Page 17 of Love Takes Home

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re strong.”

“No, I’m not.” I can see her eyes watering, but I can also see the determination not to let them fall.

“You survived, Ginny. You found the courage to walk away before it was too late.”

“I was in that relationship for two years. That doesn’t make me strong. Just stupid.”

“Fuck that noise.”

“You realize he could absolutely ruin my life, right? He could get me fired.”

“You’re right,” I tell her. She snaps her head up, the glare on her face making it really hard not to smile. “But no matter what is happening right now, that would take some massive balls, and he doesn’t have those. Everyone in this town knows how much you give back. How you selflessly offer your time, your talents, and your love for those kids.”

“I don’t do that much.”

“Bullshit. It’s so much more than others. You give free lessons to kids who wouldn’t be able to afford it. You rent instruments with your own money. You provide a safe place and an outlet for those kids. And one day, everyone in this town will know what kind of a shithead that guy really is.”

“You already know people are talking, don’t you?”

“I don’t know anything, but it doesn’t matter. Not a single one of them has lived in your shoes. They haven’t been through what you’ve been through. No matter what anyone says, they weren’t there. They are unreliable.”

“Thanks.” She gives me a small smile and looks at the front doors again.

“Anytime. And if you hear any of those gossiping bitches saying anything, you come get me, and I’ll give them that look that you say terrifies you.”

She shivers, laughing. “It is so terrifying.”

I reach out and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. This shiver is a real one, and it takes everything in me not to cup her cheek. Pull her in and kiss her. Run my nose up the column of her neck.Down, boy!

“I’m scared,” she tells me, staring into my eyes.

“Fear is natural, Beautiful. It means you feel things.”

“I didn’t know you were this loquacious, Joker.”

“Oh, look at you with your big fifty-cent words.”

“That one’s at least seventy-five!” She smiles, the tension in her shoulders easing.

“Maybe you should have been an English teacher with those big words.”

“Not a chance.” She fully laughs. “I suck at English. Commas hate me. Or love me. Too much. Usually in the wrong places.”

I laugh with her, her eyes gleaming, much like they do anytime I let my walls down. One day she’ll learn those walls only come that far down with her. But not today. It’s time to go meet the newest member of our rag-tag family.

“Ready now?”

“Ready.”

As soon as we walk through the door, though, it starts.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe she’s showing her face around here.”

“The nerve. Where was she last week when she was needed?”

“Heard her brother’s having a baby today.”

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