Page 422 of Dark Love

Perfect? Nothing about my life is perfect. Except maybe my craft room.

“But things can deteriorate quickly. Most people are so in love they can’t hear the warnings, but I want you to know if at any time you feel uncomfortable, we’re here for you. You don’t ever have to be afraid or embarrassed. It’s not wrong for you to trust a person.”

Is Adonis even real? That has to be the sweetest thing. “Thank you. I really appreciate the offer.”

His shoulders sag. “But you trust him.”

With my life. “Yes. If it were any other man, I wouldn’t trust as freely. But Vex is different.”

“How is he different?”

Can I even explain it? My heart just knows. “Vex saved my life. He protected me when another person might have viewed it as an opportunity to take advantage of me. I know he seems like a person who could crush bones with his bare hands, but he’s really a very gentle man.”

“There’s nothing about that man that’s gentle. He wanted to kill me for bringing you soup. If you hadn’t been there, he might have tried.”

Vex seemed angry, but not violent. “He doesn’t like surprises. And somehow he’s got it stuck in his head that you have a thing for me. Vex thinks you’re trying to take advantage of your power as my boss.” I probably shouldn’t have said all that, but Adonis needs to understand that Vex is just looking out for me. “He’s very protective. And he seems to think I can’t take care of myself.”

Adonis looks skeptical, but there isn’t anything else I can say except I know that Vex will never lay a hand on me. “You two should meet. I could invite him to one of those Friday dinner things you guys do. Then you can see who he truly is.” Did I just say that? We haven’t even gone on a date and I’m making plans for him to meet the people I work with.

“That’s a wonderful idea. We occasionally have spouses show up, so no one will think a thing about it.”

Yay. What have I just done?

This isn’t going to go well.

What do I do now? If it was anyone else, I’d ask Mom for help. But there’s no way I’m telling her about Vex… ever.

Why don’t I have a single girlfriend that I can ask about things like this?

The only friend I sort of have is Max. We’ve talked about some very odd things. He seems pretty comfortable nosing into my business. Should I ask him?

He’s going to think I’m a nut.

Maybe I should make some brownies… or caramel pecan clusters. Those will sweeten him up. If I soak the nuts in bourbon, he might not even remember the conversation.

Oh, that’s a very good idea.

Date Night

Dahlia

Why did I even expect Vex to call? I canceled our date yesterday. Then I shoved him out the door early this morning to go to work.

Putting groceries away is a pain, but my fridge has been bare for way too long. Living on ramen and toast isn’t really a balanced diet. Though a salad and roll from the market is only slightly better.

Vex could have called.

Maybe I should call him.

Would he think that’s too brazen… or needy? Am I going to be a clingy girlfriend?

Vex with a girlfriend sounds weird.

He’d say something like you’re my woman. I giggle.

Why didn’t he even call? Just to check on me.

Don’t think about that.

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