Page 29 of Prince Charming

He spoke soft, calming words her heart took in and stored for later.

And while he did all that, she broke.

* * *

Now

Awkward.

She felt tiny and uncoordinated, like she couldn’t control her limbs anymore.

For a former dancer, that was something new.

Chuckling caught her attention, and she cut her gaze to Tag, who was rising to his feet.

“You look cute as fuck when you first wake up, Anna, even when you practically flung yourself off the couch. Never had a woman fly out of my arms so fast before. I’ll make coffee.”

He strode to the kitchen, Marianna trailing behind him. Because what else could she do? Feeling weirdly tethered to him. He’d held her all night, talking her down when she’d emotionally split open.

Shame burst through her cheeks when she caught him looking at her while he waited for the teakettle to boil water.

“I am sorry for last night.” She all but whispered, looking at his shoulder instead of his eyes. It wasn’t good enough for Tag when he rumbled. “Look at me, darlin’.” She shifted her gaze, but it still didn’t reach his eyes. He put down the coffeepot and moved to her.

“I was out of line. For making the calls. For losing it on you.” She said. “I will not blame you for firing me. I deserve it. You’ve been so kind and…”

“I said look at me, Marianna.” There he went again using that commanding tone and her neck sprang back to do his bidding.

He didn’t look angry, but he wasn’t smiling either.

“Don’t confuse my actions for that of a saint. I’m far from saintly. I like you. I wanna spend time with you, but don’t think what I do is altruistic. It’s selfish as fuck and I’m not sorry about it. We’re gonna be friends, you, and me. I’m gonna do stuff for you, and you’ll let me.”

She digested his words with a hard swallow.

He did smile then, and it coated his face, making her feel funny. Exposed.

“I think you were long overdue for a good cry, yeah? I’m glad I was here.”

“I should not have fallen asleep on you.”

“Why not? I enjoyed it. You didn’t even snore.” And then the teasing monster added, “you wanna sleep on me again, all you gotta do is say.” He turned to finish making the coffee. His back was wider than the cabinets, and his blond hair in disarray still looked good.

She was at a loss for what to say, yet asked. “Are you always this bossy?”

“With you, yeah.” Unapologetic.

Pressing a cup of coffee into her hands, she sipped on autopilot, realizing he’d made it exactly how she liked it.

She shouldn’t enjoy the superior quality to his tone or the way his eyes flashed, daring her to disobey his word.

She shook her head, cleared it of thoughts.

Oh, shit.Damn. This feeling she had. What her stupid crying had unlocked.

Itwasattraction.

Jeez. She was dumb.

Anyone could have called it.

---