Chapter 4
Reggie, do you really think Marian’s job is suitable for a young woman?” Mr. Hanley’s voice cuts through the hum of the dinner table, laced with disapproval.
I look at Marian, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. My stomach knots up as I sense the tension she’s carrying. “Marian’s more than capable,” I say, keeping my tone even. “She’s got talent and drive.”
Mrs. Hanley clucks her tongue, eyeing her daughter with a mix of concern and critique. “A bartender isn’t exactly...prestigious.”
“Mom.” Marian’s voice is strained, and it hurts to see her uncomfortable like this. How do her parents not know how amazing she is? She looks down in her lap and twists her napkin around her fingers.
Seeing her struggle stirs a protective fire inside me. I lean forward. “Actually, Marian’s been working on something pretty amazing. Haven’t you told them about your exhibition?”
Her green eyes flicker to mine, surprise etched in them. She shakes her head slightly, her eyes wide and imploring.
Oh fuck.
“An exhibition?” Mrs. Hanley’s fork pauses in mid-air.
“Yes, ma’am,” I nod. “She’s an incredible photographer. Isn’t that why you came to visit?”
Marian’s gaze drops, but then she lifts her chin. “The show opens Friday night at the VA Center. They commissioned me to create portraits of some of the military veterans living in the Heartland region.”
“Photography?” Mr. Hanley leans back, skepticism written all over him. “Is there a future in that?”
The urge to defend her surges. “There’s heart in it,” I counter. “That’s what matters. Marian has an eye for beauty that most people miss. Trust me, you don’t want to skip it.”
Protecting her feels right. And hell, if praising her art gets me closer to her, I’ll shout about it from the mountaintop. Hell, I haven’t seen any of the photos in her upcoming exhibit, but I’ve seen other photos of hers and know she’s incredibly talented.
“Portraits of soldiers?” Mr. Hanley’s eyebrows knit together in a display of perplexity that mirrors his wife’s expression. Mrs. Hanley sets her fork down with a delicate clink against the porcelain plate.
“Yes, portraits of veterans,” Marian says, her voice sounding stronger. “A lot of men in the Heartland community served this country. The VA Center wants to honor them.” She pauses for a moment, and then her voice wavers. “Anyway. It’s a small exhibition. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”
“Small exhibition or not, it’s yours,” I interject, feeling an overwhelming need to make her parents respect what’s important to her. I won’t let them continue to be dismissive of her. “Marian’s talent is undeniable. Surely you’ve seen her photographs and know this.”
“Well, we’ll consider it,” Mrs. Hanley says, with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. How did these two staid people raise a daughter who is so creative, warm, and passionate? She is nothing like them.
“Thank you, Mom,” Marian responds, her voice wary.
The rest of dinner passes in a blur of polite conversation and excellent food. All the while, I’m hyper-aware of Marian beside me, her resilience in the face of scrutiny, her quiet courage. And damn if that doesn’t make me admire her all the more.
I slide my chair subtly closer to Marian and drape my arm across the back of her chair. She sits up straighter as if drawing strength from the gesture.
I admire Marian—her spirit, her talent, and how she strives to fulfill her dreams, even when the people who should be supporting her most keep trying to tear her down. The protective urge within me roars like wildfire, fierce and unyielding. She deserves someone who sees her worth and champions her aspirations without reservation.
Someone like me.
Marian only startsto relax as I drive her home. It kills me that seeing her parents is so stressful for her, but I understand exactly how she feels more than I want to.
“Thanks for being here tonight, Reggie,” she says as I pull up in front of her building. That breathy whisper of hers is going to be the death of me. “It means a lot.”
“Anytime, Marian,” I assure her, reaching out and taking her hand in mind. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” And I mean it.
I glance over at her, the soft glow of the dashboard lights casting shadows across her face.
“Listen, Marian,” I begin, my voice firm but quiet. “Whatever happens, I’ve got your back. With the exhibition, with your folks...whatever you need.”
She turns to me, those big, bright eyes catching mine, and a familiar longing tugs at my heart. It’s more than just wanting to protect her; it’s about wanting her, period.
“Here we are,” I announce unnecessarily, climbing out of the truck. I round the hood and reach her door as she unbuckles her seatbelt.
“Such a gentleman,” she teases, a sweet smile on her plump lips.
“Old habits,” I reply, offering her my hand and helping her down.
“Tonight was...” she starts, then trails off, searching for the right word.
“An adventure,” I finish for her, grinning despite the tension that’s been riding my shoulders all evening.
“Exactly.” Her laugh is the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. “Thank you, Reggie.” She stands close, the warmth of her body a stark contrast to the cool night air.
I nod, tucking my hands in my pockets. “Anytime. I mean it when I say you can always rely on me, Marian.”
Marian wraps her arms around me in a sudden, tight embrace, her head tucked against my chest. I’m frozen for a second, caught off guard by the sudden contact, but then my arms fold around her instinctively.
“Thank you for standing by me tonight,” she murmurs into my shirt, her words muffled but clear in the night.
I hold her, the heat of her body seeping into my skin. She pulls back slightly, her hands resting on my chest as she looks up at me with her pretty emerald eyes. And then, she’s on her toes, her lips brushing against mine in a featherlight kiss that’s over before I can fully register it.
My heart hammers in my chest.
That.
Wasn’t.
Enough.
“Wait,” I command as she tries to pull away.
Her eyes flick up to me, and I cup her face, relishing the softness of her skin against my palms. My pulse pounds in my ears as I lower my head and claim her sweet mouth in a searing kiss.
“Reggie...” Marian’s voice is erotically breathless.
This time, an urgent hunger fuels our kiss, setting off a primal reaction in my soul. Her tongue teases and sucks at mine, and I pull her lush curves against my body, aching to explore her body.
I have to win her over.