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She looked up at him, dazed and glassy-eyed as if lost in the smoky fog of lust herself. He shot to his feet and tugged her hand. Belle resisted.
“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t do this, Bently. We can’t . . .” The fear flashing in her eyes poured over him like a bucket of ice water.
Shit. He’d moved too fast. “I’m sorry. I thought you wanted . . .”
“I did.”
A rush of relief washed over him.
“But that’s the problem,” she said.
“I don’t follow. If you want me and I want you, then what’s the issue?” he asked, confused.
She licked her lips, no doubt tasting the traces of him. “You’ve made it clear you’re not a relationship type of guy. But I can’t separate feelings from sex.” Her voice trembled. She wiped at her eyes before the tear that had welled there could fall.
What have I done? He ran a hand over his rough stubble. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t plan on trying to . . . I . . .” For once in his life, he wished he could be that guy—the one who could love. The one who wasn’t screwed up and damaged beyond repair.
She placed her hand on his cheek. “I wish I could.”
The statement staggered him, nearly brought him to his knees. Belle was one of a kind. Strength and grace oozed from her pores, radiating from her like warm sunshine. Belle was too good for him. This woman was better off staying away. She’d only end up like him in the end—broken.
Chapter 16
Belle
Belle parked at the library, then texted TJ that she was there. Her thoughts drifted back to Bently and that kiss for the millionth time that day as she waited. His lips had felt like destruction and rebirth all at once. Her body had come alive in what seemed like the first time in her twenty-four years of life.
The back door opened and TJ threw his backpack in before climbing into the front seat.
“How was your day?” she asked, shifting into reverse. She backed out.
“Fine. Just can’t wait to be done with all this.” He sighed.
“You’re almost there. Then you have college to look forward to.”
“Do you mind dropping me off at the Hope Facility in the city? I can take the bus back,” he asked.
“Is that the place that Bently suggested?”
TJ nodded. “Yeah, I’d like to check it out.”
“Okay.”
He plugged his earbuds in and rested his head against the seat, closing his eyes.
He worked so hard. They’d never had another choice. Seeing him become such an incredible man after all they’d been through brought a swirl of pride to her chest.
She turned the radio on. The same band played that she’d heard in Bently’s truck.
After their lunch, he’d kept his distance—careful not to touch her unless he was helping her in and out of the truck. The unease was eating at her. She may not be able to repeat that incredible kiss, but she still wanted to remain his friend.
Something about the man tugged at her heart. His hidden scars only evident for those that knew what they looked like personally, those like herself. Belle might not have all he wanted, but she could offer him what he needed most—a friendship from someone who knew what it was like. She smiled as a plan took form in her mind.
***
An hour later, she walked into the sheriff’s office, cup of coffee in hand, and a box in the other. An officer came over to her with a blank stare and scowl on his face. “Bail bonds are one floor down.”
“I’m not here to post bonds. I’m here to see the sheriff.”
