Page 121 of I Could Be Yours

My heart squeezes. I’ve missed him so much—the banter, planning things with him, spending time with him. So many times he’s affirmed me without even knowing, and maybe this time it’s intentional, but it’s softening my already marshmallow soft heart. “It’s the highlight of mine, too.”

“You’re smart and fun to be around. You’re a caretaker, and you always show up for people when it matters the most.” He clears his throat. “You have such beautiful faith in the power of love. I was so jaded that I couldn’t understand why you’d welcome the potential for pain. It scared the hell out of me.”

“Does it still scare you?” My heart hammers in my chest. He’s trying so hard, sharing his vulnerability with me.

“Absolutely. But it’s worth it if it means I get to have a life that’s full and it includes people like you.”

“I’m done thinking,” I blurt. “I’ll go on a date with you.”

CHAPTER 40

NATE

“Looking good, my man.” Flip stops eating his giant bowl of KD long enough to give me an approving thumbs-up and a nod. “Where are you taking Essie for dinner?”

“We’re going to Scaramouche, and then I’m taking her to seeWickedthe musical.”

Tonight is our first official date. The past few weeks have been hard, but I’m making strides in therapy and learning how to let my walls down so I can love the people in my life the way they deserve.

“Nice. She’ll love that.” Flip nods his approval.

“I think so, too.” I check for my phone, wallet, and keys before I grab the bouquet of hot pink flowers and the box of chocolates from the counter. “You have plans tonight?”

Flip glances at his phone. “A couple of the guys are talking about going to the Watering Hole. I might join them.”

“Say hi to everyone, if you do.”

“I will. Have fun and play safe, honey bear.” He winks.

I have no expectations for tonight, other than spending time with Essie. Would I love to end up curled around her and wake up the next morning with her hair in my face? Absolutely. But one step at a time.

I leave Flip to his neon noodles and drive the short distance to Essie’s apartment. We all live in the same area, close to the arena and the business sector of downtown. Essie buzzes me in, and my heart rate jacks up as the elevator climbs to her floor.

Her door opens before I can even knock.

“Hi.” Seeing her for the first time in days is like seeing a rainbow after a storm. She’s wearing a long, gauzy pink dress, and her dark hair with matching pink streaks falls in loose waves over her shoulders. Her makeup is light, eyes rimmed in liner to make them pop, and her lips are glossy. “You look incredible.”

The smile that lights up her face is better than a tropical sunrise. “And you look like a seven-course meal, including my favorite dessert.”

“I’m glad you approve.” I hold out the flowers. “I brought you something pretty.”

“They’re beautiful.” She brings them to her nose, eyes fluttering closed as she inhales.

“Just like you.” I hold out the chocolates. “And I brought you something sweet, also just like you.”

“You are so thoughtful.” She motions for me to follow her. “Come in for a minute. I want to put these in water.”

I haven’t been here since I dropped off the box of sashes for the girls, and tonight I see it with fresh eyes. The space really is an homage to Essie’s personality. Everything is bright and soft and pretty, just like her.

She retrieves a vase and fills it with water and the flower food before she carefully arranges the flowers. “They really are gorgeous, Nate.” She turns and wraps her arms around my waist, setting her cheek against my chest on a soft sigh. “I missed you.”

I fold her in my arms and kiss the top of her head, absorbing the warmth, appreciating the way I instantly settle when I have her close like this. “I missed you, too.”

We stand there for a long time, just holding each other.Finally, she steps back, smiles up at me, and pats me on the chest. “I could happily stand here all night, but you have this great date planned, so we should probably go on it.”

“Seems like a good idea,” I agree.

She slips her feet into a pair of strappy sandals, grabs her heart-shaped, hot pink, jewel-encrusted purse, and links her arm with mine. We leave her apartment and take the elevator to the lobby. I help her into the passenger seat before I round the hood and take my place behind the wheel.

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