“You’re not lost. Well, not anymore.”
She raises her head and turns to me with shimmering eyes that contain a small glimmer of hope in them. Her golden hair halos her face, and she resembles a helpless angel whose wings have been clipped. She’s been grounded and needs to find her way so she can fly again. Maybe I’ve been sent to remind her of her worth, because I’m afraid she’s forgotten.
How do I help her believe in herself? I stare into the blue sea of her eyes and know there are missing pieces to the puzzle concerning her and my uncle. I feel like we’ve known each other longer than just a day, and maybe she feels this way too. It’s hard to believe that’s all it’s been since I laid eyes on her in the airport and felt that instant “something” between us. I can’t really label it with a word. Attraction doesn’t fit, because it’s not merely a physical thing. She feels familiar to me.
“Hey.” Wanting to connect with her in some physical way, I take her hand in mine. Another bold move, though not as bold as wrapping her in my arms, but I don’t give a flying fuck. She needs to know I am here for her. “We can talk and hang out tonight. Just the two of us. It’s past seven and you have to be starving.” She nods while rubbing a finger under her eye to wipe away an invisible tear. “I am, too. I’ll bring the pizza in here.”
“Okay.” She sits up and cracks a small smile for the first time since I entered the house tonight. It feels like a breath of fresh air has swept through the room, clearing away the heaviness surrounding us only moments ago.
Chapter Sixteen
Harlow
I hear Sin rummaging through cabinets and drawers in the kitchen as I walk upstairs to freshen up from my embarrassing crying fit. Once the tears started, I couldn’t stop them. Sin ensured me he could find a couple plates, forks, and napkins for eating pizza on his own. I can’t imagine what he must think of me. I’m still not over seeing him this morning when I was with James. Remembering the look in Sin’s eyes when he stared at me makes my stomach knot up. I’ll never forget that moment for as long as I live.
After blowing my nose and combing my hair, I look a little more human. Hell, who am I kidding? I am a disheveled mess, both inside and out, but mostly inside. First, getting caught having crazy sex with James, then Emma and Paul making me think about my future with James—or more, if I want a future with him at all. And visiting my mother’s grave for the first time since her burial has drained all the strength from me. I could’ve run a marathon today and had more energy leftover.
Lying against Sin’s chest, secure in his arms, was the safest I’ve ever felt in my life. That earthy smell of his is so manly and crisp. His strong arms surrounded me with strength and comfort. His tender touch showed me patience and caring.
The steady thumps of his heart rose above the scattered thoughts in my head. I chose to focus on each beat, and slowly, my tears ceased. The tender touch of him caring for me almost washed away the shame I felt from him seeing me on the table, strapped and being taken by James.
I need to head back downstairs, but my bed beckons me with its soft comforter and satiny sheets. Part of me wants to crawl under the covers, disappear from this day, and pretend it never happened, but another part knows I have a new friend downstairs waiting for me.
I’m his uncle’s fiancée, I remind myself, with a wedding date set in four weeks. I close my eyes as a nauseous wave rolls over me—the kind a woman in love shouldn’t have when thinking about her wedding.
I shake my head and comb through the long strands of my hair one last time. Straightening my shirt, I head back down downstairs, red eyes and all. As shitty as this day has been, a flutter of excitement stirs within me. I want to be near him, and dammit, I want to feel his touch again.
I don’t see him in the kitchen, so I head back to where I left him. I walk into the room and find Sin sitting on the couch, waiting for me. The TV pipes out some soft and smooth jazz music—soothing to my ears and my mood. Two plates and a couple beers sit on the coffee table, so it appears Sin had some success in the kitchen. Gone is the wine I was indulging in earlier, or wanting to drown myself in. He’s cleared it away and I’m glad. It feels like we’re starting fresh for the night and his thoughtfulness makes me smile. Even these small gestures are big to me.
“Hey,” I say after taking a deep breath and entering the room. Sin stands up to greet me, returning my grin with his own. “Thanks again.”
“I’m not sure for what.” He glances down at the table. “Pizza. Beer. It’s nothing really.”
“For being here and listening to me. For caring.” The gaze between us grows heavy and charged with something that warms me and makes me feel uncomfortable at the same time. I have to look away for a split second to break from the intensity.