Chapter 4
Brooke
As we sit at the table waiting for our lunch to arrive, my mind wanders. I”m lost in thought, reflecting on the stark contrast between the genuine care and attention Mitch showers upon me and the treatment I endured from Vincent. Mitch allows me a few moments of silence, his patience and understanding evident in his demeanor.
I think back to the early days of my relationship with Vincent, remembering how his initial humor and ability to make me laugh gradually revealed a darker side. His jokes, once lighthearted and amusing, turned cruel, often at the expense of his friends and even me. I recall the discomfort I felt as he mocked and belittled those around him, yet I stayed silent, afraid to rock the boat.
Shame and regret wash over me as I grapple with the realization that I stayed with Vincent despite recognizing his nastiness towards others. His toxic behavior left him virtually friendless and at odds with nearly everyone in his life, including his own father. I wonder how I could have been so blind, so willing to overlook the red flags that were so glaringly obvious in hindsight.
”Brooke?” Mitch”s voice pulls me from my thoughts. ”You okay?”
I meet his concerned gaze and manage a small smile. ”Yeah, I”m just... thinking about everything.”
He reaches across the table and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. ”I”m sure there”s alot going on in your head. Maybe try to relax for a while. Enjoy lunch. Everything”s gonna be fine.”
I nod. Here I am, sitting across from a man who genuinely wants to help me, who sees me as more than just a possession to control. I chose the right place to run to and I”m truly thankful to be sitting here right now.
Mitch”s words bring a sense of comfort, and I find myself relaxing into the moment. The waiter arrives with our burgers, and as we dig in, Mitch shares a bit about his life before starting Blaze Security.
”I spent 20 years in the Navy, you know,” he says between bites. ”I”d always planned to stay for that long. I loved life in the military and I considered staying for one more tour, but I knew it was time for a change.”
I lean forward, intrigued. ”What made you decide to start your own security company?”
Mitch takes a sip of his drink, considering his response. ”I wanted to do something that would allow me to help people, to make a difference. And I figured with my background, I could offer a unique perspective.”
I nod, understanding the desire to find purpose and meaning in one”s work. ”That”s admirable. It must have been a big adjustment, leaving the service after so long.”
”Oh, it was,” Mitch admits, his eyes taking on a distant look. ”The Navy was my life for so long, and walking away... it felt like leaving a part of myself behind.”
”Do you regret it?” I expected him to express some sort of regret, but he surprised me.
”Not for a minute. There was a huge adjustment period, but I don”t regret getting out when I did.” His eyes were clear and I could tell he was absolutely telling the truth.
”Why do you think you don”t have regrets?” I”m genuinely curious and I hope he can see that I”m interested in his story. In him.
”Well, I gave my all every single day from the minute I went into basic training in Great Lakes. I was on the SEAL track from the day I enlisted. So I went directly to Coronado right after basic was over. And my dedication never stopped. To the Navy. To my country. To my brothers. Especially my brothers.” He chuckled. ”Those guys. We had some crazy times.”
”I think I understand. Serving and brotherhood. Something that”s still part of your life.” I nod and smile feeling like I”ve gotten a little view into what drives him.
As we continue to talk, I”m drawn to Mitch”s openness and honesty. He shares a few stories of his time in the service, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. I listen intently, appreciating the vulnerability he displays in sharing such personal experiences with me.
Suddenly, Mitch”s expression shifts, and he looks at me with an intensity that catches me off guard. ”Brooke, since we”re being honest, I feel like I need to tell you that I haven”t been able to keep you out of my thoughts since the moment you walked into my office. I know there”s a significant age difference between us, and I don”t want to make you uncomfortable.”
I feel my cheeks flush, a mixture of surprise and something else—a fluttering sensation in my stomach that I can”t quite place. No one has ever looked at me the way Mitch is looking at me now, with a combination of desire and genuine care.
”Mitch, I...” I start, unsure of how to respond. ”I don”t know what to say.”
He reaches across the table, his hand gently covering mine. ”You don”t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel, and that I”m here for you, in whatever capacity you need me to be.”
I”m truly thankful for his honesty and I”m flattered. ”Thank you for telling me. And I appreciate your help more than I could ever express.”
”Look, I can have Jett or Dillon take point. They can keep me informed, but one of them can work with you directly if you prefer.” I can tell he”s pulled a neutral mask over his face so I don”t see his disappointment.
”I want you.” I realize this is true in more ways than one.