Page 55 of Flare

I sighed. “I knew it was too much to ask. And yes, I know you do.”

“Good, becausethis—” He swept a hand around the store. “—won’t ever be enough for you.” He patted my chest. “Not for what’s in here, no matter how much you try and convince yourself otherwise. You’re not made that way, baby, you never were. And I want to kill those bastards for making you think it could be, for making you feel like you had to settle for less than you deserve. But, and please don’t hit me too hard for this, I just want you to be sure that you’re not doing any of their work for them. Because then they’re still winning.”

My gaze jerked up, a tart rebuke on my lips, but there was such a sadness to Hunter’s eyes that my heart tripped and my answer softened. “Gee, thanks.”

He sighed and cupped my cheek. “You know what I mean. You need to decide what you want your life to look like from now on and if you need any help getting there. I’ll be here for you no matter what, you know that.” He kissed me lightly on the cheek and I watched him go.

Then I read through the card again, shaking my head. Beck blamed himself? I played the night back in my head and... Shit, I never thought he’d see it that way. I’d stupidly assumed he’d just think I was a fucking tease, or a crazy person, or both.

When I looked up, Kip was staring straight at me, a soft smile on his face. I’d forgotten he was still there. “Don’t you have work to do?” He said nothing and I grumbled something about needing a new assistant, which he duly ignored. “Okay, so how did you know they were from Beck?” I finally asked.

“Good Lord.” He sent me a withering look. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I could cook a steak on the sizzle that ignites whenever you two are in the same room. The man’s totally scrumptious in that lumberjack, ‘throw me down and cook me baked beans in a pot over an open fire while reading me poetry’ kind of way.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Only you could make me laugh at a time like this.”

Kip grinned. “But I was right, wasn’t I? Our tall, dark, and hairy poetry professor?”

“Disturbingly, yes.”

The smile disappeared. “So, did you two...?”

“No.” I blew out a slow breath. “But I’m pretty sure it was on the table.”

His brow knotted, concern written in deep lines on his face. “Jesus, I hope he didn’t—”

“No, nothing like that.”

“But you do like him, right? That’s pretty fucking clear.”

“Yeah, I do.”

He nodded and looked thoughtful. “You push hard, Rhys. Maybe too hard. No one knows what this business takes out of you better than me, and what it’s gonna take to get you where you want to go. We need another pair of hands, even if just part time. Having Jack here has been a godsend, but that’s not forever. Tell me you’ll at least think about it.”

“I can’t aff—”

“You can’t afford not to. When was the last time you got a design finished that you were really happy with?”

Months ago. I threw my hands up. “Okay, okay. I’ll think about it.”

“Good.”

“Why has everyone got it in for me?”

“Because we love you. And Hunter was right. You deserve someone at your back.”

“I have you. My personal terrier. And success doesn’t come without a little pain,” I answered tritely. “Besides, I thought you were all about the one-and-done life?”

A flush stole up his neck. “But that’s me, not you.” The hesitation was just long enough to make me wonder.

“Kip?”

He blinked and cleared his throat. “How about I hold the fort while you take a little walk a few blocks east, up the hill? I’ve heard the university is a lovely spot at this time of year.” He batted his lashes, and I knew a distraction when I heard it.

I let it go. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not. And if you’re late for any reason, Jack can help me close. I can drop him home too if it comes to that.” He winked.

“I won’t be needing th—”

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