Page 18 of Unlocked

“We all know you can,” Dalton encourages. “I think Luke is afraid Shelby will be hurt in the process of your growth, not that you can’t grow.” I’m about to spout out a retort but pause to contemplate his words. This is Dalton, after all. He will smell my bullshit from a mile away.

“I’m afraid of that, too,” I admit after careful consideration. “The last thing I want to do is hurt that woman, but if I don’t try, I’ll never know what could have been. What we could have together.”

“I’m glad to hear you acknowledge it,” Dalton utters. “Being willing to concede you have feelings for Shelby and that you are worried about her feelings means you’re ready for whatever is going on between the two of you.”

“You really believe that?” I ask, shocked that I’m hoping what he’s saying it true.

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t believe it,” Dalton says with exasperation. “Bo, don’t let your past or everyone else’s opinion about what you are doing keep you from Shelby. You are what Shelby needs, just as she is what you need.”

“You think so?” He snorts. “I know, I know you wouldn’t have said it if you didn’t believe it. I’m going to sound like a pussy but here goes. I want to be the man Shelby needs because I have no doubt in my mindsheis what I need, but I’m damn terrified of fucking this up. I’ve never been in a relationship! I don’t know what a woman wants or needs. I’ve never cared. I’m thirty-fouryears old. Is it too late for me? Can I learn to be what she needs me to be? You know me as well as anyone. I was a POW for three months, and even during that time, I wasn’t as much of mess in my head as I am right now.” A humorless laugh leaves me. I can’t believe I’m revealing so much of myself.

“Bo, it isn’t too late,” Dalton asserts with confidence. “You know I don’t talk about it all the time, but I believe in fate, destiny, divine intervention, whatever you want to call it. Shelby has come into your life at just the right time. Your job is to embrace it. Will everything be rosy all the time? Probably not, but if you are willing to work through the hard shit, it will be worth it.”

“Thanks, man, I needed to hear that,” I admit. “Just knowing someone has faith in me helps.”

“Shelby has faith in you,” Dalton proclaims. “She’s just afraid to admit it. I’ve seen the way she watches you when she thinks no one is noticing. The two of you are destined to be together. Trust me, I know these things.”

“Yes, master Yoda.” He chuckles in response.

“I am the master and don’t you forget it,” Dalton reminds me. The line goes dead. It seems he isn’t interested in my retort. Feeling better after our little heart to heart, I continue to Invictus headquarters. Dalton is correct. I need to focus on Shelby and me not what my brothers think about it.

I spend most of the day at the office, but the need to see my sweet girl draws me back to Luke’s by early evening. I find everyone on the patio again. With us using the dining room as a command center for the investigation into the Brotherhood, this is the only place in the house large enough for us to all eat together.

Enos is just taking burgers off the grill when I step out scanning the area until I see my sweet girl. She’s placing a platter on the table. Her face lights up with joy at something that Marleyis saying to her. The women laugh, murmuring to one another. Shelby slowly turns her head like she can feel my eyes on her. Her lips tip shyly when our eyes meet. I stalk toward her not wanting another second to pass without having my hands on her.

“Hey, sweet girl,” I say placing my hand on her lower back when I reach her. She leans into my touch and I want to howl at the moon. I slide my hand from her lower back to wrap around her waist. “What’s for dinner?” Marley looks up at me, then down to where my hand rests on Shelby’s hip.

“Burgers, fries, potato salad, and coleslaw,” Marley answers, her eyes still trained on my hand. Shelby shifts out of my embrace. I can tell Marley’s keen observation has made her uncomfortable. I grit my teeth to not say something I shouldn’t. I walk over to the mini-fridge, grabbing a beer. Twisting the top off, I take a long swig. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Shelby staring at me. The haunting look I’ve seen when she has her nightmares is in her eyes. Hurt quicky follows before she turns away from me.

Fuck! I feel sick. After what Shelby told me about her father, I realize I can’t use alcohol to calm my nerves when I’m anxious. I’ve never been violent when drinking, but I can understand that she doesn’t know that. She’s been through enough with her father. I won’t add to it, by drinking when I can take it or leave it. I won’t let a bottle of beer be what keeps my sweet girl from me. I walk over to the outdoor sink, Shelby glance as me as I tip the bottle and pour the remainder of it down the drain. She watches until it’s empty, then lifts her gaze to mine. I hope she can see my apology for being insensitive to her needs on my face. I drop the bottle into the trash and get myself a bottle of water.

