Page 69 of Sugar Coated Lies
“I’m right where I need to be.”
I blink away the sting in my eyes before tears can form. Is life trying to reward me by evening things out? I lose Grandpa, but I gain Daire.
Daire sets down his coffee and wraps me in a side body hug, avoiding bumping the coffee still in my hand.
“I don’t want to cry anymore,” I murmur into his chest.
“How about we stay here and order breakfast to go? They have Bananas Foster French toast that I think you’ll love.”
“Bananas Foster French toast?” I tilt my head back to meet his gaze. “That sounds heavenly.”
“It is.”
* * *
Daire
Damn.She feels so good against me. I never found holding anyone particularly rewarding before Everleigh. Everything about her feels right. I want her back in my bed so badly my dick aches at the thought, but I won’t do anything unless she makes a move.
I was so afraid to sleep with her last night, desperately wanting to, but terrified she’d regret it. Even this morning, I feared she’d want to bolt the moment she woke.
When she appeared in the kitchen in my robe looking like a fucking dream, I wanted to pull her close, promise to protect her and care for her, and kiss her senseless. I refrained, of course. The last thing she needs is me overwhelming her with more life-altering decisions, but what happened between us last night did alter things—for me, anyway. And I can’t go back. I won’t, even if that means waiting until she’s ready.
She came out of nowhere, impressing me with her strength, inspiring me with her selflessness and kindness, tempting me with those eyes and that body that I’ve now touched and tasted and been inside.
I’m changed for the better because of her, and I want to spend the rest of my life pleasing her however she wants and needs. I want her future, if she’s willing to give it to me. I just can’t tell her yet. Not until I’m sure she wants the same. She just lost her last family member. She needs time to heal and figure out her life. I can give her that, as long as I get to stay by her side.
I force myself to release her and order breakfast to be delivered. I also text Lucille, my housekeeper, and tell her to take the week off. I don’t know how long we’ll be here, and I don’t want any disruptions.
Everleigh takes her coffee and strolls around the condo, taking in the views from each window. She looks good in here, although I suspect this is not where she wants to plant roots.
The farm is more her speed. I couldn’t imagine a life in that rural area before, but I can imagine a life and so much more there with her.
I’ve been searching for something to fill the missing piece of my life, a piece that always left me restless and felt off. Everleigh is that missing piece. I realize this means I’ll have to confront Benedict at some point and whatever comes from that, but I don’t need him in my life. I never have. He’s a friend, or he was. Everleigh could be my forever. I want her to be. I want her to want me the way I want her.
The door attendant texts me that my food is here. Like last night, I have him send it up, then I set up the counter for us to eat. I’ve never catered like this to anyone before. It’s gratifying doing it for someone you love. The thought steals my attention for a moment. Is that what all this is and what I’ve been feeling? Love? For Everleigh?
“I’m usually the one doing this,” she points out, suddenly beside me.
Looking at her now, knowing what I know in my heart, is almost too much to bear. What if I lose her? What if she doesn’t want me, too?Fuck. I hadn’t considered that. The fear it brings makes my throat close.
“Are you okay?” She touches my bare shoulder.
I force oxygen into my lungs and relax my tight muscles. “Yeah. I thought they forgot the potatoes.”
She giggles. It’s the first smile I’ve seen from her in a week.
“Dig in.” I pull out one of the stools for her. She sits, and I do the same on the chair beside her.
“Do you want more coffee?”
She giggles through her nose, her lips pressed together in a smile. “I want you to stop doting on me. I’m not as fragile as you think.”
“Noted.” I almost laugh at myself for how I’m acting and for her calling me out.
We eat a mix of breakfast foods. I amuse her with stories about me and Easton when we were children and the trouble we caused at the farm.
“I was always covering for him, taking the blame for the messes he caused. Once he TP-ed part of the farm.”
