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Jesus. I—
“And I am not toodelicatefor self-defense. I like yoga, but I need someone to train me to defend myself against a man twice my size. If that’s not you then fine, just say so, but don’t ever try and make me feel like I can’t fit into your world simply because mine is made of gold and yours is currently being held together by duct tape.”
Her green eyes took on a determined sheen, and there was this swirling happening in my gut. No woman—fuck, no person—has ever put me in my place like she just did. It felt exhilarating… like a spark just landed in a dry forest full of dead trees. Like I’ve been waiting for the right person who could not only make me burn but withstand the heat.
I was so awestruck, I hadn’t even noticed that she’d sidestepped me and was nearly out the door. Regaining composure, I quickly walked after her, tugging the door and trailing on her heels in my socks.
“Haley.”
Her hair bounced, shifting against her back as she stalked to her SUV.
“Wait!” I finally caught up and tugged her hand until she faced me.
I wasn’t even sure what I would say once I caught her, but now that burning…that roaring in my chest created more clarity than I’ve had in a really long time. I dropped her hand like it was made of that fire.
“Do you want to do this”—I waved between us—“watch the girls, I mean…?”
Out here, in the dark, it was difficult to make out her expression. The streetlight only provided the most basic of features, and the cloud in front of her face hid the rest. I wanted to pull her closer so I could catch the glint in her eye and see if those pouty lips had thinned.
“Like on a regular basis?”
Nodding, I stepped closer because I couldn’t stand the space.
“Yeah, whatever you want. You’d help with getting them to school. I mean, there’s no pressure…basically just helping me with them. You’d be the first person I call when I need a babysitter. You could pick them up after school. I work every day from eight to six, sometimes later depending on what’s going on, but if that’s too much for you then I—"
“You can’t pay me.” She said it almost like she was reminding me, ensuring it wasn’t something I would offer.
The tightening in my stomach was pure fire. I hated this. I fucking loathed it, but she was right. I couldn’t treat her like she couldn’t be in my world simply because I was insecure.
“I’m offering a trade.”
That seemed to pique her interest. Her head tilted the smallest bit, and I quickly made my offer while she seemed in a listening mood.
“I’ll teach you self-defense. Once a week.”
“Three times a week,” she countered with a twitch of her lips.
Her nose was getting red from the cold. My feet were numb, and I didn’t have a coat. But fuck if I cared.
I stepped closer, and at this point it wasn’t really appropriate. There wasn’t any space left between us, but she didn’t shy back.
“Two.” Why exactly was I trying to get less time with her?
Because she’s too young and way too beautiful.
“Deal!” Her hand jutted out and a brilliant smile spread across her face.
I took her hand and closed mine over it, sealing a deal I hoped I wouldn’t regret.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Making Friends
Good Coffee
Learning How to Use a Nail Gun
The Community Center
