Page 72 of Bloom: Part 1

“I see.”

Logan did? Because I didn’t.

“I’m not going to pretend I was an expert at raising him. I had no good example, but I gave him the best damn life I could have given the circumstances. The Bloom you see today may have a lot of issues, but you’re welcome. You never have to know what he was like before I took him under my wing.”

“You’re right. I’m sure you’ve done your best, and you care about him. I just hate to see him second-guess himself this much and be so vulnerable.”

Crowe chuckled. “He’s only this way with the people he cares about. You best believe he doesn’t act like this around others. They fear him because all they see is a killer without a conscience. Only a select few know how much of that little boyis still inside him, and that’s why I came here when I found out he spent the night with you. For a second time. He’s made you a part of that circle. Don’t abuse that, and we won’t have any issues.”

“I won’t.”

I pushed off the wall, let out a breath slowly, and walked into the kitchen. With these two men, I couldn’t pretend, because they knew me better than anyone else. Even though I’d met Logan a few months ago, he saw right through me.

“Are you two done trying to hatch ways to control me?”

Crowe snorted. “What are you talking about? You’re his problem now. I can catch up on eight years of beauty sleep.”

“I think that ship’s already sailed.”

“Little asshole. I’m gonna go. Walk with me.”

I glanced at Logan, who nodded.

“You do what he tells you now?” Crowe asked as we walked out of the house, but his voice held genuine curiosity .

“Kinda.”

We stopped at his motorcycle.

“You look happy,” he said.

“Yeah.”

“He’s good to you, then?”

I nodded. “I know you don’t want me to be with him.”

“It’s not him, Bloom. I don’t think you’re ready for a relationship yet, mainly because I’m worried about what will happen to you if someone breaks your heart. Most people develop crushes over a lifetime and learn to deal with disappointments. You invested everything into this man from the get-go while you knew nothing about him.”

“I guess I got lucky, but you’re right.”

“Say that again?”

I rolled my eyes. “You were right. I thought I was in love with him before, but I wasn’t. Not truly.”

“And now.”

“He’s the one.”

The way he cared for me and made me vulnerable so he could be there for me was nothing I’d ever hoped for, but I liked it. Liked that I didn’t have to be the tough one around him.

“If he hurts you, I’ll break his legs.”

I inhaled deeply. I still might not understand why Crowe didn’t give me his last name, but I had no doubt he loved me. I hugged him. “Thank you, Crowe.”

“For what?”

“For loving me first.”

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