those pesky instincts said this time, I’d fall hard and, next time, his rejection would level me.
But if I didn’t open it, if I ignored him, I might end up wondering what would have happened had I been braver.
Which would be worse, the regret or the heartbreak?
Before I’d truly settled on an answer, I had the deadbolt unlocked and the door handle in my hand. The door swung open on a smiling Jared, holding a gorgeous bouquet of roses.
For a moment, we both stood absolutely still, but for our eyes, devouring every inch of the other. He wore his typical musician attire, band shirt and jeans, but there was something different about him. A confidence he’d lacked ever since I’d known him.
“I’ve missed you, Sparky,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.
I’d never heard him utter those words to anyone before, never thought he’d ever direct them at me.
“What?” I shook my head. “Why are you here?”
“Can I come in first?” Jared’s focus travelled over my shoulder.
I opened my mouth and immediately snapped it shut. I almost said yes without thinking through the consequences. As much as I hoped this time would be different, throwing my life wide open to him would be stupid.
So instead, I held firm to the door and blocked his path.
“I’d rather know why you’re here first.”
He smirked but he also took a step back and nodded.
“I understand. Baby steps, right?” He held out the bouquet. “These are for you.”
My fingers twitched against the door.
“It’s okay, they don’t bite, Sparky.” He took a step forward and leaned down until he was close enough to ensure only I heard him. “But I will, if you ask nicely.”
I chuckled and the tense spell broke.
He waved the bouquet at me, the sweetest smile claiming his lips. I accepted the bundle and clutched them to my chest while the floral scents surrounded me.
“There’s a gig tonight at Axel’s. Be my date, please?”
“Is this the gig the guys and Mel are going to?”
He nodded. “It is. Lovers Knot are up.”
“You’re not worried about being recognised?”
“No.” Absolute certainty filled his voice. “I don’t have my anxiety fully under control yet but I’m working on it. I talked to the guys and we all agreed to take someone with us if we were going into crowded places.”
“Someone meaning a bodyguard?”
“Yes. Matt hired two guys.”
My shoulders relaxed, knowing he wouldn’t find himself caught out in a crowd again.
“That’s good to hear.”
