Page 22 of Gator

My existence had been dull and predictable, a far cry from the adventure and passion that seemed to follow him like a shadow. “I—” I started, searching for the right words.

“You don’t have to decide now,Bébé,” he interrupted, his voice soft and coaxing. “Just know that the offer stands. When you’re ready to embrace the life that awaits you, I’ll be here.”

As he walked away, his confident stride putting distance between us, my heart twisted in my chest. I knew he was right; my life had become stagnant and predictable. The routine of my days had lulled me into a false sense of security, and I’d begun to believe that this was all there was. But now, in the wake of his offer, I felt a restlessness stirring within me, a longing for something more. I wanted to embrace the unknown, to feel the thrill of adventure, and to experience the passion that seemed to surround him like an aura.

Yet, I was afraid.

Afraid to let go of the familiar, to step into the unknown, and to admit that perhaps I wanted the life he was offering.

“Wait!” The word escaped my lips before I could stop it, and he turned, his eyes locking with mine.

I saw a spark of something in their depths—anticipation, perhaps? Or maybe it was simply amusement at my expense. “What if I need more time?” I asked, my voice small and uncertain.

A smile played at the corners of his mouth, and he took a step toward me. “Time is irrelevant when it comes to matters of desire,Bébé. When you’re ready to embrace your true destiny, you’ll know it. And I’ll be waiting.”

With that, he turned and continued on his way, leaving me alone, my heart torn between the safety of my apartment and the allure of the unknown.

Sitting there, I bit my thumbnail.

What if he was right? It wasn’t totally inconceivable.

The man had to have one working marble, right?

What if I was just too damn chicken to take the chance? Sure, I could stay in Rosewood and wallow in my misery and raise these babies by myself while staying in a dead-end job with no chance of genuine happiness. But was that what I really wanted?

Hell no, it isn’t.

I wanted the dream. I wanted a chance at everything.

The chance to have my happily ever after.

So what if my prince drove me mad to the point of murder?

Every relationship had their trials and tribulations, right?

I took a shaky breath, my mind whirring. I knew he was offering me a chance at something extraordinary, a chance to escape my mundane existence. But was it worth the risk? I thought of my quiet life, the predictable routine that had lulled me into a false sense of contentment. Was it really enoughto keep me from taking a leap of faith? As I sat there, torn between my fears and my longing for adventure, I realized that sometimes the greatest risks lead to the greatest rewards.

With a surge of determination, I stood up, my heart pounding with anticipation. I knew I had to take a chance on myself and embrace the unknown.

Wade had his flaws, that was for damn sure, but I was up to the challenge. If not, I was almost positive that Louisiana had cast-iron skillets I could use to beat him into submission.

Life was a risk, right?

I grabbed my coat and headed for the door, each step heavier with the weight of my decision, yet lighter with the promise of change. The night was chilly as I stepped outside into the cold mountain air only to find Wade leaning casually against an old truck, the soft glow of a streetlamp catching the sharp line of his jaw. His smile was a mixture of smug amusement and challenge, as if he already knew I had made up my mind.

“Took ya long enough, woman,” he said, his voice low and tinged with a Southern drawl that could melt butter.

It was at that moment I knew I was up a Cajun creek without a paddle!

Chapter Ten

Three days later...

God save me!

I’d never been so fucking happy to see my bar. Walking in, I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I headed straight for the bar.

“Where ya been, boss?” Juju asked, placing a bottle of Hell’s Breath before me. Ignoring the man, I brought the bottle to my lips and chugged, drinking half the contents before I slammed it down on the bar.

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