He didn’t even propose.When I told him I was applying for grad school in other states and would be moving if I got in, he asked me if I’d stay.When I said I’d only stay if we were engaged or married, he said we could consider ourselves engaged.
He handed me the ring that weekend.That was it.And I convinced myself that I had something great because it was the only thing I ever had.
Hopefully Bash isn’t home.He’ll take one look at my splotchy face and swollen eyes and demand I tell him everything.I’m wiped out in every possible way and all I want is to wash my face and crawl into bed.
The outside lights are on, but the inside of the house is darkened when I pull into the driveway.It’s almost midnight.Bash should be in bed.
I type in the code on the keypad by the garage to raise the door, then close it with the button next to the door that leads inside.
When I walk inside, all I hear is the clack of Bruce’s nails on the wood floor as he comes to greet me.I exhale softly, relieved.I could use some Bruce cuddles before bed.
I grab one of my water bottles from the fridge, planning to tiptoe past the living area to get upstairs.
But then the lights come on.Bash is standing next to the switch, his expression morphing from concern to sympathy when he sees me.
Tears spring to my eyes.Why can’t I just be done crying?
“I don’t want to talk about it.”I stumble over the words, fighting a sob.
He walks toward me, opening his arms.I can’t hold my feelings back any longer.The dam breaks as he wraps his arms around me, swallowing me up.
I don’t realize how much I need it until I sink against his taut, broad chest.He doesn’t say a word.He just holds me, his warmth steadying me.After about a minute, he lifts my feet up from the floor and carries me over to his massive sectional.
He sits down and settles me into his lap, my legs off to one side and his arms still wrapped tightly around my back.
It’s kind of funny.The first time I had my heart broken by a man, Bash was the only one there in the immediate aftermath, and he tried his best to comfort me.Here we are again, only this time he wasn’t the one who inflicted the pain, and he’s doing exactly what I need most.
It’s too raw for me to talk about.I’m exhausted.But I’m not alone, and that feels good.Bruce jumps up by my feet and curls up.
My cheek rests on his shoulder, and it’s a hard pillow, but his pine-and-amber scent makes up for it.I cry some more, his arms tightening around me and his cheek resting on top of my head.
I’ve been giving him the silent treatment even though he didn’t deserve it.But still, he’s right here when I need him most.Bash really is a good friend.
My eyelids droop and I give in to the pull of sleep.
The smellof bacon wakes me up.I’m lying on the sectional, a blanket covering me and a pillow beneath my head.
I feel like I got run over.My head aches and my throat is dry.Last night comes back in a rush.I glance at the empty spot on my finger where my engagement ring was.
“Shit!”I fly up, tangling my limbs in the blanket.“What time is it?”
“Seven,” Bash says from the kitchen, where he’s cooking something at the stove.“I’m making breakfast in case you’re planning to go into the lab.”
I groan, because that sounds terrible.I don’t have set hours, but I treat it like a job, even though I’m not getting paid.A strong recommendation from Professor Carr based on my performance this semester will open doors for me.
Standing up, I take a deep breath.“I have to go in, at least for the morning.”
“How you feeling?”
I laugh lightly.“Like hot garbage.”
“Have some juice.Breakfast is almost ready.We’ll get you fixed up before you have to leave.”
We.A wave of gratitude brings a lump to my throat.I practically run into the kitchen and slide my arms around Bash’s back in a hug.
“I’m sorry I was a dick to you.”I press my cheek to his broad, muscled back.
He puts one of his much larger hands over mine against his chest.“It’s okay, Lane.”