Page 55 of My Heart To Heal

His command rips through me, and I come undone, letting go and feeling the ecstasy of release as I moan and tremble and relish in the feel of him taking from my body.

I’m aware of him stilling behind me as my body tingles, and I notice the emptiness as he pulls out ofme, but I can’t stand up yet. I can’t trust that my legs will hold me up.

‘I’m sorry if I hurt you.’ His voice is quiet, and I turn, leaning back against the desk.

‘You didn’t.’ His words hit me like a ton of bricks as I take in the expression in his eyes. Bax never said that. He hurt me on purpose time after time and never apologized.

Nick pulls his pants back into position and steps close, and I wrap my arms around him as he presses a soft kiss to my forehead.

‘I should get back to work.’ He leans back to hold my gaze as he inhales deeply, and panic hits me. I have feelings for this man: deep, intense, protective feelings.

‘Me too.’ I smile and pull down my skirt.

‘Miss…’

‘It’s okay, Nick. We’re good.’

I reach out to unlock the door, and with one last glance back at me, he leaves, and I swallow hard. I have to end this before I break both our hearts.

For The Attention Of Mr. Clinton Barber And Mr. Nicholas Barber

Missy

‘Ugh, he is sucha pig.’ Zoe says from the tablet on my coffee table. I just finished telling them about Nick’s dad.

‘I thought he seemed nice,’ Cara muses, ‘he was so accommodating over the sale.’

‘Yeah, I bet he was.’ The way Bree says that has me raising an eyebrow, and she shrugs. ‘Cold hard cash in his pocket and two beautiful women to talk to. I’m sure James Barber turned the charm all the way on.’

‘Hmm.’ I think about it. I don’t want to lay out everything that happened because Nick seemed embarrassed to have me know, and he never exactly confirmed anything. He talked about a firm hand, but that could mean anything.

‘Was Nick okay?’ Zoe asks, and I shrug.

‘I thinkso. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of love for his dad.’

‘Because he’s an asshole. Nick was always at our house when we were kids,’ Bree speaks as she fills our glasses, ‘or at Leo’s because home just wasn’t a safe place for him.’

I think about Jonah. I meant what I said to James — parenting is about making your children feel safe and happy. Nick didn’t feel either of those things. It breaks my heart.

‘So, what now?’ Zoe asks.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, he came into your shop to protect you from his asshole dad, and you stood up for him against said asshole dad.’

‘Because we’re friends.’

‘So, it’s still not more than just fuckin’?’

‘Zo,’ I groan but I feel the heat rising up my cheeks at the memory of what happened in my office.

‘Missy, your cheeks are pink,’ Cara sayshelpfully,and I glare at her.

‘We are enjoying each other’s company, but no, it is not more than that.’

‘You said you were calling it off.’ Bree’s police chief tone is something else. Zoe falls silent, and Cara and I turn to look at the chief, leaning back in her chair, legs tucked up under her butt, wine glass in her hand.

‘You were?’ Cara asks.

---