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The same look from yesterday crosses her features, reminding me how much she has been through.
“Rowan, I asked you to tell me if this is too much—”
She shakes her head rapidly, closing her hand over mine. “No, you misunderstood. It’s just… no one has ever been jealous of me before. There’s really no reason to be. This… me and you… everything is an unfamiliar experience.”
The burn ignites and I take a breath, making a decision I hope doesn’t bite me in the ass. “I’m breaking my rule here, just this once. Know nothing about who came before him, but Craig Johns wasn’t a man. He was an arrogant, narcissistic asshole who got off on intimidating women to make up for his shortcomings. I had one night with you in my arms and woke up knowing what a lucky motherfucker I am. You gave that to me. Hopefully soon, each night I’m not on shift, you’ll be right back where you belong. As for jealousy, it comes with the territory. I’m a protector by nature, but with you, it’s a deeper instinct. You do not know how incredible you are.”
“I’m just me.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“No, Ford. Really, I’ve always been shy and reserved. It’s easier to fit in the scene without being the center of attention.”
“Again, I call bullshit. Last night, perched on that barstool, men all around that bar were glued to you. Drinking with my friends, laughing, letting loose—it was a gift to be a part of it. I like the shy and reserved Rowan, but I also like the woman who trusts enough to let go when she’s in her safety zone. That zone is always with me.”
She pulls her bottom lip through her teeth, letting it sink in.
“Back to Chloe having a big mouth. We’re both adults. It was not a secret I was staying with you last night. What’s happening between us has been a long time coming and hasn’t escaped our friends.”
“This is really happening.” The statement comes out wispy and her eyes glaze over.
It’s my turn to be confused. “Baby, what did you think?”
“I was too scared to presume.”
“You’ve been with me the last two weeks?”
“Yes, but you’re kinda a big presence and I have little experience in this area.”
“Shit, babe, were you with me last night in that hallway at Tom’s?”
“You know I was.”
“That’s not my MO, Rowan. Jealousy and possessiveness aren’t my style. Until you.”
“I was jealous, too,” she reveals. “The night Tera threw herself in your arms, it hurt, but to be honest, it was mostly envy.”
If we were further along and last night wasn’t our first official date, I’d take her back to bed and fuck away the memory.
“You on board now?”
“Yes.”
“Thank fuck.”
“Although, I will add an addendum to our budding relationship.”
It’s my turn to crack a smile. “Budding relationship?”
“Since my experience is limited and I’ve obviously never been with a badass, macho-alpha-male who sleeps with a gun in their overnight bag and frightens old ladies… I may need a teensy-weensy bit of leeway.” She pinches her thumb and forefinger together.
“I can do leeway if you never refer to me as a macho-alpha-male again.”
She throws her head back, laughing. “Only an alpha male would say that,” she stammers between giggles.
My cock lurches and I make a split-second decision that will haunt me for the rest of the day. Picking her up and kissing along her neck, I tell her, “Time to take you out for breakfast.”
Her arms circle my neck. “Aren’t we going back to bed?”
