Page 38 of On Broken Wings

Evan cleared his throat and turned away, breaking the moment. “You finished?” He set his trash to the side.

“Yeah.” I glanced around. The concert was still in full swing. “You don’t want to leave already, do you?” I blinked a few times as he stood up beside me.

“Not at all.” He held his hand out to me. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at here, but I stared at his palm as if it would burn me if I touched it. “Trust me?” His head tipped to the side as his eyes softened. I tentatively placed my hand in his, and let him pull me to a standing position. There were people all around us. Some sitting on the ground, some sitting in chairs, some standing, and some were even using the park’s picnic tables to stand on.

“What are we doing?” I squeaked when he stepped closer, almost brushing my chest with his.

“I want you to dance with me.” He smiled as he took my hands in his, and placed them on his shoulders. “Tell me if it’s too much,” he murmured before his arms wrapped around my waist, and held me lightly to him. He started swaying us to the music. The more we moved, the more relaxed I became. I missed things like this. Nate took so much from me, and Evan seems to be determined to give it back even though he knows nothing about my past.

“This is nice,” I whispered as I peered up at him.

“I’ve been dying to do this for months, Jenni. I don’t know what happened to you, but I swear… I’m not him.” He bent his head so his mouth was right beside my ear. “Whatever he did… don’t let it define you. You’re beautiful, and smart, and funny, and a hell of a pool shark. I wanna kill the guy, and I don’t even know him.” I sucked in a deep breath, and Evan sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to push you. I’ll do this however you want, but I need you to know that I’m here. I’m here, Jenni, and I’ll be here waiting as long as it takes for you to trust me.”

“I do trust you.” My lower lip trembled as my eyes filled with unshed tears. “There’s so much I want to tell you. I’m just not ready.”

Evan nodded. “I’ll wait.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll wait forever if I have to.”

“Forever is a long time,” I murmured as I slowly leaned forward. My entire body shook with nerves as I repeated ‘it’s ok’ over and over in my head. Evan stilled as I placed my head on his chest. I could feel the beating of his heart against my cheek, and I knew he was safe. All my insecurities were slowly melting away as we swayed to the music.

When I look back on tonight, I won’t remember what we were listening to when this moment happened. I’ll remember Evan and his patience. I’ll remember the way he held me, the way he listened, and the way he didn’t push for more. I’ll remember the way he reassured me, and made me feel like I could finally let the walls down. Evan Shaw was healing me; I just hoped that he truly meant everything he said.

Chapter 17

Jenni

When I woke up this morning, I wished I could just stay in bed all day. Memories of the night before flooded my head as I blinked against the morning sun shining though my window. Evan and I had stayed until after the encore. Once the band finished, we sat on a bench until the crowds thinned. Neither of us seemed to be ready for the night to be over. When he drove me home, he walked me to the door of the building, and gave me a hug. I don’t know if I was relieved or disappointed that he didn’t kiss me. Parts of me wonder what it would be like, but then other parts are terrified. I think he knows this, and that’s why he didn’t try.

“You’re gonna be late.” Mason’s voice came from somewhere down the hallway. We’d been missing each other for days. He’s been staying with Dani, and I think he’s trying to ease me into living alone so it won’t be such a shock when I get my own place.

“No, I won’t!” I yelled back as I rocked forward, and swung my legs around to the floor. I wiped my eyes as a yawn bubbled out of me. It was going to be a long day. I grabbed a cotton skirt and blouse as I made my way to the bathroom. After dressing, I ran a brush through my hair, quickly applied a small amount of makeup, and then made my way out to the living area. Mason was standing in the doorway to the kitchen grinning at me. “What?” I flung my arms out to the side. It was then that I realized I hadn’t put the leather cuffs on. I rushed back to my room to correct that before shaking my head and running out the door. I had no idea what he was grinning about, but I had a feeling that it had something to do with the person leaning against his car in front of the apartment.

ooooooooo

“Hey.” He smiled as he stood and opened the passenger door.

“What are you doing here?” I skidded to a stop, and lightly patted the sides of my head to smooth my hair.

“I thought we could have breakfast, and then I’d take you to work.” He grinned bigger as he waited for me to agree.

“I can’t, Evan. I’m gonna be late.” I sighed as I glanced at my watch.

“No, you’re not. Your brother told Dev that you were going to breakfast and would be a little late today.”

“Mason called in for me?” I turned to glare up at our window, and hoped that Mason was watching. That was not cool at all.

“Not really. We’re making a coffee run for the office too.” Evan chuckled. “Now will you get in before I get in trouble for parking here?”

I laughed lightly as I climbed in and he closed the door. As I sank down in the soft leather, the smell of Evan’s cologne or soap, filled the space. I needed to find out what he wore because it was becoming one of my favorites. “Where are we going?” I folded my hands in my lap.

“Jewel Diner.” Evan checked traffic before pulling away from the curb.

“There’s always a wait there. How are we going to get in and out quick?” I furrowed my brow.

“Let me worry about that. They have the best pancakes in Chicago, and I’m in the mood for some.” He patted his stomach as he maneuvered through traffic.

ooooooooo

It didn’t take long to get to the diner, and I was right. When we pulled up the line was out the door. “Trust me.” Evan patted my knee as he cut the engine, and pushed open his door. I sat there slightly confused on how he going to fix this as he jogged around to open my door. “This way.” He led me around to the side of the diner, and knocked on a door.

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