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Chapter 28
Chipping Armor
Chloe
We’ve been Jet Skiing, on a helicopter ride with the most majestic views, observed the views from Burj Khalifa, had dinner at the Burj Al Arab and dined like royalty. I could go on and on about the romantic dates Brodi has taken me on. With each one he’s been needling his way in, chipping away at the icy pain surrounding my heart.
However, this date, this one might be my favorite. A cruise through the Dubai Creek. Dinner and dancing, I’ve loved this date because it’s the core of who we used to be.
Slowly, I’ve allowed myself to remember how easy it used to be. For one night, I don’t want to hurt. I’ve shut off the pain to be in the moment and I’ve laughed and smiled more than I have in years.
I look up into Brodi’s eyes and the genuine smile on his face tugs me in. I think the fact that the music is native and neutral aids to pull us both into the moment.
“How’s the painting going? Have you thought about a theme?”
“It’s going well. I don’t know. I’m pretty much painting my feelings.”
“I want you to meet with Eric. He’s going to coordinate for your showings.”
“My showings? What showings?”
“I told you I have friends who love your work. When we return home, I have a friend with a gallery in Alphabet City. You can start there and then move to Soho where another friend of mine has a bigger gallery.”
I look up at him with my mouth hanging open. This is the first I’m hearing of this. I don’t know whether to hug him or fuss at him for not telling me sooner.
Tears fill my eyes. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
I shrug. “Sid has numbers and now her writing. Ally has her flute. I’ve never had anything of my own to pursue. Or it least it felt that way. I almost forgot how much I love to paint. Now, I have a chance to see if I can make something of it. Thank you.”
He leans in and places his lips to my temple. I close my eyes and absorb him. My entire being hums from the connection. A shiver runs through me. I might be allowing him in more than I intended to.
He’s chipping at my armor, and I don’t know if I have it in me to hold him back. His breath fans my lips, causing me to hold my breath in anticipation. I guide my hands up his chest and link my fingers behind his neck.
However, the kiss never comes. I knit my brows in confusion.
* * *
Gregor
I’m so close to having the one thing I long for. Her lips are so close to mine, I can almost taste her. Yet, something feels so wrong.
“Chlo,” I whisper as she trembles in my hold.
It’s going to kill me to do this, but I know she’s not ready. I can read it in her body. She’s still terrified of taking this next step. As much as I want this kiss, I want her with me when it happens.
My first thought is to kiss her into submission, but that goes against all my rules of trust and care for my woman. That’s not what Chloe needs. This time I’m putting her first.
When she opens her eyes, I see a mix of fear and hurt. Just like that, I’m losing her again. We were having such a good time. I thought I would finally reach her tonight. The connection was there. Her eyes said she was open.
Yet the trembling in her body tells me all I need to know. I’ll always go with what I know when it comes to her needs. However, now she’s slipping right through my fingers once again. My need for control bucks up against my understanding of her fragility. I ache to the depths of my soul for the hurt I’ve caused.
“If I could turn back time, I’d make this all right again,” I murmur.
“But that’s the thing. You can’t do that. You told me I could always trust you, but I couldn’t. You left me. You broke my heart when you said you wouldn’t.”
That burns because it’s the truth. When I told her that I believed we could find a way to make it work. I’d planned to take her with me.
I work my jaw, loathing myself. This wariness is my doing. I offer her the only thing I know for sure.
“I love you, Chloe. I’m so sorry. Know that I do love you.”
I release her and go out to the deck to clear my head. This is starting to feel more impossible with each day. I may have lost her forever.
Never, you’re no quitter.
