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Tears flood my eyes as they all cheer and a wave of relief washes over me.
Maybe I have got this.
Maybe I am going to be okay.
I spin in South’s arms, flinging my hands around his neck and pulling him to me. He’s taller than me, so my face nuzzles into his chest, and I inhale his woodsy smell. Teamed with the leather and the euphoria of the moment, it’s driving me insane. My breathing becomes faster as he holds me tight, his nose buried in my hair while we embrace so tightly. I’m sure we’re crossing some fucking line, but I don’t care right now—I need this comfort.
With the café still cheering, I slowly pull back, my face in line with his. His hand comes out as he looks at me, gently caressing my cheek. Our eyes lock, and my heart races so intensely I feel like it might beat out of my chest.
“Yeah, cougar time! Go, bro, get it on,” some young punk calls out, making me jerk back from South, realizing what’s happening. I take a giant step back, my mouth dropping open with shock that I was drawn into this web.
“Shit,” I whisper, then turn to see everyone looking at us. “No, it’s not like that,” I defend.
“Oh, girl, don’t deny yourself some young hot stuff. Honey, if I could get me a man who looked like him,damn. I’d be all over that too,” a woman says, walking past me on her way out of the café.
“It’s not… we’re not…” I don’t know how to defend myself.
So I do the only thing I can think of—bend down, grab my bag, and take off.
“Ingrid. Ingrid,wait!”
CHAPTER FOUR
Ingrid
My heart races as I bolt out of the café.
I’ve made such an idiot of myself, so I rush for the car.
The intense heat of South’s perceived gaze on my back sends a chill down my spine as he follows behind me. His thunderous footsteps, trying to keep pace with mine, do nothing for my anxiety. My breathing is sharp and shallow when I reach the car.
Placing my hands on the roof, I take some much-needed breaths. His presence is all-encompassing as he steps in behind me, and I can’t help but close my eyes, trying to keep myself together. His large hand gently presses on my back, and instinctively, I sharply inhale, his touch instantly electrifying me. “South,” I whisper.
“Ingrid,” he growls out in return. His tone is deep, gravelly, and so fucking sexy.
I spin to face him, not realizing how close he is. My eyes widen at his tall frame, and I have to step back. My body hits the car, but he steps closer, his hand landing heavily against the car’s roof, blocking me in.
My chest rises and falls fast as our eyes lock. My tongue darts out, licking my dry lips while South watches the movement closely. I shake my head. My hand rests flat on his chest to prevent him from coming closer. Instantly, he stops, but at the same time, he doesn’t back away.
“South, I need you right now. I need your support. This… whateverthisis… I can’t.”
He smiles his dazzling, roguish smile while his hand gently caresses my cheek. “I got you! But just so you know… this isnota game for me, Ingrid. But I will be here… in whatever way you need me.”
He doesn’t know how much I needed to hear those words. Sliding my hand from his chest to meet his hand on my cheek, I interlock our fingers and shake my head. “I need you as my friend.”
He nods, taking a small step back. “I can do that. I’ll be the best damn rock you’ve ever had to lean on.”
I can’t fight the smile that lights my face. “Somehow, I know you’ll live up to that.”
“Well then, m’lady, your carriage awaits.” He sidesteps, gesturing for the car.
I snort out a laugh. “I’m no princess, South.”
He raises a brow, opening my door. “No, Ingrid, you’re the motherfucking queen.”
My stomach flitters with giddy butterflies. I haven’t had someone look at me with the reverence South does in such a long time.
I have to admit—it’s nice.
