Page 65 of Broken Pieces
So why am I hesitating?
The realization crashes over me like an icy wave.
I don’t feel worthy of this. This wonderful man before me, that’s bearing his heart out to me, I’m not worthy of that. I’m not worthy of an epic love that consumes every bone of my body. I’m not worthy ofanything.
He nods knowingly, letting go of me. Leaving a cold distance between us that makes my stomach tighten. The silence is deafening, and my throat starts closing in as my eyes fill with involuntary tears. There’s so much I want to say, yet I can’t find the right words. I don’t even know where to start.
He turns around and starts to walk away as my heart screams at me, loud and clear.
Stop him! Stop this! Go after him!
His fingers curl around the door handle, ready to turn it, but he pauses, his voice breaking the silence. “I’ll be here when you’re ready. I always will be.”
With that, he turns the handle and steps into his room, shutting the door behind him, leaving me and my racing thoughts all alone.
I’m exhausted. I got little to no sleep after everything that transpired last night. Damian’s words were an endless loop in my head.
I want your good days; your bad days, and every day in between. I want all of you. I can’t bring myself to meet you halfway.
You and I, Aria, we’re endgame. Are you ready for that?
Are you ready for that?
Are. You. Ready. For. That.
I want to be ready, God, do I want to. How do I even begin to open myself to someone, let someone come into my life and love me, when I can’t even love myself properly?
Maybe if I’m just honest and lay it all out there, we can figure it out. It’s no secret he has his issues too. Maybethis is just what we need. Learn from each other. Rely on each other. Maybe, for once, I don’t have to go through the storm alone.
If I had to choose someone to share my dark days with, it’d be him. No doubt.
Looking at the clock, it’s almost noon. I definitely overslept, but I didn’t really get to fall asleep until about three AM, and even then, I was still waking up every hour.
The auction is tonight, and I’m really looking forward to it. One painting. That’s it. That’s all we need to complete the collection, throw the gala, and let the new story of The Romano Gallery commence.
These past few months have been amazing. Having full creative control not only helped me professionally, but it also inspired me to start painting again. I met Isabella, who is now one of my closest friends. And…him. He’s the best thing that has come out of this. Working for The Romano Gallery is the best decision I’ve ever made.
I groan as I get off of the most comfortable bed I’ve ever been on. Deciding to get my day started, I take a shower, and wash my hair to make sure I can get it clean and ready to style it for tonight. I don’t have to start getting ready yet, since the auction starts at seven, so I put on a comfortable yoga set and my oversized sweater to go out and get some coffee and a late breakfast.
Walking to the kitchen, I spot Damian sitting at the kitchen island, drinking a cup of coffee and having whatseems like a very intense conversation over the phone. He looks over his shoulder and shoots me one of his killer smiles, quickly hanging up the phone without saying goodbye to whoever he was speaking with.
Walking to the kitchen counter, there’s a spread of pastries, eggs, and fruit. My stomach grumbles as if on cue, and my mouth is already savoring the sweet taste of croissants.
“I got breakfast from that coffee shop you like. I also got you an iced caramel latte, which is in the fridge. Ordered it without ice, so it wouldn’t melt.”
I nod, walking to the fridge to get the caffeine I very much need.
“I also got you a cup of ice, since I know you like theirs. It’s in the freezer,” he continues.
My cheeks blush at the simple fact that he remembered such an insignificant thing like the type of ice I like. But that’s Damian for you.
Always thoughtful.
I grab the cup of ice from the freezer, open the lid, and pour the sweet caffeinated drink over the ice. Silence falls over the kitchen, the hair from the back of my neck prickles as his gaze focuses on my every movement as he bounces his legs and fidgets with his phone. Dare I say, he looks almost… nervous.
It’s actually kind of cute.
“Thanks for the coffee,” I say with a smile, then take a sip of the caramelized goodness.
