34. Chapter 34 - Cade
Every day I’m with her it’s harder to believe why her family treated her the way they did.
She’s fucking wholesome. Sweet with a subtle humor that she’s finally letting escape in tiny teases.
With each little smile, the need to see it again digs deeper into my chest. And I hate how much I’m enjoying just touching her. Even if it’s just a hug or caress, it makes me feel more present.
Like her, all I want is someone to want me.
I can take comfort in her company.
And I can lie to myself that it’s all I want.
Standing in the hotel hall, I wait outside her door for her to unlock the deadbolt.
“Morning,” she says breathlessly with pink cheeks. “I’m all set, I just need to grab my purse.”
We spent yesterday at the Social Security office and the Office of Records to get her birth certificate.
I’m sure she’s tired of administration buildings by now.
As she falls into step next to me, she drifts her hand around the inside of my wrist.
Reflexively I grip her fingers in mine, secretly grateful.
“Did you sleep okay?” Her big blue eyes peer up from near my shoulder.
“I guess.” I shrug. “All I see is fire when I try.”
Her lower lip pouts out in a frown but shows the mark where it was split is quickly healing. I’m happy to see her limp has disappeared as well.
“That’s understandable. I see it too, but it’s Eli burning everything important to me.” She clings tighter and shivers as we leave the warmth of the hotel. “I don’t want to go back.”
“It won’t be for long. Just to get the horses and swap rigs.” I can’t wait to get the hell out of Montana.
If I never come back it’d be too soon. The best part of this state is hanging off my arm and I’m taking her with me.
“How long does it take to drive to Texas?” She lets me guide her to the SUV and hold the door for her.
I don’t answer until I’m sitting behind the steering wheel. “Long,” I groan. “I made it in about three days. Now that it’s winter, it might take longer if we hit a storm.”
“Oh, I’ll watch the weather reports tonight and find the safest route.” She beams. “One of the only websites I was allowed to visit outside of school was for weather.” Her eyes unfocus as she stares out the window. “It’s pretty fascinating stuff.”
I tilt my head and sneak a glance of wonderment at her. She surprises me with the stuff she’s learned despite being basically locked up her entire life.
“Do you have a map?” She blinks while she chews on the inside of her cheek. “I’ll need it.”
With a chuckle, I shake my head. “I used the GPS the whole trip.”
“Ah.” Her shoulders slump. “I forgot that’s a thing.” Her hand waves idly. “I’m not used to all of this new-fangled technology.”
That makes me snort. “You’re half my age, grandma.”
“Hey—” She feigns a pout while a smile tickles over her lips. “—a calculator was a big deal for me.”
“When we’re done with this, let’s find a bookstore.
You’ll probably want something to read anyway so you don’t get sick of talking to me.
” Pulling into the parking lot, I kill the engine and pull out my phone.
“There’s one just a few blocks away right next to a Greek restaurant. ” I glance over. “Ever had a gyro?”
Her blonde brows pucker. “Um, I haven’t tried many places. My brothers would take me to a drive through usually for my events.”
I feel guilty that we did that last night for dinner before hitting the hotel.
“Then we’re going to start trying new places until you find a favorite.” I walk with her through the double glass doors to the ticket machine just inside.
After two hours of waiting, she’s sitting in the passenger seat staring at her new card. “My face is still puffy.”
I reach over to pat her arm. “Beautiful though.” I give her an exaggerated wink. “I promise you’re the only one who notices.”
She sighs as she tucks her ID into her purse. “I appreciate you doing this.”
“Wouldn’t trade it for the world,” I grunt. “Best distraction I could ever hope for from the shit at Black Gulch.”
Her fingers pick at the hem of her new jeans. “You really wouldn’t rather be there? You can explain to your brother what happened.”
“When I have something to show him, I will.” I walk with her inside the restaurant, the smell of fresh baked bread and oregano nearly overwhelming me.
The girl at the kiosk weaves us between several rows of tables before depositing us in a booth near the back.
I want to crack a joke to Rosalyn about this being a date except I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.
She’s just getting used to actually touching someone, I don’t ever want her to feel like she’s being pushed into something more.
As she flips through the menu, that lower lip gets rolled between her teeth so often I’m afraid she’s going to chew it off.
“Ros? Know what you want?” I’m not even looking at the pages, I’m too transfixed by her pink cheeks and that damn mouth.
“It’s all too expensive,” she whispers. “I don’t know what to get.”
“Whatever you want. If it’s too much they have to-go boxes.” I prop my chin on my palm, leaning closer.
“Those are spicy if you like that. Those come with a thick broth that I always used extra bread for.” My finger points to random spots in the page. “I may have been here a few times.” This used to be one of my go-to eats whenever I came this way.
“You said the gyro? I’ve never had one but they sound good.” She squints, leaning closer. “And it’s one of the cheaper things.”
This explains why all she wanted was the cheeseburger yesterday from the kid’s meals.
“Hi. Can I get some drinks started for you?” Our waitress appears, bubbly and bright next to the table.
Then I see her smile falter when I turn, her eyes drifting down over the scars on my face.
Fuck. Ros has made me forget they exist.
It’s a shock back to reality.
Dropping my chin to shadow my cheek under my hat, I clear my throat. “Ros?”
She furrows her light colored brows, glancing between me and the waitress. “Um, I’ll have a water, please?”
“And for you, sir?” The girl keeps her gaze avert, focusing instead on the divider towards the rest of the room.
“Same,” I grunt without looking up.
She rushes away, tucking her notepad in her apron.
“What was that about?” Ros leans with a hushed whisper.
I shrug, trying to wave it off. “I’m used to it. I wasn’t much to look at to start.” I give her my best lopsided grin.
Her nose wrinkles. “Thought you weren’t gonna lie to me?” The blue in her irises nearly disappear in the dim light, but I can still catch the mischief glittering in them.
There she is. The tease of the real her. The part that lures me and makes my jeans grow tight. “You’re the only person who thinks that.”
She purses her lips, staring at my face as if she’s appraising a painting. “I like how you look.” Pink rises up her throat. “It makes me feel safe. You look like you could fight a bear and win.” She reaches out, covering my knuckles with her warm fingers. “Everytime I see you I know I’m protected.”
Well damn. A lump forms in my throat.
I’ve never thought of it that way.
“I would, you know? Fight off a bear for you.” I have to clench my jaw to keep my voice from cracking.
Her chin raises, any hint of levity missing from her features. “I know you would.”
Fuck. I’ve never had that level of trust from anyone.
It’s the best gift I could ever receive.