Page 75 of When We Break

“He’s happy to see you,” she says against my lips.

“What about you?” My nose drifts up her jawline, breathing her in. “Fuck, you smell good, baby.”

“As do you.” She pulls back just a little so she can smile at me, and I swear to God, her smile steals the breath from my lungs. “It’s happy I am to see you, Mr. Blackwell.”

Skyla rubs her thumb over my lips.

“I was wearing lipstick.” She grins up at me. “I don’t think I’ll bother reapplying it.”

“Waste of time,” I agree, and then take her in. She’s wearing a black top that falls over one shoulder and blue jeans with wide legs that make her legs look a mile long. “You’re a fucking heartbreaker, Irish.”

She smirks and turns to walk away, but I cup her cheek and pull her back to me.

“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Her eyes soften, and she leans in to hug me, wraps those arms around me, and rests her face on my chest, then takes a nice, long breath.

“I’m so very glad you’re here,” she says. “And I’m starving. Where are we going for dinner?”

“Ciao, if you’re okay with Italian.”

“Oh, I’ve heard such great things about that place. I’d love it. I’m leaving Riley here tonight. He’s been fed and gone outside, so he’ll be fine for a couple of hours.”

I tip up an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“I feel safe with you.”

She turns away, and I rub my chest over my heart.She trusts me.After all she went through and the necessity to have Riley, she trusts me. I know that’s a significant thing for her. Not only that but she also cared for me in a practical and thoughtful way this morning. I’m still slightly awestruck that she said yes to dating me. I have never felt this strongly about a woman …ever.

Jesus, I’m falling in love with this woman.

“Hey, come back here really quick.” I catch her hand and tug her back into my arms and kiss her again until we’re both out of breath.

“What was that for?” she asks.

“My breakfast surprise.”

Her smile lights up the room. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was up early and couldn’t sleep, so Riley and I decided to take a little adventure. Did you notice I also fetched the eggs from the hens this morning?”

My eyebrows shoot up into my hairline. “No, I forgot to check the chickens today.”

“Well, it’s done.” She grabs her bag and gives Riley a kiss on the head, and he lets out a little whine. “It’s okay, big guy. I’ll be fine. I won’t be long.”

She locks up the house behind us, setting the alarm, and I hold the truck door for her. After she’s climbed inside, I buckle her belt, kiss her cheek, then round the hood to the driver’s side.

“Thank you for the eggs.”

“I admit, it was for purely selfish reasons. I love those chickens, Beck. I had no idea that I’d enjoy them so much, but they’re so cute, and they work so hard for those eggs. Oh, and Riley came out with me, and he didn’t try any funny business.”

“Now I’m pissed that I missed this adventure.”

She laughs and reaches over to pat my hand. “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll happen again.”

I glance over when she goes silent and notice her cheeks are flushed.

“What’s wrong?”

“I mean, if invited, I’d spend time with the chickens.”

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