Page 51 of Bronco

When he knocks on my door at six-thirty, I ignore the butterflies in my stomach.This is Bronco, asshat!I’ve been out with him so many times I’ve lost count, so why does tonight feel different? Maybe because he’s been showing interest in a lot more than my books lately, or am I just imagining it?

I open it and my eyes almost bug out of my head when I see Bronco in a matching sweater, and a cap, with jeans and sneakers on. I’ve barely seen Bronco in anything except his MC cut in all the time I’ve known him, plus countless Henley’s and t-shirts, but never in anything so casual… and he smells like a fucking dream. The scent of pine, burnt whiskey and some kind of cedar permeate my senses and I wonder why I’ve never noticed it before. In fact, why haven’t I noticed a lot of things about Bronco before? His face is visually perfect; the dark brow that frames those pretty amber, sometimes green eyes that seem to change color depending on his mood. He has high cheekbones, and a lovely olive complexion I’d kill for. His jaw is set, the grin on his face making him look less intense than hit six-five stature, massive shoulders that are wider than a Buick, and biceps that defy the laws of gravity.

“Hey, pretty lady.” He tips his hat and it makes me laugh.

“Hello yourself.” I motion to his sweater. “Nice.”

“I thought since this wasn’t a date, we could embarrass ourselves and look like we’re twinning.”

I snort, letting him inside. “I’ve just gotta grab my bag, come in.”

My apartment is small, but it’s cozy and safe. I’ve worked hard to be able to afford a nice place with security. That’s been high on my agenda ever since I ran away from my old life.

It may have taken me years to be able to sleep properly at night, but now I have no problem at all unless I’m stressed aboutsomething. Like Erica. The need to get it off my chest almost burns a hole in place of where my heart should be. I didn’t get a chance to speak to Star, but I’m going to call her first thing Monday. Hopefully we can get the ball rolling and find out where she is.

“I got you something,” he says, following me up the small hallway toward the kitchen.

“You didn’t have to do that, Bronc. You’ve bought me enough.”

“Well, we can’t be twinsies if you don’t look the part.” He pulls out another cap from the plastic bag under his arm.

I grin. “I don’t know if this spells out we love the Pelicans?”

He chuckles. “You don’t have to wear it if it’ll ruin your hair.”

I washed and dried my hair, but tied it up in a ponytail; my usual modus operandi. “It’s perfect, thanks.” I slide it on my head, hooking my ponytail through the back and adjust it to fit properly.

“Looks good on you.”

“Most hats do. I have a gift for it, except for Kapps with a K,” I blurt.Where the Hell did that come from?

“Kapps?” He laughs. “Like the Amish?”

I open my mouth then close it again, the blood draining from my face. Okay, I wasn’t Amish, or anything close to it, but that came out of nowhere. “Uh, never mind.”

“Were you in a religious cult I’m not aware of?” He leans one hand on the counter, a smirk on his face that he has no idea wrecks me to the very core.

The color drains fully now, and I stand there in complete shock until he says, “Amber?”

“It’s, uh, no—” I also can’t lie to him. I turn my back on him to go fetch my bag from the other room. “I’ll be right back.” Thankfully, he doesn’t follow me, but he does hover.

I panic, my hand at my throat as I feel tears well in my eyes, my heart racing. I know it was a joke, one that I started, but I just wasn’t thinking. I haven’t talked to anyone about any of this, aside from Audrina, and even she doesn’t know the half of it. It’s a part of my life that is in the past now, and that’s where it’s going to stay, but it still rocks me like a grenade when I think about my time in that church.

I try not to have a panic attack. After fussing around in my room with my bag and its contents, I grab everything and head back to face the music. Bronco is exactly where I left him in the kitchen. I don’t meet his gaze, but I know his face is etched with concern because he isn’t moving.

“Amber, did I say somethin’ to upset you?”

“No, I shouldn’t have brought up the Kapp with a K thing.”

“Look at me, please.”

I do as he says, my gaze darting to his. To see his concern for me written in those gorgeous eyes, it constricts my heart. “I’m fine.”

“Is this to do with your past? The one you never talk about.”

“I have talked about it.”

“Yeah, that your ex was a dick, but not much else. I get that you probably don’t wanna ever speak his name again, but you know you can tell me anythin’. If I’ve upset you, I want to know.”

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