Page 57 of Fighting for Scarlett

Shame.

That’s what the comparison made him feel.

While he had no idea what would happen between him and Scarlett, he wanted at the very least to earn her forgiveness. If he couldn’t convince her to risk her heart on him again, after he had rejected it and her at every turn, then he understood. Completely. But he needed to prove to her he was sorry and get her forgiveness. Maybe then he could respect himself again.

Only she hadn't said anything.

Was just sitting there staring at him like she didn't quite believe he was real.

No wonder after the way he’d treated her. The only time she’d seen the real Tate was on that night they spent together. She’d seen the Tate he didn't allow anyone, not even his teammates, to see. But if he told her that he doubted she would believe him. Because the Tate she had the most experience with was the cold, hard man who would do whatever it took to protect himself and his heart from ever being rejected again.

Assuming Scarlett’s silence was her rejection of his apology, he turned, ready to go and get the first aid kit. At least he’d make sure her wounds were taken care of. Then feed her and make sure she got the rest she needed. Then he’d do whatever it took to clear her name and make sure she could live her life freely and without fear.

“Tate.”

His name falling from her lips stilled him. Did he dare to hope?

“It’s easier to forgive you for treating me like a traitor. That I can understand, it’s everything else …” her voice trailed off but she didn't need to finish her sentence.

Truth was, their childhoods had been alike in many ways.

Just because he hadn't been pushed to become something he didn't want to be, and his parents had been around, at least physically, they weren't available emotionally. There but not there. Not in any way that mattered.

“Can you give me a chance to make you understand? Show you that I wasn’t running from you but myself? That I acted like a jerk out of a sense of self-preservation?” It was a big ask, he wasn’t denying that. Nor could he promise her he’d never be a jerk again. But he could promise he would do everything in his power to overcome his fears rather than letting them control him.

“I … I could maybe … try …” Scarlett said slowly, looking up at him with uncertain eyes.

A win as far as he was concerned.

And so much more than he deserved.

“I’ll take it,” he said quickly, making her smile. Just a tiny smile, but better than the lost look that had been on her face a moment ago. Turning off the grilled cheese, he wanted Scarlett to relax so she could keep her food down, he reached out and took her hand, careful not to press too hard against her battered knuckles. “Can you let me take care of you? Just for tonight.”

One night to show her the man he could be.

The man he wanted to be.

Was it enough?

No.

That was the simple answer. He’d been a jerk to Scarlett for months, there was no way a single night could change anything. But at least it was a start.

“Umm … I guess …” Scarlett said, sounding uncertain, but the smallest hint of pink stained her cheeks, and his mind immediately went to all the ways he could take care of her.

“Hey.” Hooking a finger under her chin, he nudged until she looked up at him. “I don’t bite, Scarlett. At least not unless asked,” he added with a wink.

Her cheeks went from pink to flaming red in a heartbeat, and Tate threw back his head and laughed.

Damn, it felt good to laugh.

Taking the first step had been hard, but now, earning Scarlett’s forgiveness and learning to let someone get close to him was easier than he’d thought it would be. Did he think it was going to be all smooth sailing from here on out? No. But he was at least out on the water, the rest he could figure out as he went.

“Come here.” Scooping her up into his arms, he carried her into the bathroom. For a small apartment they’d put in just in case one of them needed a place to crash, they had spared no expense. The room was floor-to-ceiling tiles, with a huge walk-in shower, and an enormous jacuzzi tub.

Now he set her on the counter beside the sink and turned on the tub. Leaving it to fill, he returned to Scarlett, stripping her leggings and sweatshirt off her. She didn't protest him removing her clothes, but when he stripped off his own her eyes grew wide as they roamed his body.

There was no need to worry about their attraction fizzling out, from the looks of things, he didn't think either of them could ever get their fill of the other.

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