Page 76 of Beautifully Broken
She looks like she wants to protest, but I raise my eyebrows and take her hands in mine.
“Let this moment sink it. You broke through a layer of trauma, and I am so damn proud of you. This was about you.”
And for the rest of the night, there's a soft glow to her features that matches her permanent smile until we fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Chapter 5
Ava Rose
Straightening my sundress, I adjust my overnight bag and punch in Braiden's condo code to let myself in. Lately, his training has increased, and we haven’t been able to spend much time together. The elevator opens as my hands shake and heart hammers with anticipation. Tonight, I’m ready to take us a step further, but that doesn’t stop a thousand ‘what ifs’ from swarming my mind of how my past experiences could ruin tonight’s agenda.
Stepping into the long hallway, I swallow those nagging fears, knowing he’s going to go at my pace and not guilt trip me if I can’t follow through. Since the first time he made me come, we’ve achieved a few more orgasms, and that has eased my anxieties. His patience makes me love him even more, and turns me on more too, only adding to how badly I want tonight to be successful. Making my way to the beautiful corner unit, my lungs fill for a few seconds before exhaling in a whoosh.
I’m earlier than he’s expecting, so I knock.
Braiden opens the door, and his excited smile warms my heart. “Ava.”
My eyes immediately take in how his shirt only has two buttons done up. He must have just gotten out of the shower because his hair is still damp, but his jeans are secured with a belt.
“I know I’m a bit early––”
“Means more time I get to spend with you.” His chipper tone flips my stomach as he gives me a kiss, reaching for my bag at the same time. “I’m almost ready, and dinner is in the oven.” When he goes to button his shirt, I take his hand away from the task.
“While I appreciate the formality, I’m very much liking this unbuttoned look.” I swear he doesn’t know how hot he is.
His eyes roll with a chuckle.
“But if you must, button it up so you’re not overly distracting while we eat.” I finally pull my eyes away from his body.
“Come on in, lovebug.” He closes the door and takes my hand, and we round the corner of the entryway into the main living area.
It’s dark from the storm outside, and I was too distracted by his appearance to notice the lack of lighting with the space full of candles. Soft music plays as rain pulverizes large windows overlooking the city. What a cozy and sensual setting for us to hide away in for the night. Delicious aromas of Italian food fill the air, and as we step farther in, my eyes land on the coffee table with stacks of craft assortment.
“What is all this?” My voice is soft, taking it all in. His hand meets my lower back, guiding me over to the crafting supplies.
“We’ve been so busy and overstimulated this past week, so I figured soft lighting, calming music, and reliving the moments that made us fall in love would be a perfect night in as the storm carries on outside.” His attention to detail should never be underestimated or underappreciated.
As I look at the two scrapbooks and stacks of photos, I smile. “That’s why you asked me to text you every photo of us on my phone.”
“There are double photos of everything so we can both craft our memories.” Braiden points, and I zone in on some cute candids our friends took of us around the city and at events without my knowledge. “I know how much you love doing DIYs.”
My nose stings with emotion as I blink back tears.
The number of times this man chokes me up in the best of ways is unfathomable. Wrapping my arms around his neck, we begin to sway. Naturally moving to the beat of background music as candlelight flickers in his adoring eyes, I meet his eyes and whisper, “You’re too perfect, Brai.”
Shaking his head, he kisses me sweetly. “You know that’s not true, but you make me want to be the best version of myself.” I hum, melting against him. As we dance, he spins us slowly, and a massage table in the corner catches my eye. “New addition to the living room?”
“You mentioned your shoulders were hurting yesterday, so I’m going to take care of that for you.” He says it so casually, like it’s not a big deal.
My head spins in slight disbelief as my breathing wavers. “I don’t deserve this.”
“You deserve this and more.” He stops our swaying, making sure to have my full attention. “I love you, and I want to take care of you, baby. All the things that matter to you, little or not, matter to me.”
“I love you too.” It’s a mere whisper as my voice cracks. Everything about this evening is more than I could have asked for. There’s no one else I’d rather be with.
My hand weaves into his soft hair, pulling his head down to mine. A spark shoots through me as he deepens the kiss, and another side takes over. The side that wants him, all of him. I’m done waiting. I’m done letting my past take hold over my future. To hell with what’s held me back from getting lost in everything Braiden has to offer. My tongue tangles with his as he picks me up, walking me toward the kitchen.
“Hungry?” he murmurs into the kiss.
