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My jaw drops. “Maria, why didn’t you call m—”
“You? Really?” Her lips twist with amusement.
“Right, yeah.” I brush my hair back, frustrated, angry, that she suffered all alone. “Why didn’t you call Rose?”
“Eh, it’s fine. I didn’t say that to get sympathy. I don’t need it. I said it so you understand that I get it. I get what you’re going through. You’re not alone.”
My hands run along the sides of her arms. “Neither are you.”
“Not with you, I’m not.”
Vulnerability slips through the cracks, showing in her gaze.
“Please don’t let your demons tear us apart, Brantley. We have a chance at something here, something real. Something neither of us have ever had, or ever thought we would. I don’t want to lose you.”
I complete the hug she started, wrapping my arms around her body. The smell of jasmine fills my senses.
“You’re so damn strong.”
“Would it be corny if I said I got it from my daddy?”
“Oh my god, I may have to dump you before we even begin just for that.”
She fake cringes. “I can make up for it in sex. Keep me please.”
I know she’s kidding, but it doesn’t stop me from cupping her face in my large hands and looking at her softly.
“As long as you want me around, I’m here.”
“Then I guess you’re looking at your future wife, ‘cause I’m pretty much in love with you. You’re my hero. That shit makes a woman’s panties fly right off.”
“What the…” A surprised laugh bursts out of me. “Wow, your filter needs a replacement, woman.”
“Eh, no, I just check it at the door when you’re around. What do you say we get out of here? You’re dirty. I have to get you clean.”
She winks and wiggles her hips. My cock stirs to life, again. How does she make everything sound sexual? Jesus. I’ll only be so lucky if this woman is my wife one day. My heart thumps harder.
“Yeah,” I grunt. “Make an excuse. Get us out.”
“Yes, sir.”
Maria fake salutes me.
“Don’t ever say I don’t take care of you!” She yells.
When she reaches the doorway, she looks over her shoulder and yells at the top of her lungs.
“I hate excuses, Brantley!”
Click. The door swings shut. I shake my head and smile to myself. She’s insane.
Buzzzz.
I grab my phone and check the screen.
Mandi: I’m not even there and I know I’m right.
TOLD. YOU.