“Food’s ready!” Marley calls when Enos sets the last plate of burgers on the table. “Oh shoot! I forgot the buns in the kitchen.”

“I’ll get them,” I tell Marley, making my way to the sliding glass door. I stroll into the kitchen to find two large packages of hamburger buns. I grab them off the counter, turning to go back to the patio and collide with a warm body. “Shit!”

“I’m sorry.” Shelby’s sweet voice makes my cock hard the moment she speaks. “I thought you heard me coming in behind you.” I drop the buns back onto the counter and take her into my arms.

“Nothing to be sorry for,” I tell her. “I’m glad I didn’t knock you down.” Shelby has placed her hands on my arms wrapped around her waist. “Did you have a good day?” She nods and looks up at me.

“I’m sorry,” she states again. I frown not understanding what she’s apologizing for now. “I know you poured out your beer because of my reaction. I don’t want you to not drink because of me.” She lets out a heavy sigh, dropping her head down toward the floor. I take her chin, tilting her head back, forcing her to look at me.

“Sweet girl, I’m the one who should be sorry. You shared something with me yesterday, that I’m certain, not even Marley knows about your past. I understand how you feel about alcohol, and I respect it. I don’t need alcohol, but I do need you to be comfortable around me. You won’t be if I smell like a brewery.” Shelby’s eyes dampen with unshed tears. “Your comfort is what is most important to me.” She shakes her head as a tear falls. I lean in to catch it with my lips, kissing her cheek. “Don’t cry, my sweet girl, you’re gutting me.”

“You get lost?” Rosco yells from the hallway. Shelby pushes against me, and I release my hold on her the same instant Rosco rounds the corner into the room. He stumbles to a halt, taking in the scene in front of him. I pick up the buns and hold them out to him around Shelby. To my relief, Rosco takes them without commenting on what he’s seen. He turns, leaving us alone.

“Why are you doing all this?” Shelby questions me when my brother is out of earshot. “Why do you care if I’m comfortable or not?” I shake my head. She just doesn’t understand it, yet.

“You’re my sweet girl, Shelby. I’d do anything for you.” Her mouth falls open; her eyes narrow while her brows disappear into her hairline. It doesn’t matter if she’s annoyed, surprised, or smiling her joy. My girl is beautiful. I brush a kiss to her lips, erasing the shock from her face to be replaced with wonder. “Come on, sweet girl, time to eat.”

I led her out to the patio where we get a few curious looks, but I chose to ignore them. Dinner passes pleasantly, Shelby at my side. She chats with my sister and Marley about the things they’ve been working on today. Even after the meal, she doesn’t hurry to leave my side. I find that I like having her close by. I sneak little touches here and there where I can. Brushing my hand over hers when I pass her a glass of water or laying my hand on her thigh, under the table away from prying eyes, any time I sense she’s getting overwhelmed with talk of the bachelorette party. I don’t understand why, but Shelby is very apprehensive about going.

The hour grows late. Everyone begins to head off to bed. Shelby left me minute ago saying her good nights to Marley and Daisy, before she turned to me, looking hesitant like she wanted to say something but changed her mind. She scurried off into the house without a backward glance. I’m not upset or worried about it. I have no intention of telling her good night until I have her cuddled up next to me.

A grin ghosts my face, remembering how she’s pretended to be asleep when I’ve slipped into bed with her. I suppose it makes it easier for her to pretend. Then she doesn’t have to admit to herself she likes me holding her all night. If she didn’t, she’d kick my ass out, right?

Kelvin and Dalton left an hour ago. Luke, Marley, Daisy, and Ace are getting up to head upstairs, which only leaves me with Rosco and Enos. I’m waiting for the lectures to begin, but they both surprise me.

“You staying here?” Enos asks Rosco, who glances over at me before answering with a nod. I can see Enos is milling something over in his head. “I suppose I will, too, then. What about you?” Enos turns to face me with the question. I debate on how to answer. I intend to stay and sleep in my room with my girl, but they don’t need to know. It will only lead to an argument. One I don’t want to have, but Rosco will know if I lie by saying I’m going home.

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