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I nestled Rena against my breast and cuddled her close.
You like that.
Yes. Yes, I do, I answered defiantly.
I kissed her downy head and closed my eyes to the outside world while I waited for the beast to retract its’ claws.
“Sweet little bean,” I murmured as I breathed in her sweet baby scent. “Such a lucky little bean.”
I held her close and after a little while it was just me and her and no malicious whispers from the monster inside.
“So, I was thinking to resume art lessons at the house next month.”
“Already?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes. I’m getting bored at home, but I’m not ready to bring Rena to the shelter. At the house Ezinne can hold her while I run the art lesson. Even the girls would probably be happy to hold her.”
“That’s excellent! They will love that.”
That news helped my mood, and by the time we closed up the store for the day, I felt ready to approach Lucky. Should I text him? Call him? Wait for him to call me?
No.
I accused him of doing something he promised he’d never do. I needed to take ownership of my mistakes.
I walked out the back and headed up the stairs to the back door of my condo, my attention focused on my cell phone as I tapped out a text.
On the top stair, I encountered two large feet.
I gasped and went to step back which would have sent me catapulting down the stairs, but Lucky’s hand shot out and grasped my waist, pulling me in quickly.
“Sorry!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide. “I should have let you know I was sitting here.”
I splayed my palm over my chest. “Holy fuck!” I took a deep breath. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
Fall backwards. Let yourself go. Allow the steel and concrete to break your bones, shatter your skull, end your pain.
Those thoughts didn’t even warrant the acknowledgement of a smile. Huh. Perhaps the other thoughts could be neutralized just as easily. Easily. Right.
I offered him a small smile. “Would you like to come in?”
He moved aside and swept his arm out, indicating for me to step forward and unlock the door.
As soon as I closed the door, I spoke. “I’m sorry. It was insulting and rude and immature. I should have approached you. I should not have jumped to conclusions.”
“You’re right. At the very least, you should have contacted me and demanded an explanation.”
“Yes,” I agreed. There was nothing else for it. I was wrong.
“I’m not going to lie. That hurt, Minty.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “Look. I’ve never cared about my dating history until you. I worried from the beginning it was going to be a problem. But I have never ever cheated on a woman. I have four sisters. I have a daughter. My best friend is a woman!” His eyes widened. “I could never do that.”
“I’m sorry, Lucky,” I breathed. “You didn’t deserve that.”
He braced his hands on his hips and looked at me from beneath his brow, then sighed before stepping toward me with his arms open to draw me in.
“Minty,” he murmured, one hand at the small of my back, the other gently cupping the back of my head. Gentle fingers tangled in my hair and pulled, raising my face to his.
“I will not hurt you,” he promised, his stormy grey eyes catching mine. “Can we carry on like we planned? Continue seeing each other?”
