Page 317 of The First Time

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There's hurt behind his eyes.

His mother is dying. His sister is a mess. His father was horrible.

And he's shouldering all of that alone.

I want to help.

I want to take some of his burden.

My stomach flip-flops. Blake is a difficult boss. That's it. I can't start wanting in his head and his heart.

But it's too late.

I do.

I want to hold him all night.

I want to whisper words of comfort in his ears.

I want everything with him.

Not just sex. Not just pretending.

Everything.

I need to pull back. I need to protect my heart. I need to lockhimout.

But I don't.

I move closer. "Your father. You said he hit you."

His voice gets harder. "I'm not discussing that."

"Okay."

"There's a lot to do for the wedding. I'll take care of it. All you need to do is show up."

I take a few steps towards him. "It's my wedding too. I want a say."

I place my hand on his back.

He shudders. His shoulders soften.

But he keeps his body away from mine.

His voice steadies. "What specifically?"

"I want to do it at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens."

"I'll make it happen."

"What if it's booked?"

He shrugs, pushing me away. "I'll pull some strings." He turns and his eyes find mine. "Anything else?"

"I'll think about it."

He nods to the plate. "Eat something."

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