Chapter 12 #2
She giggled. “It would thrill me for the two people who mean to me what you and Tessa do to wind up together. I had a sneaking suspicion, based on what Tessa had shared about what you’ve been doing, that you were serious about her.
I wanted to be sure, because I don’t want either of you to get hurt.
You don’t need me to say anything to you, Ace, because you’re already going about this the right way.
Not that you need it, but you have my blessing. And my support.”
That was nice to hear. “Do you have any advice?”
A slow smile spread across her face. “Be the man she needs.”
Evidently, Lark trusted me to figure out who that man was. Or perhaps, she already believed I was that man. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I need to get to work.”
I walked her to the door and said goodbye.
Twenty-five minutes later, I found myself at work. When I walked through the front door and into the office, I wasn’t shocked to see Phoenix standing there, talking with Faye.
“Morning.” I barely made eye contact as I beelined for the door that led out into the shop.
It wasn’t even a full minute later when I heard the door open and close again.
Realizing there was no point in running away from this, I stopped walking, turned around, and saw Phoenix had pulled himself away from continuing to try to convince Faye to date him.
Apparently, this was far more important to him to address at the moment.
His expression was serious as he closed the distance between us. I braced myself for whatever this was going to be. When he came to a stop, he stared at me for a long time until finally, he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me it was my sister you were having dinner with?”
Without hesitation, I answered, “Because I’d have to reveal why I was going there, and part of the reason for that was her ex cheating on her. That wasn’t mine to share.”
“I can’t believe that asshole was with his ex-girlfriend at the same time he was with Tessa. For more than half of their relationship.”
I jerked my chin down in agreement. “Tessa didn’t deserve that.”
“No, she didn’t. I’m just glad she’s decided he’s not worth a second chance.”
That made two of us, but I didn’t tell him that.
The silence grew heavy between us. I could see the questions lingering in his eyes.
I’d known Phoenix my whole life. This conversation wasn’t done yet.
He was one of the most patient guys I’d ever met.
If he wanted to make this uncomfortable, he could.
And I didn’t doubt his ability to stand there all day, waiting for me to crack under the pressure.
But what he wanted to discuss was important enough not to drag this out. That’s why I wasn’t shocked when he eventually spoke again. “Is the reason you visited Ryan at work the other part?”
My brow furrowed. “The other part?”
“Before, you said you didn’t tell me you were having dinner with my sister because you’d have to tell me why, that part of the reason was you’d have to reveal that her ex had cheated on her. So, I want to know if the other part is the reason that you visited Ryan at work.”
He was asking without asking. But he already knew. No man would show up at another man’s job to let him know that a woman was off limits unless that woman was someone particularly special in his life.
“It is.”
“And what’s the reason you didn’t tell me that a long time ago?”
“Because I didn’t know I felt the way I did about Tessa until this happened to her.”
Not entirely, anyway. She’d always been around, always been important. And I certainly felt disdain for the guy she’d started dating seriously months ago. But it hadn’t quite registered for me as anything beyond deep respect and friendship for her.
“Does Tessa know?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. And I want you to know that I don’t have any intention of rushing this or pushing her into something she isn’t ready for. But I am prepared to be there for her in whatever way she needs me until that time comes.”
“You know what she means to my family, Ace,” Phoenix said.
“Of course, I do.”
“Then all I’m going to ask is that you don’t do anything that’d destroy the respect I have for you.”
It would’ve been easy to get offended by his statement, but I got it. I had a younger sister who meant the world to me. No matter who dated her—a close friend, a stranger, or someone like a brother to me—I’d make certain he knew what my expectations were.
“Phoenix, if I had any doubt about the feelings I have for Tessa, I wouldn’t dream of going there with her. I’d never do this just for fun. It’s serious for me, and I fully intend to do this the right way.”
He dipped his chin in acknowledgement. “I appreciate that and your willingness to take things slow for her sake.”
“You aren’t upset about this?”
Shaking his head, he countered, “Why would I be? I know what kind of man you are. I can’t think of anyone I’d trust more with Tessa than my best friend.”
Relief swept through me. I hadn’t necessarily expected this would lead to a major disagreement between us, but I was glad to know I had his support.
“So, we’re good?”
“We’re good.”
My lips twitched. “Any luck with Faye?”
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have work to do?”
I burst out laughing. Then I got to work. But I didn’t do it for Phoenix. I did it because I had no intention of showing up late to pick up Tessa for our friendly date.