Page 74 of Tiers of Joy

He helps me stand and I brush my hair out of my face.

“The shop was still open so I came through. Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you.” He says apologetically.

“It’s fine.” I smile tightly. “Just give me a second to get my apron off and I will grab my coat and purse.” I say, undoing my apron and hanging it up.

I lock up and start to walk to Gaige’s truck.

“I thought we could go somewhere a little quieter without the town listening to us.” Gaige suggests.

“Sure.” I smile.

Walking with him is hard. He smells amazing and he looks good too in his worn jeans and thick black jumper.

We walk for a while down to the docks. We sit on the bench. The same bench where I scattered Jay’s ashes.

“Esme, I’ve made a mess of things. You came into town like this ball of fireworks. You captured my attention and no matter what I just couldn’t look away. I was in awe of you, of your strength. I know this is going to sound completely insane but when you broke down and I held you, I wanted to strangle your husband for making you feel pain like that. It freaked me out feeling that way. I knew you weren’t ready for a relationship, so I tried doing the friend thing. If I couldn’t have you as mine I would take what I could get.” Gaige sighs, rubbing his jaw.

“Then that night Esme, fuck. It killed me. I knew you wanted just a one time thing, so I shut it down. I wanted nothing more than to wake you up that morning and make love to you. But I didn’t. For you, I didn’t.” Gaige tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear.

“Seeing you on a date with Wyatt, that was a massive kick in the crotch. I'm glad it was a disaster. I was planning on staking my claim but then I got the call from my mom and I had to go. I just hoped you would still be here when I got back.” He smiles.

“Why didn’t you text me? Or tell Bob to tell me that?” I ask.

“I wanted to do it myself like this. Just you and me.”

I nod and take a deep breath.

“Then I think you should know I went on a date and slept with someone.” I state honestly.

His jaw clenches and he closes his eyes.

“Who?” He asks.

“Tanner. He works for Bob.” I answer, nibbling my thumb nail.

“Is it serious? Do you like him?” He asks.

I burst out laughing and shake my head.

“Well, let’s just say I’ve given him a wide birth since. That guy has serious mummy issues.” I snort.

Gaige sighs in relief.

“Thank fuck. I thought I was too late and you were with someone else. I have no right to complain about you being with someone else. We weren’t together. Do I like it? No, but you’re free now and I have my chance.” He takes my hand and kisses it gently.

“You have your chance huh?” I ask smiling.

“It means I will stop at nothing to prove to you that your heart is safe with me. I will do anything to make you happy. I will kick anyone’s ass who upsets you even a little bit.” He promises.

He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs softly stroking my cheeks.

“You, Esme, are the best thing that ever came screaming and swearing into my life. I'm not about to give you up.” Gaige says sincerely.

I lick my lower lip and his eyes drop to my mouth.

“I'm not going to kiss you Esme. Not until you say that you trust me with your heart.” He states.

“I'm sorry, what?” I ask in disbelief.

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