Page 17 of My Ex's Billionaire Brother

Tina tensed up, putting her hand through her hair. “Kind of. Well, it’s kind of because of David. I hate to bring him up, but what he did was uncalled for. And it’s kind of the first experience I’ve had. And it’s partially why I haven’t been able to date others.”

“I see.”

She took a moment to collect her thoughts. I touched her hand, grasping it slightly. Even though these feelings probably sucked to talk about, I wanted to ensure that she was okay. I needed to convey to her that I cared, even though I knew others didn’t.

That bastard. I hated David for a while and was so glad he was gone, but I was worried about Tina. She took a moment to get her bearings together, then spoke.

“The truth was, David was the first guy I got super intimate with. He tried to . . . have sex on one of our dates. I wasn’t ready, and he tried to force it, but then I kicked him off. We had a fight, and he called me terrible names. Shortly after that, he was sleeping with one of the cheerleaders. Since then, I’ve been worried that if I move too fast, I’m making a huge mistake,” she said.

That bastard. I knew he was scum, but I didn’t think he’d go that far.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” I said.

Tina shook her head. “No, it’s my fault for not getting over it. You’re the first guy who’s treated me with respect, and I was kind of an asshole to you. I’m really sorry about that. You’re an amazing man, Caleb, and I don’t want to lose what we have because of my stupid faux pas.”

“It’s not stupid. You were hurt by someone, and you don’t know how to cope with those feelings. Trust me, I fully understand why you’d react the way you did,” I said.

I got it. I knew I couldn’t magically make all the bad things disappear, but being able to at least help was . . . the least I could do.

“Thanks for understanding, Caleb. I’m sorry for . . . acting like an idiot back then, but it just surprised me that someone actually cared. I knew you were better than the others and that you cared so much, but I’m just . . . I’m so happy to have you, and I don’t want to lose this. So, if . . . if you understand me taking things slow, then I’d appreciate that,” she explained.

I could take things slow. It’s not like we had to rush into anything.

“That’s totally fine. If you want a slow, steady relationship, I’m right here, ready to help,” I told her. I wanted this, and I’d stop at nothing to ensure this was good for all of us.

She smiled, grateful for the words that I uttered.

“Thank you for that. I’m really glad that you understand my feelings and how I feel,” she said.

“Course I do. You’ve been really stressed about things, and I understand feeling the way that you do.” But I didn’t want her to think she was alone in her feelings, either.

I took her hands, holding them. “I like you a lot, Tina, but I also understand that if we have to take things a bit slower, I’m fine with waiting.”

She grinned. “I’m glad that you’re understanding. When I tried to date in the past, most guys didn’t get it. They were too busy asking when I’d be comfortable dating someone. They never respected how I felt, but when I talk to you, I feel like you care. So, thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

She smiled, holding my hands once again. The soft touch between us sent shivers through my body.

“If you want, we can take things . . . a little slower, if that’s okay. But I still want to spend time together and go on dates.”

“We can certainly do that,” I replied.

She got up, telling me she had to see another patient.

As she left, I rushed towards the front door, holding it open. “You’re free to go out this Friday, right?”

“Yes, I’d love that,” she replied.

If needed, I’d take things slow. I didn’t want to lose her.

As she left, I spoke again. “Can I . . . can I take you for a ride? Just around this place? I figured it’d be a good way to salvage things.”

The farm was the perfect place to talk, and maybe she would finally open up about the idea of us being together.

She nodded. “Sure, Caleb, I’d love that.”

I grinned. “Then I’ll see you here this Friday then!”

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