Page 43 of Laugh

“Man up.”

Grabbing Haddie’s hand, I pull her from her chair and without a goodbye, walk her out of the dining room. I grab her purse from the hook by the door without stopping, and deposit her into the passenger seat.

She’s silent the whole time, and I don’t know what that means. I’ve been picking up on her tells. When she makes silly jokes and plays around by teasing me, it’s because she’s comfortable and in a good mood. When she straightens her shoulders and delivers a blow to the ego, it’s because she’s putting up her defenses against someone she believes is going to hurt her. The rambling happens when she’s nervous and she loses all control of her filter. Those are my absolute favorite because I find it fascinating what jumbled mess comes spouting out from her brain.

The silence though? I don’t know what it means. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I turn on the car and let it idle, gripping the steering wheel and squeezing until my knuckles turn white. I’m so angryforher.

When I look over at Haddie, I catch her staring out the window with unblinking eyes. There’s no indication of what she’s thinking, and it’s just another moment for me to I realize I’ve got more to learn about this woman. She’s so much more than what you first assume.

“Happy,” I call out softly, my voice cracking a bit. I wait until she turns her head slowly toward me, the empty look on her face still there. With my eyes, I plead for her to believe every word I’m about to say to her. “I don’t give a fuck what they say. I’msogoddamn proud of you, and I need you to believe that.”

Her reaction is instantaneous. Haddie’s eyes brim with tears as she throws her entire body at me and wraps her arms around my neck, practically crawling into my lap.

I circle my arms around her, and when the first sob rocks her body, I tighten my hold and tug her further against me. “Baby,” I coo to her and press my cheek against the top of her head. She buries her face in my neck as she cries. My throat feels tight when I swallow, wanting to give anything to annihilate the sadness she’s encased in. “Happy girl, I’m so fucking sorry you’ve had to deal with that bullshit.”

She shakes her head without pulling away from me, unable to speak just yet. I run my hands over her back, cradling her against me, then hold the back of her head as she breaks down.I notice movement from the living room window, and glare at whomever is peeking out to see what’s going on. Let them fucking see. Let them see how they’ve torn down an amazing and wonderful person.

Eventually, she pulls away from me, wiping her tears with her arm. Her smile wobbles, but it’s not forced. “You’re really–” A hiccup stops her, and she laughs at herself. “You’re, umm… You’re so…”

My smile grows as she fumbles for her words. “I’m so what?”

Sighing, she looks at me, and with all seriousness, says, “Incredible. You’re incredible.”

“I would agree,” I tease, and her laughter eases something in my soul. The sound of it makes me feel like all is right in the world, or at least right with us. “Do you want to go anywhere? Grab some food since we didn’t finish eating?”

The shy look she gives me is so sweet it makes my teeth ache. “I think I’d like for us to go home, please. I’m not hungry anymore.”

Nodding, I wait for her to fasten her seatbelt. Once we hit the road, her words replay in my head.‘I’d like forusto go home.’Casting a quick glance in her direction, she seems comfortable just watching the scenery as we drive back to her place. I have to know, though.

“Uh, Happy?”

“Yeah?”

“So, when you said you’d like for us to go home… I’m going to go out on a limb here because I know you haven’t dated a ton. Are you cool with me coming up with you? Because I’d really like to.”

I want to laugh at how awkward I sound, but Addie told me I needed to be clear with her. Letting her know I want to spend more time with her shouldn’t be something that’s embarrassing. Communication and all that. It’s what they say is key to a good relationship. I can do that.

She bites her lip and smiles at me. “I would really like that… and maybe try out another thing.”

My smile grows as I step on the gas a little harder, eager to get her home. “Maybe a few things, happy girl.” My cock swells, forcing me to shift in my seat.

I’d say he’s onboard.

Chapter 16

Like a Virgin

Haddie

Holy fuck. We’re gonna do some ‘things’.

I throw up a quick thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that I decided to do an extra shave around the lady bits earlier today. Wincing to myself, I think up another prayer asking for forgiveness that there may be some premeditated premarital sex tonight.

I don’t want to jump the gun and assume that this is going to happen, but Beau’s freaking speeding. The faster he drives on the highway, the faster my heart races, matching the thrumming of his car engine. We make it to my place in short order, and Beau doesn’t waste any time shutting off the car so he can meet me as I get out as well.

“Give me your keys,” he says, holding out his hand.

Well, alrighty then, I guess we aren’t going to pregame this thing.

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