Page 146 of All We Need

Fortunately, her joke moves the conversation along and we’re not forced to explain our situation.Unfortunately, he wants to know more about my job. “You’veworked there since you were a teenager?Haveyou always wanted to be a chef?”

Worn often, my smile slides on easily. “Always.Couldn’timagine doing it anywhere else but the place my dad founded.”

Aly stiffens.It’ssubtle, butI’ma scholar for her and her body.Wellversed in the way her eyes shine whenIcall her beautiful.Theerotic noises she makes when eating.Thewrinkles between her brows when she’s fighting off a snarky comment.

Right now, her tense shoulders say she wants to speak up.Tocorrect me.

Guilt riddles me over the factIstill haven’t told her aboutPedro’soffer.

Thankfully, we move on to the next topic and before long, the sun begins to set.

Everyone is tired, but asIwait forAlyby my truck, watching her andHarveysay goodbye,Inotice a change about her.She’salways graceful; movements fluid and practiced.Now, there’s an added eloquence to her, like an immovable blockade has finally shifted.

I’m close enough to catch the last of their conversation.

“Here’s my card with my work and personal cell.I’msorry we have to get back so soon,”Harveysays regretfully.He’sa nice guy andI’msure he would stay all evening getting to knowAlyif he could. “Butif you ever want to call, text, or email, that’s fine.”

Aly flips over the small rectangular card in her fingers. “Thankyou.Ihope you have a safe journey home.”

“And you,” he returns.

BeforeAlyturns away, he stops her. “Wouldit…CouldIhug you?”

Blinking rapidly,Iwatch as she struggles for a response.Sheisn’t shy when it comes to human touch, but this has taken her by surprise.It’stakenmeby surprise.

Harvey shakes his head. “ThereIgo again with my big mouth.I’mso?—”

His apology evaporates whenAlywraps her arms around him, squeezes once, then pulls away.

I’m not witnessing a bond between father and daughter.That’snever beenAly’sintent.Instead,Iobserve two people, not lost, but who have found their paths unexpectedly crossing.Onlythey know what’s next, but fromHarvey’swarm gaze andAly’sserene expression, this won’t be the last they see of each other.

We drive back separately to her apartment, and when we’re standing on the sidewalk outside the bakery, she takes a hold of my hand and tugs me up the stairs.Behindclosed doors,Alycollapses into me, and when myT-shirt grows wet, it’s thenIrealize she’s handed over her trust to me absolutely.Mind, body, and soul bared.

Her tears slice me down the middle, but they aren’t sad.

She’s releasing everything she’s built around her.Allthe disappointment, animosity, and doubt.

“I know, beautiful,”Iwhisper into her hair. “Youdid so good.Letit out.”

Her sobs quake her body.Myhands rub up and down her back asIcarry her to the sofa.Witha shaky breath, she peers up at me, eyes shining and cheeks flushed.

“You good?”Iask.

She nods, cupping my jaw. “Thankyou for being there.”Shelooks into space over my shoulder. “Ican’t believe how nice he is.Doyou think it went okay?”

God, this woman.Soconfident and striking, but it’s her vulnerable side that has my heart skipping a beat.

I rest my hand over hers as she idly plays with the ends of my hair. “Idon’t think it could’ve gone any better.He’sa fantastic guy.I’mhappy for you.AndMartin.”

“Yeah, me too.Theyhave a way to go, butIhope this is the first step in them reconnecting.”Breakingour gazes, she reaches into her coat pocket. “I’mgoing to call my parents, they’ll be waiting for an update.”

“Yeah, of course.”Igo to stand, but she grips the hem of myT-shirt. “Whereare you going?”

I point down the hallway. “Iwas gonna hang out in your bedroom until you’re done.”

She frowns at me likeI’mstupid. “No.Iwant you here.”

Turns out,Iam stupid.

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