Page 31 of All I Need

“You’re welcome. Though, I’m beginning to think he deserved to have a busted-up car.”

“I did wreck his clubs and destroy his clothes so I figure that’s at least part of a win.”

He smiles, his entire face lighting up. I’m not sure I’ve ever been in the presence of a man as handsome as he is. Where Gary was slender and good looking, Walker is the opposite. His frame broad, his hands are deliciously rough as if they’re used to working. Gary would often get manicures. The differences between the two men is so stark, I never felt the instant attraction to Gary that I do with Walker.

I spin around and face the stove to begin scrambling the eggs. When they’re finished cooking, I put them in a bowl and place them and the toast on the table. Polly strolls into the kitchen, looking much more put together than earlier.

“Walker! It’s so nice of you to stop by entirely unexpectedly this morning.” I roll my eyes and Walker chuckles. “This looks delicious, Ellie. Thanks for making breakfast for us.”

“You’re so full of it.” I grin and she straightens in her chair.

I give her a look which she ignores and moves her focus back to Walker. “Did Ellie tell you about our plans for the day?”

“Oh save it. I know you called him to take your place.”

“Me?” She makes an effort to look innocent.

“Yeah, you.” I point my fork at her smiling so she knows I’m not angry. “You’re not as sneaky as you’d like to think you are.”

This time she doesn’t even try to appear innocent. She grins shamelessly as she spreads some strawberry jam onto her toast.

“How much stuff do you have?” Walker asks me as he butters his toast.

“Not much. I mean, clothes and my bathroom things, obviously. I have a couple small pieces of furniture that I’d like to bring and a few other personal items but the rest of it is his. I don’t want it or the memories that come with it.”

Walker looks at me intently, my skin tingling under his stare. His brown eyes darken, his jaw hardens and it makes me wonder what Miss Polly told him about why I’m here or if he knows that I had not just one but two men cheat on me after asking me to marry them. Part of me hopes she shared everything so I wouldn’t have to but a bigger part of me knows that she wouldn’t do that. I didn’t necessarily tell her about my past in confidence, but I know Polly would rather I have the choice to share what I’m comfortable with. What I do know is he looks angry.

“I’m fine,” I assure him. And me.

He doesn’t respond but rather takes a deep breath through his nose, nostrils flaring, chest rising. For reasons I don’t understand, I reach out a hand and grip his in mine. “Walker, I’m good. I appreciate that you’ll be there to help me get my stuff out of his house and I’m moving on.”

He squeezes my hand. “I don’t know him. I barely know you,” he admits and pulls a face like he tasted something bad. “You deserve better, Ellie.”

For the first time in my entire life, I think I believe those words.

My eyes flit up to my rearview mirror and see Walker’s large pickup still following behind me. I can’t explain why it brings me so much comfort to know that he’ll be with me when I see Gary again.

I texted him before we left to let him know I’d received his message and he could expect to have his car returned to him in a few hours.

The familiar road that once brought a small sense of comfort to me comes into view. A comfort that I now understand was a total farce.

I suck in a breath when I see Gary’s house. My stomach is tight, my anxiety making my skin hot and sweat to line my brow.

I steal my nerves when I push the button to open the garage and turn in the driveway. My car is still sitting in the same place it was the last time I was here and I wonder what he’s been using for a vehicle while I had his.

I put the car in park and the door between the garage and the house opens, revealing a very angry looking ex-fiancé.

Whatever. Me using his car is the least he deserved after what he did.

Climbing out of the car, I look behind me to see Walker has parked along the street and is striding my way.

“Who the fuck is that?” Gary growls, crossing his arms over his chest, lifting a chin in Walker’s direction.

“Walker.”

I offer no further explanation as Walker comes to stand next to me. He rests a hand on my shoulder and Gary has the nerve to look pissed that another man is touching me.

I, on the other hand, have to remind myself to breathe. Between Walker’s nearness and gentle and comforting touch, I almost forget the reason I’m standing here. Not to mention he smells freaking amazing—woodsy and fresh air and a hint of spice.

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