Page 63 of By Your Side
He set his coffee down and closed the space between us, his hands finding my hips like it was the most natural thing in the world. “You’re already fixing it. You’re showing them you’ll fight for them. That’s more than most kids ever get.”
“I don’t want them to think this is their fault. I hate that Eli is hurting them like this.”
“They have you. Which means, they’ll be okay,” he said, steady as bedrock.
“They asked if we’re seeing each other,” I said softly, trying for a smile. I was desperate to change the subject. I was so sick of Eli taking over my life again. “I didn’t give them an answer. But they are okay with it if we are.”
His lips twitched, the barest hint of relief flickering in his eyes. “Good. I think they’re as amazing as you are. And I’ll be here for them too. And Noah.” He brushed a stray hair behind my ear, thumb tracing the line of my jaw.
“I hate that I’m dragging you into this. I have no idea what crap Eli will try to pull next, and I?—”
He placed a fingertip against my lips. “Shh, please. All I care about is being with you. Eli can go to hell.”
“Okay. But let me deal with him. This is my problem, not yours.”
A quiet fell over the kitchen—not awkward, just the soft quiet that settles after a storm. I let myself lean into him, borrowing warmth, letting the tension of the morning ease away. It was a small, defiant act to let myself breathe and feel how rooted I was in this moment with him.
His hand gave a reassuring squeeze at my hip. “We’re in this together. All of it. The messy, the hard, and the good stuff, too. Please believe it.”
I nodded, my throat loosening. “I’m trying. It just feels like I never get to choose what parts of my life belong to me.”
He smiled, gentle and knowing. “Then let’s take this one. Right now. Just us.”
I managed a shaky laugh, and somewhere inside, the leaden weight shifted, just a little. My hands moved to his shoulders, and then he bent and kissed me. It wasn’t rushed. His mouth was warm and sure, the kind of kiss that lingered, that made the world tilt just enough to remind me I was still capable of wanting something good. His thumb brushed lightly at my waist, coaxing instead of taking.
When we finally broke apart, his forehead rested against mine. “Is there anything I can do to make this easier on you?”
“You’re already doing it,” I said, and meant it.
“You’re going to make me late for work,” he teased.
“That’s on you, bossy,” I murmured, stealing one more kiss, slower this time, with the faint taste of coffee between us, before letting him go. “I’m going in early, too. I have a delivery to sign for. Then I’ll be back here until tonight.”
“I’ll see you later then,” he whispered against my lips before breaking away and heading to the front door.
“Promise?” I felt a bit foolish for needing the reassurance, but after the morning I’d had, I needed it.
“Absolutely.” He pulled me in for one more kiss before turning to leave.
I followed behind, thankful that at least one part of my life seemed to be falling into place. I watched him walk down the steps, my chest lighter and heavier all at once.
Chapter 19
Paige
The Twilight Tavern’s parking lot was still half in shadow when I pulled in, the morning air crisp enough to see my breath. The neon sign was dark, and the only sound was the gravel crunching under my boots. I’d come in early to meet a supplier who promised to drop off a special order—a batch of local cider I wanted to feature this month.
I was halfway to the front door, keys in hand, when I heard her.
“Paige! Hey, wait up!”
Danielle’s voice carried too easily across the empty lot. I turned to see her jogging across the asphalt in boots that probably cost more than my monthly power bill. She’d always been used to the finer things. The way Eli had been struggling for money lately must be driving her up the wall.
My stomach sank. “Danielle. Where did you come from?”
“I parked in the back. I was afraid you’d drive away if you saw me.” She reached me at the door with a breathless smile, like we were girlfriends about to grab coffee. “I was hoping to catch you! Can we go inside and talk for a minute? Mom to mom?”
“I’m waiting for a delivery,” I said flatly. “You’ll have to make it quick.” I should tell her to get lost and keep quiet like Ren said, but I knew the only way to get rid of her was to either hear her out or physically remove her from my presence. I figured listening for a few minutes was better than an assault charge.
