Page 56 of Late to Love

All throughout class, I’m distinctly aware of the stares coming my way from damn near everyone. Amanda keeps snorting every time our eyes meet, and I have no doubt that literally everyone heard what Anthony said. Willa and Goldie, in particular, seem to keep looking over, but it’s not in a mean way at all, more like they’re curious.

After class, we find Anthony waiting outside. I grin lazily at him, too stretched out to care that the entire yoga class knows he fucked me.

Goldie and Willa come up and introduce themselves, and I smile back. “Hi.”

Reid gives us a nod and turns to Anthony. “Wanna walk with us?”

“Nah,” is Anthony’s response.

Willa grins at him before turning to me and Amanda. “Come by the diner sometime and let me know you’re out there. Meal’s on me.”

“That’s so sweet, thank you! I love your fries.”

She grins. “It’s the beef tallow, but I’m glad to hear it.” She turns and tugs on Reid’s arm. “Come on, Officer. Leave him alone.”

“But it’s so muchfun,” Reid whines, widening his eyes at Anthony as he’s led away.

Matty chuckles. “See you later, man.”

Amanda gives me a hug and steps away. “I gotta go, too. See you soon!”

I look at Anthony, his hazel eyes clear and amused as he gazes back. “You didn’t want to go for a walk with them?”

“No.”

“Do youevergo for walks with them?”

“No.”

“Are we in one-word answer territory again?”

His lips twitch. “No.”

I smile. “You’re the worst.”

“Come over.”

“I…can’t,” I say with a squirm. “I want to, believe me, but I have some work to do at the shop.”

“Hardware store?”

“No.Myshop.” Why is my heart racing as I say it? I blame yoga.

His eyes soften, and his voice is gentle when he speaks. “Go, then.”

“You’re not mad?”

He cocks his head. “Why on earth would I be mad?”

“I don’t know.”

“Come here,” he says gruffly.

I’m not sure if it’s a request or demand. I’m also not sure I care, because I do it regardless, stepping into his space and tilting my head back to look at him. He’s so damnbeautiful. Eyebrows that slash down as he stares at me, his hazel eyes flinty with what I now know isn’t anger, but something more like frustrated kindness. His beard, perfectly trimmed, framing surprisingly soft and kissable lips that have brought me to orgasm more times than I can count.

He palms my hips, the wide expanse of his hands feeling more like home than ever before. “You have a life, Darcy. One that doesn’t revolve around me. With passions that you should pursue without hesitation. I don’t know what kind of assholes ever made you feel like you weren’t able to stand on your own two feet without them, but I’m not that man.”

Man. God, yes he is.I blink at him, letting the words sink in. They’re a balm I didn’t even know I needed. “Thank you.”

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