Page 30 of Falling for Her Protector

“How...how does that girl know about me?” her voice is barely a whisper.

“Sweetheart, I can explain. It’s not what you’re thinking. Nina has been Lacey’s friend for years, and she has history with Griz. But she’s also a nurse at the hospital. When you showed up that night with all those scratches and cuts and not talking to any of us, I thought you might need another female, but I needed it to be someone close to the club. I had Griz reach out to her, but between the doc helping out that night and you meeting Lacey the next day, the plan changed. I really don’t think she knows all the details, and I’m sorry she approached you like that,” I express, lifting my hand to her face and holding her soft cheek in my palm.

“It’s not your fault,” she breathes, but her entire demeanor has changed and I can feel her pulling away from me.

“I am so sorry if that hurt you. I love you, sweetheart, and I hate to see you like this,” I offer my apology without really thinking. Her head tips up and her eyes go wide.

“You what?” her soft question hits me and I replay the words back in my brain.

Shit.

I said it.

I said it out loud. I know it seems crazy, but it’s true. Is this going to send her running? I open my mouth and start speaking again before she can react.

“I love you. And I’m sorry if that freaks you out, but it’s true. And I want you to know that I don’t say those words lightly,” I tell her, the surprise still clear on her face.

A small tear spills from the corner of her eye, rolling down her cheek and hitting my thumb. I slowly lower my mouth to cover hers and her lips move softly against mine. My free arm slides around her back, pulling her tightly against me before we finally break. Her eyes stare deeply into mine and she offers me a soft smile.

“Say it again,” she requests and I feel my lips curl into a broad grin.

21

Sinning in Church

Vanessa

Bliss. I am in a state of pure bliss and it feels like an absolute dream. Never in my life do I even remember feeling this level of happiness. It’s amazing how quickly love can change the world around you.

Between starting my new job at the bakery, and spending every other minute with Xavier, the past few weeks have been a blur. Days have flown by, and tomorrow I’ll be celebrating my twenty first birthday. X. says he has a surprise for me, but I told him that I’ll be happy with a grilled cheese sandwich and a night alone together at my favorite place – the cabin.

The bakery was busy this morning, but thankfully Diane has decided to keep me mainly in the kitchen. I’ve been learning to bake and decorate some of the delicious treats she keeps in the display cases. The sweet scents of cinnamon and vanilla seem to cling to my skin and hair. I’ve actually caught X. more than once smelling my hair after work.

X. had some business to handle out of town this afternoon, so I have to wait on Lacey to pick me up. Since I’ve got a little money in my pocket and some time to kill, I decided to browse in the thrift store for a few minutes. Lacey reluctantly took a little cash that I forced on her, but I’ve managed to save the rest of my first couple paychecks. And since it’s my birthday, I figure, why not get myself a little gift?

The fabric slips through my fingers as I look over the selection of t-shirts. I hold onto a simple black v-neck, but it’s a soft sundress hanging on the wall that really catches my eye. I know I won’t be able to wear it for a few months, until the weather is warmer, but it’s so pretty. The fabric is a pale blue covered in the tiniest white flowers, and I can actually see that it still has the original Old Navy tag hanging off it. I can’t believe someone would bring in a brand-new dress like this.

“Could I check the size on this one?” I ask the clerk.

“Actually, I just hung that one up this morning. It’s really pretty, huh?” she questions softly.

“It is...” I nod, looking back to the dress.

“It’s a medium. Do you think that will work?” she asks.

“I think so. Do you remember how much you’re asking for it?” I wonder.

“Twelve dollars,” she answers and I know that’s a steal.

“I’ll take it,” I smile and I watch as she moves out from behind the counter and uses a long metal hook to retrieve it from the wall.

After paying for the few other items I found, along with the dress, I head back outside to wait for Lacey. I’ve only been outside for about ten minutes when her car pulls into the parking lot. As I walk towards the car, I can see her smiling face clearly behind the windshield.

“Did you do a little shopping?” she grins as I slide into the passenger seat.

“Yup. I can’t wait to show you the dress I got,” I share, feeling the excitement buzzing inside me.

“Well, you can try it on for me when we get to the clubhouse,” she suggests. I nod, feeling the emotion hit me in this moment, but I push it away. I honestly never expected to have a friend like Lacey.

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