“Him.”
A soft exhale sounds on the other end of the line. “About damn time. What changed? But really, thank God, really, because I don’t think I can stand his moody, mopey ass one more second.”
He was moody? My heart sinks to think that when I was hurting, so was he. “I think I stopped holding back. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“I think it’s more than holding back, Tess. There was a part of you that trusted him, no matter what lies ahead.” He pauses for a moment, and I wonder if the call dropped. “Tess, is he better than Aiden? Does he treat you right?”
“In every way.”
Seth makes a happy hum sound. “You’re a better person since he walked into your life. You’re a fighter, you gained more of a backbone. You’re someone I want Ellie to idolize and adore. Even better, you opened yourself up to the possibility that you can get a happy ending. Figure out the road ahead and fight it with him.”
“Thanks, Seth,” I say softly.
“Also, please screw his brains out some more. Fucker needs it.”
I can’t keep in the resounding laugh. “Yeah, don’t need to worry about that. You still having family day at your house this year?”
“Yes ma’am. I better see your ass there.”
I chuckle out a yes. “You got it, buddy. I’ll talk to you later. Give Ellie bean a hug for me.”
Relief rushes through me. I feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. I return to my kitchen and stare out the window, listening to the morning birds. I hum as arms circle around me, engulfing me in a warm embrace. The scent of him lingers around me, and for a moment, it feels like a dream. He plants a soft kiss on my shoulders, grabbing my coffee to take a sip.
“A little early for Irish, ain’t it?” he grumbles, his morning voice deeper than I remember. Fuck, I just became drenched.
“You’re complaining about having something Irish already?” I smirk at him.
“Perhaps not the Irish I want.” He wraps me tighter, his mouth on my neck, nipping away.
I hum. “Don’t think you can distract me from a certain conversation this morning.”
Alexander set his chin on top of my head. Freaking giant. “Fine, darlin’. Can I at least get some coffee in me, and maybe move this to the couch?” I nod.
I make my way there, preparing to be patient and not be overwhelmed by feelings. Alexander, half naked in my kitchen… I could gawk at him all day. Is this what heaven feels like?
“Wipe the drool, darlin’, or you might get other ideas.” I adjust myself, trying to focus onanythingelse. Seamus curls up next to my side, like the good boy he is, and Alexander sits down next to us. I gather my strength and push away the anxiety.
I clear my throat, signaling the start of this conversation. “I want to allow you the time to explain things. I think we both hurt each other in more ways than one, and we both deserve to be heard.”
“Where would you like me to start?” He sips on the coffee.
“When did things shift?” I know timing is everything for him.
He sighs, clearly preparing himself. “Between the night under the stars after I came to you bleeding and the night you pulled that rebellious stunt at the bonfire. I was furious you didn’t take things seriously, and the thought of something happening to you stirred something in me. I’d never met a woman who challenged me, who mouthed off to me so much. I honestly didn’t know how to function.”
His words are honest, and I feel my breath catching in my throat.
“When you shot me down at the coffee shop, after I told you we might want to work together and you pushed it aside? That’s when at first I thought of you as a task. I used my charm to gain your trust. I watched you slowly fall for me, our date you were more than I expected, your wonderment, your imagination, your kindness, like a fire igniting I couldn’t tell you the truth. What scared me more was the night at Matthew’s, I was furious that something that belonged to me was so brazenly disobeying me. That was the first time I called you mine.”
I could not say anything. I just listen to him, continue. He's a mess like me. “I shocked myself thinking that I called you mine. I just got lost in you and didn’t know how to handle you and the club business and still be the man you deserve.”
I nod. “I guess that would explain the hot and cold moments.” I already know the answer, but I wait for his confirmation.
“I didn’t know how to handle it. Between making runs and what Rawlings asked me to do, things got worse.”
I nod again, listening to him as he continues. “This is why we don’t make decisions based on emotions. When emotions run high, judgment can be impaired.”
I take a second to ask another question. “So… when you told me to “behave” and listen to you..”