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“It’s annoying how much she’s in my business all the time,” I say disapprovingly.
“My mom and dad don’t talk to me anymore, so I guess I kind of miss that.” He says.
My heart sinks,Lorelei you are the master of saying the wrong thing.
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t realize...”
“How would you, I never told you,” Isaiah sets his tool bag on the counter and turns to face me. “When I left the West Coast Pack with Chase, I didn’t give them much of an option. It was either they had to leave also, with me, or cut off all contact with me. They didn’t want to uproot every aspect of their lives. They still love me, and I don’t blame them. But that doesn’t make it any less painful.”
“Sounds like your pack was kind of like a cult,” I murmur, “I’m sorry that situation can’t be easy on you.”
“It certainly felt that way at times, but that’s the way it was. I couldn’t convince them to go, everything they knew was in that town. Still, sometimes I feel guilty for leaving and not forcing them to come with me. I think they’d like it here.” he replies.
“I’m sure they would but I know as well as you do, you can’t change a stubborn mind.” I offer.
“Truer words,” he says grinning. “Well, I touched base with the warehouse today and they said the glass should be deliveredaround 10 am. We’ve got a few hours yet, but I was hoping I could convince you to stay closed today so I can prep the area.”
“I’ve got someone coming to pick up a love potion today, but I’ll keep my eyes open for them, that shouldn’t be a problem,” I say making my way back to the front door and switching the sign back over to closed.
“Love potion, eh? Isn’t that a bit creepy?” Isaiah asks.
“It is what it is,” I say brushing off his comment. Although in my heart I understand how messing with another person’s free will isn’t exactly the most balanced thing to do.
“Hmm,” is all he says in response.
“Do you want a cup of coffee?” I ask to change the subject.
“I’d love a cup, with cream?”
“Half and half or straight-up whipping cream? I have both.”
“Heavy cream then,” he says with an appreciative nod.
When I return with the coffee, Isaiah has his tools laid out on a piece of canvas across the counter. His eyebrows furrow as he meticulously straightens each item until it looks photoshoot ready.
“Here’s your coffee,” I say extending my hand and setting my cup on the counter near my antique cast iron cash register.
“Hey,” he says catching my wrist, my skin tingling at his touch. “I’m sorry about the other day and I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about it. Every time I’ve seen you since that time, I’ve been in a bit of a rush, or you’ve been preoccupied with a customer.”
“Oh,” the heat of embarrassment creeps across my chest and cheeks. “There’s nothing really to talk about.”
“I disagree.” He states.
“No really, it’s fine.”
“What did you say earlier about stubborn minds? Can you indulge me momentarily? Please?” he asks a little sternly.
I press my lips together silencing my objections.
“Thank you,” he says gently tugging me toward him and with fake reluctance I allow him to. “I want to talk to you about what happened between us. The reason I stopped us from going any further is because I didn’t want to take advantage of you. You’re tough, that’s obvious, but still having your place of business attacked, especially when you live right upstairs, is traumatic. I don’t want to be the kind of guy that uses that trauma to bond with you.”
He pulls me in even closer until I am standing directly in front of him. His large, muscled arms wrap around my waist and squeeze me, I breathe a sigh of relief not realizing how tense I’d been about the situation until now.
“You are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. You’re smart and funny, and I like being around you. I want to be around you all the time. I want to know all parts of you intimately. Physically, emotionally, and mentally and I didn’t want us to start off on the wrong foot.”
My eyes meet his golden-brown eyes, and they gaze at me with the intensity of a thousand suns.
“Trust me, I’ve beaten myself up several times for passing up on that opportunity but hopefully it won’t be the only one offered.” He says suggestively.
