Page 32 of My Destiny
“Thank you.”
His eyes meet mine across the table, so I pull my glass towards my mouth. There’s something about the way he looks at me that’s unnerving—not in a creepy way, but in a way that says I need to be wary around this man. My heart will be in danger if I’m not cautious.
“You know a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?” Placing the glass against my lips I take a drink to avoid replying. “If you keep cooking for me like this, I’m going to have no choice but to marry you.”
His words have me inhaling too much air, causing me to choke on the liquid in my mouth, which unfortunately has the champagne projecting out and spraying all over him. My hand flies up to my face. “Shit,” I say, while coughing up a lung. “I’m so sorry.”
Instead of getting angry, he throws back his head and bursts out laughing, which does nothing to help my cause. Picking up a handful of the paper serviettes from the table, I quickly stand. I’m still trying to regain my composure as I desperately wipe the champagne from his face. He’s still laughing, but I’m mortified.
“Please forgive me.”
“Stop apologising,” he says. “Are you okay?”
“No, no I’m not. Things were going so well…” I feel tears sting the back of my eyes, so I take a step back and bow my head.
“Hey,” he says, standing and placing his finger under my chin to raise my face to meet his. “They’re still going well. It will take a lot more than a champagne shower to ruin it. This is the best evening I’ve had in a very long time.”
I see the sincerity in his beautiful green eyes as he speaks. “Your life must be pretty boring then.” When he smiles, I do the same.
“I don’t get out much,” he says, with a shrug. “All work and no play, so they say.”
“I can relate to that.”
I take in a sharp breath as his thumb tenderly glides across my cheek. “I’m so glad I ran into you again.”
“Me too,” I reply, but it comes out more like a whisper.
We stand there for the longest time, and a part of me wishes he’d kiss me, but I know that can’t happen. Breaking the moment, I retreat another step. “My bathroom is at the end of the hall, if you want to clean up. I’ll go and get dessert ready.”
“Right,” he says. I see disappointment flash through his eyes before I turn and head into the kitchen. The moment I’m alone, I sigh. As much as I’ve enjoyed his company tonight, I’m going to need to keep my distance from this one. He makes me feel things I shouldn’t.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Logan
After washing my face in the basin, I place my hands on either side of the sink and stare into the mirror. It’s been years since I’ve opened up about my ex, but I wanted her to know that I understood what she went through. To be honest, what happened with Amanda had turned me off relationships, that is until Brooke came into my life.
I knew before coming here tonight that I am attracted to this woman, but the sheer volume of just how much scares me. Never in my life has someone had me so captivated. I almost kissed her just now, and for a moment I thought she wanted that too—well, until she practically ran away.
“Damn it,” I mumble, tightening my grip on the porcelain. I let her walk out of my life once; I won’t make that mistake again. I need to play it cool, to give her time. Rushing in is only going to scare her away.
For months I’ve thought about her. After a while I tried to convince myself that it was pity I was feeling, sympathy for all she went through that night. But now that we’ve reconnected, I can no longer lie to myself. I want—no, Ineedher in my life. Of that, I am sure. She may not see it, but there’s something special here. I’ve been with enough women in my thirty-two years to know that. She’s not only beautiful, but sweet, funny, and so easy to be around. And I’m in awe of her strength and the new life she’s forging for herself, despite the odds.
Picking up the hand towel, I wipe my face.If you blow this, Cavanagh, you’re an idiot.Shoving my hands into the pocket of my jeans, I head back into the main room. The champagne bottle is empty, and I’m wishing I brought a second one because I fucking need it. Pulling out the chair, I go to sit, but as I do, something crashes in the kitchen. Without hesitating, I dash in there.
I come to a grinding halt in the doorway when I see the look on her face. She’s as white as a sheet. My eyes follow her line of sight and a smile tugs on my lips when I see the plate she must’ve been carrying shattered on the floor. Looks like dessert is ruined.
“Let me help you with that.” Her eyes dart to me as I step into the room and crouch down in front of the mess. “As amazing as this looks, I’m still full from the other two courses,” I say, trying to put her at ease. When she doesn’t speak, I look up at her, and I’m surprised to see tears welling in her eyes. “Hey, it’s nothing to get upset about.” I see the other dessert still sitting on the counter. “We can share the other one if it means so much to you.”
“I’m not upset about the dessert.”
I stand to my full height. “But you look like you’re about to cry.”
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” she says, turning her back to me.
My first thought is it’s me. Maybe our little moment earlier has spooked her. “If I’ve done something to upset you, then of course I’m going to worry about it.” Her back remains to me, so I lightly grip her upper arm and turn her back to face me. “Hey.”
When I see the tears cascading down her pretty face, I pull her into my arms.
