Page 87 of Beautiful Broken Love

I pressed my lips, giving the question some thought. I wasn’t going to tell her that I wanted her at that house so I could fuck her in every position, or to spoil the hell out of her with food, wine, and attention.

Sure, I wanted that ... but I also wanted to get to know Davina for who she truly was. I wanted to catch her while her guard was completely down and understand what was in her heart. And, if she was open to it, I’d tell her what was in mine.

But instead of saying all that, I said, “There are no expectations, D. I just like your company.”

At that, she put on a broad smile, and because I couldn’t help myself, I collected her chin in my fingers, leaned in, and kissed her.

She lay back, and I climbed on top of her, grazing the ridge of my semihard dick through the slit of her pussy. I kept skimming up and down while taking shallow dips inside to tease her.

Her breaths thickened, and her eyes pooled with heat and desire. She ran a gentle hand across my shoulder as I slipped into her with ease.

When I was all in, I claimed those pouty lips and kissed her like I meant it. Because I did. I meant it when I said I wasn’t going anywhere.

FORTY-FIVE

DAVINA

By the time Monday rolled around, I felt like a new woman.

I walked into my office with a burst of energy and a pep in my step. It was as if the thick gray cloud that once hovered above my head and blocked my vision was slowly lifting. And as the cloud lifted higher and higher, it soon began to drift, so I could witness the world before me again.

I could see that things weren’t all so bad and that Icouldlive my life despite all I’d been through.

I wanted to attribute most of it to Deke, but it wasn’t just him who checked on me, brought me out of a funk, and made sure I was okay. I had my sister, my best friend, and even some of my employees, who checked in whenever they caught me in the warehouse.

It was nice knowing there were people who cared and people who accepted me for who I was. No one tried rushing me into a happy place. They all just let me be what I needed to be in the moment and embraced it. I was shocked Deke did too.

I sat behind my desk, completely zoned out as I thought about my time with him. We’d eventually found the will to leave the hotel room and sit at the hotel bar, where we sipped on those waters I hadrain checked him for. It was his turn not to drink that night. He had team training coming up and wanted to keep his mind and body clear.

It was amazing how disciplined he was, and I was curious who’d instilled that discipline in him, because a man like Deke Bishop wasn’t just born. He was raised and molded to be the person he was. Though a part of him was clearly damaged (something henevertalked about), he still seemed like a good man with good morals and hella patience.

It made me feel bad that what I had with him would only be temporary. I knew one day he’d grow tired of seeing me for brunches. He’d find another woman to catch his eye, and I’d hear less and less from him.

That was fine. In fact, I was preparing myself mentally to not be disappointed by it. The last thing I’d expected was for him to stick to only sleeping with me ... but then I’d see the look in his eyes—the longing, as if he wanted more than just brunch and kisses.

It was as if he wanted me to wrap him in my arms so I could caress the flat waves in his hair while he listened to my heartbeat. Both of us would be in complete silence, enjoying one another’s company. Holding on tight because it would feel safe ...

I shook my head and sat up in my chair. It was a nice thought, but it wouldn’t happen. Itcouldn’t... could it? I was nowhere near prepared for something that deep. What we had now was good. It was safe—one foot in and one foot out, just in case.

There was a knock at my office door, and Tish popped her head in. “Don’t forget about that meeting with Cassie Lee.”

My brows dipped. “Who?”

Tish stepped deeper into the office, checking her phone. “Says here you have a meeting with Cassie Lee. She’s a rep for a small storefront. You said it was fine to see her today at eleven.”

“Oh. Right.” I remembered now and also remembered thinking it was very strange that anyone wanted to schedule a meeting with me. The only in-person meetings I ever had were with Chester or, on therare occasion, Deke. The rest were done via Zoom, or I had to travel for them.

“She’ll likely be here in the next couple of minutes,” Tish added before she left the office.

I glanced at the time on my computer screen.Shit.Time was flying. I straightened my desk and stuffed my feet back into my shoes, and right on cue, there was another knock at the door.

This time, Tish walked in without a trace of a smile. Her eyes were wide—panicked, almost—and my smile collapsed as a tall bronzed woman sauntered in behind her.

She wore high heels and a tan blazer over a skintight white dress, and her hair was so polished and silky it seemed unreal. But it wasn’t. That hair was hers, and this was no Cassie Lee. This was Giselle Grace, Deke’s past fling.

“Should I cancel this appointment?” Tish asked, looking between us with her arms folded. Her defensive side was coming out.

“No,” I murmured, standing taller and raising my chin. “I’ll take it.”

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