Page 16 of Choosing My Happiness
“Please don’t look at me like that,” I whispered. “I just need to get through this, say goodbye, and go home.”
He held my gaze and then dropped his eyes. “I understand.”
I had a feeling he meant it.
I took a breath and looked around at the people in the diner. There were a few families, some couples, a few men catching up after work. There were also a few club members taking over some booths.
“This place seems busier than I remember,” I commented.
Midwife smiled. “Yeah, we helped them out a while ago and they look after us now, which means that it’s safer for outside families to come. Club members also use it as a meeting place.”
Our food came, interrupting our conversation.
“So why don’t they go to the clubhouse?” I asked, indicating the members.
Midwife smiled.“Too many kids. Bull and several of the other boys have made it so the kids can enjoy the clubhouse too. There are rooms set up for kids to sleep in if the nights get too late. There’s a huge bike track for the kids to ride around in, and a playground. The club is looking at a pool for next summer.”
He chuckled at my look of amazement. “Most of the members are now married with one or two kids. The dynamics have changed.”
A queasy, jealous feeling went through me. I pushed through the discomfort.
“So, how many kids do you have?” I asked, looking down at my plate.
“None yet. I’m not even dating.”
I looked up at him. “Why not?” Who would pass onhim? Even with my wall firmly up now, I acknowledged he wasgorgeous. His body wasn’t gym fit, it was working fit. But his grey eyes and calm, steady demeanor would catch anyone’s eye.
“I’m waiting for her to realize I’m here,” he admitted, taking a big bite of his burger.
I smiled dryly. “Just having fun until she arrives, hey?”
He glared at me, the storm that suddenly appeared in his eyes was scary.
“No.” He shifted the burger around. “I’m no fuckboy. She’sit. No one else touches what’s hers.” He bit viciously.
My jealousy flared. I wanted that. I wanted to be his girl.
“What’s she like?” I blurted out.
Jim paused, his burger halfway to his mouth. I don’t know why he smiled and put it down. He licked his lips before reaching for his drink.
“Why do you ask?” He smirked.
I shrugged and picked up a fry. “Just wondering,” I replied, concentrating on dipping it into the sauce.
“She’s beautiful and doesn’t even realize it,” he whispered. “She’s smart, and so, so strong, and tough, and takes on challenges like a hero every day. She’s making the world a better place one person at a time.”
I looked up at the way he was talking. Soft and gentle, and his voice was so low. It was almost intimate.
I swallowed. “Does she know how you feel?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He snorted and picked his burger up again. “Doesn’t seem like it.”
He took a deep breath in through his nostrils and chewed to clear his mouth before he said his next piece. I got caught on the way his tongue flicked out to clean his lips before he spoke. “Besides, she needs to divorce an asshole before I can make my move. But I’ll wait until she’s ready to make my claim.” Hehunched down to take the next bite, before leaving me with a conversation ending comment. “She’s worth it.” He winked.
I had to catch my breath. Did he mean…? No…we only met once 4 years ago. There was no way he wouldn’t have met anyone else in those 4 years. I pushed that hope down hard. I shoved the drowned fry onto my plate and picked up my own burger.
“I’ve got to do the same.” I sighed. Jim lifted an eyebrow.
