Even wanting an escape, I didn’t run because she was mine. Wrapping her into my arms, I caressed her hair.
“Don’t cry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to get so pissed off. I just don’t understand how you can think I don’t want you.”
Bailey looked up at me and wiped her eyes. “Guys always bail on me and I’m scared you will too.”
“I’m not other guys,” I said slowly. “I’m not looking to fuck you and walk away. I want something special because you’re special to me.”
Bailey smiled. “I have been waiting for you and thinking about how it would be. Maybe I planned it out too much in my head. Whenever it doesn’t work like I expect, I feel rejected.”
Wiping her wet cheeks, I leaned down and kissed her softly.
“I really do need to crash early, but wanna go for a quick ride first? Just to enjoy the cool evening.”
“Yes, please.”
Studying Bailey’s damp face, I realized how young she was. We were the same age, but she grew up protected from the world by her powerful and loving family.
I kissed her gently again. The affection lacked the heat of earlier, yet somehow felt more intense. With our walls lowered, Bailey was real to me in a way she hadn’t been before.
We drove around town for a half hour. The direction we went didn’t matter. It was about being close and together. Though I had dreamed of Bailey for a year, I realized I wasn’t really ready for her. She needed intimacy I wasn’t capable of yet. When we said our goodbyes at her SUV, I ached for space while Bailey wanted to glue us together for the night.
Driving home, I wished life was as easy as putting on a show for people. Smiling and saying the right things were easy for superficial relationships. With Bailey, I needed to let her in, but I wasn’t there yet.
Chapter Seven ~ Bailey
Growing up, I adored Tucker’s stupidity. He was always jumping off things or shoving his head into small spaces and getting stuck. More than entertaining, my big brother was also protective. When I was ten and stung by a wasp, he declared vengeance and chased after it. How could I not love such dedication?
Sometimes I couldn’t believe Tucker was responsible for his child’s wellbeing. Despite his new found maturity, he was still my stupid bro and I found him dancing with Maddy in front of the bakery. After parking my SUV, I joined my brother who was dipping his woman backwards.
“I’m fucking suave,” he announced me.
Rolling my eyes, I smiled. “Sure, fuckwad.”
Tucker lifted a giggling Maddy into his arms where she remained.
“Are you joining us for all of the wedding appointments,” I asked him, “because I don’t think I’m coming then?”
Looking horrified, Tucker shook his head. “I’m not doing the flowers and dresses and stuff like that. Hell no,” he said then his eyes lit up. “This is a cake testing appointment though. Cake, Bailey.”
Grinning, I glanced down the street at the approaching Harleys. Judd and Tawny pulled to the curb when they reached us. She parked her new black Harley, looking badass climbing off. Judd remained on his idling bike until she gave him a long sloppy goodbye kiss.
“Later, babe,” he said in that low rough voice of his.
Tawny watched Judd roar away then shuddered. “I miss him already.”
“Puke,” I muttered, pulling her away from the horny moment and into the bakery. “Today isn’t about your vagina. It’s about my brother and his vagina.”
“You’re a poet,” Tawny said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “How did the date with Nick go?” When I didn’t answer immediately, she frowned. “What did you do?”
“Nothing,” I balked, noticing Maddy and Tucker also judging me. “I was perfect. Fuck you for not assuming the best in me.”
“So did you two break up?” Tucker asked while Maddy spoke with the bakery owner.
“No. He is totally into me.”
“Sure, B. Hey, I think I have a guy for you. He works at the gas station, but has good teeth.”
Even with me glaring at him, Tucker was too dumb to know I was angry unless I screamed or incited violence. He just smiled at me.
“Good head of hair too,” he added, thinking I was on the fence with the gas station guy.
“I’m with Nick.”
“Still? Isn’t two dates your maximum before a guy runs?”
“I’m going to hurt you, Tucker,” I hissed and his smile widened. “It’s not funny.”
“It’s a little funny.”
Glancing at Tawny, I found her snickering. “It really is. Your hissing always makes me laugh.”
“Whatever. Nick likes me and I’m his first choice and you guys suck and are jealous.”
“Yes, the whole world weeps in jealousy over you,” Tawny said, sitting down at a table as the baker carried out samples of red velvet, chocolate, and a white cake that tasted like my ass.
“That one tastes like my ass,” I pointed out helpfully.