Page 108 of Becoming His Perfect Daddy
I sighed, releasing my shoulders. “I was scared.” I chanced a peek at Henry.
A proud smile was pulling on his lips. “And why was that?”
I glanced away, sighing. “I was worried about getting hurt again.”
“Again?”
I nodded. “Long story, but my relationships haven’t gone well. Hell, even my first dates have been a shitshow.” I paused, taking in a slow breath. “Until Sam.”
When he didn’t say anything, I met his gaze again. His arms were folded across his chest, and he was still smiling.
But the churning in my gut hadn’t abated, so I knew my confessions weren’t done. I steeled myself to utter my biggest fear. “I’m afraid I screwed up so badly he’ll never want me back.”
Henry leaned against the back of the bar, crossing his arms over his muscled chest. His dark-blue T-shirt stretched tight, and if I’d been into silver foxes, I’d have been salivating. But hewas not my type, and I was too heartbroken for that, anyway. “How did you screw up?”
My face scrunched, and I was sure Henry could see the pain on my face. “I basically told him that I’d never pictured myself with someone like him.”
He whistled. “Damn, man, that’s kinda cold.”
My eyes flew to his. “I know! I’m the worst. He deserves so much better than me.”
Henry tutted. “Well, I certainly won’t have talk like that in here, Cameron, even if I’m not your Daddy.”
I muttered a “Sorry,” properly chastised, and only then did I remember Sam’s third rule. Fuck, I’d get a harsh punishment if he knew I’d said that. But right now? I’d take it and more just to have him back.
“Look, Cameron—I’ve seen you two together. You have something special with him, something real, and regardless of how this situation seems right now, how badly you fucked up, he’d be a fool to give that up.”
I swallowed hard, and my throat seemed drier than the desert. “But how can I ever be the man he deserves after what I’ve done?”
Henry finished his beer and leaned in again, setting the bottle on the counter beside us. “Okay, you need to really listen to me. Cameron, you alreadyarethe man he deserves. Because he loves you, and you love him.” His eyes narrowed in on mine. “Am I right?”
I just nodded.
“So you fucked up.” He shrugged with a casual frown. “It happens. He said he loves you, that he’s not giving up on you. Do you believe him?”
“With my whole heart,” I answered without hesitation.
Henry smiled softly. “Then I’d suggest you tell him how you feel, in a way that makes sense for you both, a way thatmakes him believe you’re serious.” His lips pursed. “After you apologize, of course.”
I nodded slowly, gazing off into space as I considered his words. How did I do that? How could I convince him that I’d loved him for months, that my declaration of love was sincere?
When I didn’t answer, Henry tapped the bar and leaned back. “I need to get back to work, but may I give you a last piece of advice?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t wait too long. Our biggest regrets in life are often the things we don’t do soon enough.” His expression turned pensive, and I knew there was a story there. Then he shook his head as if to clear it. “I hope I’ve helped.”
“You have, thanks.” I smiled at him before he walked back toward a group of paying customers who had just sidled up to the bar.
I stared at my reflection in the mirrored wall behind the bar as I let everything sink in. Something he’d said had sparked an inkling of an idea . . .
Yes.My idea was brilliant, and it was perfect for us. God knew I was imperfect—everyone was—but I was going to make things right if it was the last thing I did.
If he agreed to talk to me, I’d let Sam know how I truly felt. And I’d do it in the best way I knew how: by writing it.
January 11th
Sam,
