Page 37 of Challenging Her Protector

“Proud of you, sweetheart.”

Her stomach fluttered at the endearment. “Thank you,” she said softly. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to help her pick something out at one of the shops downtown but decided against it. This was for her to do. To pick something that brought her joy, and not someone else, even if that someone was Iron.

“There was another big crash on the interstate last night. I’m going to go into the shop for a few hours to help with all the insurance claims and paperwork, then we’ll head to the wedding. That okay?”

“Sounds good to me. Are you sure you won’t need the rental car today? It sounds like you might have some customers who need it more than me. You could drop me off at the shops and I could walk to Hannah’s after.” She’d been touched when Iron had insisted she have her own car at the house, so she didn’t feel trapped. To her, the cottage was a haven, though. A cozy nest away from all of life’s troubles. One she practically had to force herself to leave.

“No way you’re walking down that busy street. I want you to take the car. We have enough rental vehicles to keep us covered.” He stood up and stretched, then offered his hand. “Want to go inside?”

“I think I’m going to stay out for a few more minutes to finish my coffee.” She shot him a smile that she didn’t quite feel and looked out at the water. Leaving the security of Iron and the home that was a sanctuary left her limbs weighed down. Still, if there was any hope of having a relationship with him in the future, maybe he needed to see her as an independent woman who could stand on her own.

“Vee. Talk to me.”

She startled, sloshing coffee on her leg. Thankfully the liquid was warm, not hot.

“Are you okay? Did that burn?” He knelt at her feet, looking at her with concern. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew I was still here.”

She blew out a breath, annoyed with herself for being so preoccupied. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

“Vee, you’re scaring me, sweetheart. What’s going on?” Concern flooded his luminous eyes, and he sank down on his knees in the sand before her.

“I’m just thinking.” She tugged at her bottom lip, then soothed the pinch with her tongue. She directed her stare to him, but his eyes were already preoccupied with where she’d just licked her lips. He removed the coffee from her hand and twisted the cup into a spot on the sand. The warmth of his palms landed behind her knees, pulling her forward until her legs framed his body. He dragged her close, angling his head to take her mouth. His lips were slightly sweet from the coffee he just drank with a hint of salt. His tongue slid against hers, teasing, tempting. He swallowed her groan, taking the kiss deeper, before his hands gripped her hips and he pulled away.

“I can tell there’s something weighing on you.” His voice was low, eyes pleading with her.

“I’m afraid I’m misreading things between us.” She didn’t want to pressure or push him, but after being surrounded by so many people who tried to control her, she knew Iron was special. He accepted her unconditionally. Now that she’d acknowledged how unhealthy her relationships had been in the past, she had no hesitations about embracing what she found with Iron. She just needed to know he was with her.

“Like what?” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. He made quite a picture against the backdrop of the sunset. His light brown hair was tousled from her fingers running through it. His broad chest and shoulders blocked out where the sun had risen on the horizon, but she’d rather look at Iron’s masculine form over the sunrise any day. His eyes were steady on hers, waiting for her to continue.

“Like maybe one of us wants something different.” That hadn’t been exactly what she wanted to say, but it gave him an opening to discuss what she prayed he wouldn’t. That he was having second thoughts about taking their relationship further. That he wanted his space back but was afraid of hurting her feelings, so he kept it to himself. Over the past few days, she’d fought the urge to fall back into a cycle of making decisions based on what she thought Iron might want rather than her own desires. Of being positive and agreeable so she didn’t make waves. With Iron and the life she wanted at stake, she’d fight through a raging storm if only to get to the truth.

He rubbed the middle of his forehead and closed his eyes. There was a sinking feeling in her stomach. Oh God, maybe theywereon different pages. He’d just kissed her like he couldn’t stand to be apart from her, but now she wasn’t sure. Old insecurities raced to the surface as much as she tried to tamp them down.

He glanced up and met her gaze, but a pained expression had darkened his silver eyes to storm clouds. “I understand you might need space and time to decide what you want, but you should know that the past few weeks have been the best of my life.”

“Help me understand, then.” She shook her head and looked into his eyes. “The way you kiss me makes me feel like you want so much more, but every time I try to take things further, you step away. One second, I feel like you want me as badly as I want you, and the next you’re kissing me on the cheek and wishing me good night.”

He released a shuddery breath. “It’s been torture falling asleep knowing you’re just steps away. That even if we weren’t having sex, I could have your sweet, warm body tucked into mine. Make no mistake Vee, I want nothing more than to make love to you. To bury myself deep. Hear the sounds you make. Feel the way we move together. But know I also love having your lips on me. Making out with you on the couch is my new favorite pastime. I love coming home at the end of the day, because I know you’re here. I love talking to you about your day and the new things you’ve experienced. Everything about being with you feels right, but I know you have a whole world available to explore. People you’ve yet to meet. You deserve the chance to do that.”

A cool morning breeze caught the ends of her hair, tousling the strands. Maybe she was beginning to understand. This had nothing to do with Iron not wanting her, of her not being enough, and everything to do with his own insecurities. Being afraid of holding her back.

She took a deep breath. “Sometimes exploring what’s out there is more about recognizing the things you don’t want, when you find the one thing you absolutely do.”

A spark of light reentered his eyes. “What are you saying?” He took a breath and held it.

“I want a relationship with you, Iron, and I’m not willing to settle on half of you. If you still need time to work things out, I’ll wait as long as it takes, but I need to know if you feel this too. I want all of you. I don’t want to pretend anymore. Not in the life I live for myself or the one that’s intertwined with others.” She traced the sharp line of his cheek.

“Fuck.” The breath rushed from his lungs and his chest caved as he rested his head on her knees. “I was trying to give you time. Trying to make sure this relationship was what you wanted.” He released a breath. “And I can’t pretend those are the only reasons. I never thought I’d have a chance. I’ve been struggling to feel worthy of you. Afraid to connect only to possibly lose you.”

“Itiswhat I want. You’re what I want. And as far as having the world to explore, I can’t imagine doing that without you by my side to enjoy it with.”

“I never meant to make you doubt what you’ve come to mean to me. I was trying to take things slow. I don’t want to hurt you, but I also know the power you hold. Be sure, Vee. Please, for my sake.” Having this strong warrior at her feet, pleading with her not to crush his heart was humbling.

“I’m sure, Iron. I’ve never felt this way before. About anyone. I’m not going to hurt you.”

He nodded and stood up. The wind whistled off the ocean, the strong gust catching a seagull beneath its wings and pushing it higher into the painted sky. Iron put his hand in his pocket and drew out his phone.

“Hey, Danny. I’m running late. See you around eleven.” He hung up the phone, tucked it back inside his pocket, and held out his hand. His gruff words over the phone had given her as much of a thrill as the way his gaze never left her face as he said them. She placed her palm against his and their fingers intertwined. She stood and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes, savoring Iron’s acceptance. His lips brushed her eye lids then the tip of her nose. Together, they started to walk down the path, her heart hammering with each step.

---