Page 36 of Before the Storm
“Something like that.” Growing up, Phoenix had always been incredibly close to his dad, but it was his mother whom he went to for most of his big life decisions. He couldn’t explain why. When his brothers were discussing losing their virginity with their dad, Phoenix was having that conversation with his mom. Most would find that awkward and uncomfortable.
Phoenix found it comforting and enlightening at the same time.
“She’s a grown woman with a past you can’t even begin to fathom, even if you empathize. Please don’t project your feelings to her without having a conversation first. She might need to take things slow or maybe move fast. Put her in the driver’s seat.”
“I can do that,” he said. “But I also want her to consider telling her story to the Feds.”
“That’s a big ask to become the poster child for bringing down an entire church, especially when it’s her father who leads it.”
A shadow moved across the kitchen. “I have to go. She’s awake, but will you send me what you have?”
“Doing that now. If I find out anything else, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you too, kiddo.”
He tapped the screen and opened the slider. “Good morning.”
She jumped.
“Shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay.” She waved her hand. “I’ve been a little disoriented since I woke up. I had no idea I slept here all night.”
“I didn’t want to wake you, so I let you stay in my bed.”
“Both sides were pulled down.” She cocked her head. “Where did you stay?”
“I couldn’t leave your side either.” He held his hands up. “But I was a gentleman. I swear. I just wanted to be there in case you needed me.”
She climbed up on the stool. “It’s funny. When I was supposedly married, Jim never stayed in my room. I don’t know if he slept all night with any of my other sister wives. I guess he did. But he came in and?—”
“Yeah. I don’t need the details.”
“I wasn’t going to give them to you.” She arched a brow. “My point was, for as long as I was married, I never spent an entire night with my husband. So last night would have been a first and I want to thank you for making it a kind, safe, and nice memory, even if I don’t recollect any of it.”
He laughed, enjoying how she found a silver lining. “Would you like some coffee?”
“I would love some, thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry last night ended the way it did. I’m glad I told you. I know it’s a lot for anyone to hear, but it was something I’ve needed to share with someone.”
“I’m grateful you trust me.” He placed a mug under the coffee maker and pressed the button. “I’d like to ask you anotherincredibly personal question and I’m hoping for an honest answer.”
She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I don’t really want to go through it all again.”
“There’s no reason for us to rehash any of that,” he said. “It has to do with my feelings for you.”
“Oh.” She blinked, fiddling with her hair.
He pushed the mug across the counter. She lifted it, blew into the steaming brew, and took a short sip. She didn’t care that it burned her lip. She might not be worldly enough to know that his kisses meant something other than friendship.
“I won’t insult you and say that what you told me last night didn’t affect me deep to my core.” He sat on the stool next to her, holding her gaze intently. “But it doesn’t change how I feel. But there’s something you need to know about me and my past.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve never been in a long-term loving relationship. Hell, I’ve never been in love before. I’ve gone from one fling to the next. I haven’t cared enough about any one woman to make a go of it. You’re really throwing me for a loop because you’re making me rethink my life in terms I never have before. I want to know if there’s something between us, but I’m concerned about a few things.”
“You mean my past has you freaked out.”
