Page 39 of My Heart Belongs to You

Adrienne noticed me first, grinning as she tapped Robyn’s shoulder. Robyn licked her ice cream once more while turning to face me. Her cheeks reddened and the smallest, cutest, half-smile curved her cheek. I nodded for her to come to me and she did after saying something to Adrienne. Time moved at a snail’s pace as she strutted my way. Her curls blew in the wind, hips swaying sensually and heat dancing in her eyes.

Damn.

When she was within reach, I held my hand out for hers, feeling instant contentment when she placed it in mine.

“Hey,” Robyn breathed after meeting me halfway. She bit her waffle cone with her eyes still on me.

I smiled. “Hey. Can we talk?”

“Of course.”

I led us to an empty gazebo close by and leaned against a pillar while she sat on the bench in front of me. For a moment, we were silent. I stared as families passed us, missing my dad more than ever. This day was always sentimental, but this year was harder since I missed Avery. My jaw clenched before I relaxed and exhaled.

I finally spoke. “You didn’t call.”

“I didn’t,” she replied with a sigh. “But to be fair, I needed time. It’s only been a day.”

“It’s been two.”

“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes.

There was no weird energy here; everything felt normal. I closed the space between us, kneeling to meet her gaze.

“Thanks for the cobbler, and the note. Although I would’ve appreciated it if you waited for me before leaving.” Her cheeks flushed. “I had to share it with Summer and Mel, but I left with more than half, so it’s all good.”

“I should make them one too, huh?” she joked.

My eyebrows met. “Nah, I’m special, remember?”

She pushed my shoulder. “Spoiled is more like it.”

I caught her hand before it fell on her lap. Our fingers interlocked and our eyes met. Robyn finished eating her ice cream, curiosity filled her eyes. I wanted to know how she was handling the news of her ex’s engagement. If she was still struggling, I would assure her that there was nothing wrong with her and Terrance was just a piece of shit who didn’t deserve her anyway. Bringing her hand to my lips, I kissed it sweetly, holding her gaze.

“Talk to me.”

She lifted her shoulder then wiped her mouth with a crumpled napkin. “Earlier that day, Joseph stopped by B&B to see the updates and catch up with me.”

I fought back a groan, but my disdain must’ve been present because Robyn giggled then shot me a look. There was something about Joseph I didn’t like. Robyn’s brow hiked and I held up my free hand in concession while still firmly holding her hand.

“Sorry. You can continue.”

She shared with me how Joseph was dating someone else but wanted to wait for Robyn, which was some sucker shit in my opinion. But maybe it was my bias at play, because in a sense, I was doing the same thing.

“The news about Terrance, followed by what we did...” she trailed off while shaking her head.

“It’s all good, Goldie. As long as you’re good, I’m good.”

“I’m good,” she assured me.

“You understand what happened between us doesn’t have to change anything, right?”

Uncertainty flickered her eyes as she chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t know, my darling. I’ve never done anything like this before. And you’re not just some guy I can just have casual sex with, you know?”

I nodded. “I get it. But if you want to go there again, we can.”

Robyn pushed my shoulder while biting back a grin. “Can you stop? This is supposed to be a serious moment.”

“And it is. I’m just keeping it light. I like seeing that smile.”