Page 64 of Waiting for Sunshine

“What for, baby?”

“Well, this is the second time we’ve been in this situation at this bar. You’re always here to swoop in and take care of me. So, thank you.” She says, reminding me of the first night I held ice to her face here. The night I saw red for the first time over a woman. The first time I wanted to rip someone to pieces for hurting her.

“You know, that night was the first time I wanted to take a person out for hurting someone. Out of all of my years serving, I’ve killed because it was my duty, but that night – I wanted to because someone hurtyou.It made my blood feel like lava, seeing you hurt.” I admit to her. She smiles, holding a hand to my face, I close my eyes and lean into her touch – my favorite feeling in the world.

“That was the night I realized that I might actually be able to trust someone again. The safest I’d felt in a long time was all because of you.” The words resonate with me deeply. I smile down at her and move the towel. The spot is a little red but isn’t deep enough to need stitches.

“I told you, you’ll always be safe with me. “The good news is, thisincident won’t end with us in the ER.” I tease.

“I can’t believe I have this lovely mark on my face the night of the party.” She rolls her eyes.

“You’re still going to be the sexiest one there,” I say, grabbing around her waist and pulling her into a kiss. Just then Marco busts through the kitchen doors.

“What the hell is a Gimlet?” he asks, making Shane bust out laughing.

“Jesus Christ, it never ends.” I mutter, kissing the tip of her nose before heading back out front. “You sure you’re alright?” I ask once more. She smiles and shakes her head.

“Yes, I’m fine. Go.” She giggles, making my chest feel warm. Like the radiant sunshine that she is.

* * *

SHANE

Just as I am about to make my way back out to the bar to help Max, my phone rings. I lift it from my back pocket, figuring it’s probably Taylor or Leah with some last-minute party needs. To my surprise, it’s Hugh.

“Hello?” I say with hesitation.

“Shane! Good to hear your voice, how are you doing?” Hugh asks, his tone as smooth as ever.

“I’m doing well, how about you?” I slide myself onto the counter in the corner, settling into the conversation.

“I’m good. Listen, I’m in Nashville tonight on some business. I would still really like to talk with you, will you have some time today? I fly out again first thing in the morning.” It completely slipped my mind that Hugh mentioned needing to speak to me when I was in San Francisco over a month ago.

“I am working right now and I have a party I am helping host tonight. It’s for my friend Lauren, who you met at the event. You’re more than welcome to come, I’m sure she’d love to see you again. Unless it’s something you’d like to discuss in a more… I don’t know, calm environment.” I laugh out, making Hugh laugh along with me.

“Not at all, that will be fine. Send me the address and time and I will meet up with you there.”

“Okay, See you tonight.” I hang up the phone, then slide off the counter, making my way back out to the bar. My mind is racing with thoughts about why Hugh may want to speak to me. I remember him seeming kind of serious when he mentioned it. But it’s been over a month since then, surely it can’t be too important, right? At least I’ll find out tonight. I shake my head, trying to clear my mind when Max walks up beside me.

“Everything alright? You look a little more serious than usual.” Max furrows his brow.

“Yeah, just a lot on my mind. Nothing to worry about though, I’m okay.” I smile at him but his expression doesn’t change. He nods, accepting my answer as is, before getting back to work. I don’t want to mention talking to Hugh yet. I don’t even know what he wants right now, so I will fill him in when I have all the information. I am kind of excited for the two of them to finally meet. I spend the rest of my shift trying to hide the fact that my mind won’t stop spinning. However, the way Max has watched me all day tells me I’m not doing a very convincing job.

* * *

We told Lauren that we are going out to celebrate Leah finishing her Masters’ to make her less suspicious. The hall we rented is packed full of people and when we make our way through the threshold, the crowd of people yelling“Happy Birthday Lauren!”proves this was the best kept secret we’ve ever managed. She looks so surprised, her face turning red instantly. She turns to face us, with tears welling in her eyes, and brings us in for a group hug. Taylor, Leah and I all laugh at our success.

“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you girls.” She says squeezing us tighter.

“It’s truly a mystery,” Taylor teases. “Now go mingle with your guests.” She winks, waving her off.

I look up and find Max in the crowd, Tucker and Tank hanging out behind him. He’s looking at me like he can’t wait to get me alone and it has me tingling all over. I decided on wearing my sky blue suede shorts with a black sweater and black booties, my tan legs on full display. Max looks like a damn snack himself in his white undershirt, hooded denim jacket, black ripped jeans and his biker boots. I love when he has those on, it always means he drove the bike, which makes him sexy on a whole other level.

I prance over to him, letting him envelope me in a hug.

“You look radiant as always.” He says, leaning in to kiss me.

“Are you evernotgoing to make me blush Max Mullins?” I ask, my cheeks already rosy.

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