“These hurt.” I lifted my hand and gently touched his cheek. He stood there not moving a muscle, letting me touch his face. When I pulled my hand back, he released a shuddered sigh as though he was in pain.
“I’m fine,” he whispered and his mouth curled up on one side. “I was thinking you might like to grab a coffee before I go on shift.”
“Sure. Let me get my coat.” I smiled softly as I turned and walked back to my room. Ava was fast asleep in her crib. I grabbed the monitor and my coat, and headed back to the family room. Lauren was reading on the couch. “Can you keep an ear out for her? She just went down, and should sleep until I get back.”
“No problem.” Lauren set the monitor on the table beside her.
“Thanks.” I slipped my coat on and turned toward Blake. “We can’t be out long. I need to be here when she wakes.”
“We’ll be quick. I just want to talk to you about something,” Blake promised as he opened the door and let me pass. ooooooooo
It didn’t take long to get to the coffee shop, and when we did it was surprisingly empty. “So, is this going to be our thing?” I glanced up at him as we stood in line. I couldn’t help but stare at the bruise.
“It can be.” He smiled. “I’m always up for coffee with a beautiful woman.” I blushed and turned away. I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t used to being complimented. “It’s the truth.” He nudged my shoulder as we moved up in line.
After ordering our coffees, we made our way to a table in the back. Soft music filled the air along with the clicking of laptop keys. This was a popular place for young professionals to work while they snacked. “I’m surprised it isn’t more crowded.”
“This is an odd time. Usually the rush is around meal time. We’re in between that,” Blake mused as he sat across from me. “I guess I should tell you about this before you stare a hole in my face.” He laughed lightly.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I just know how bad those hurt.” I cringed as Blake seemed startled by my response.
“Your ex hit me. He saw us the last time we came here. This was a warning, apparently.” He shrugged.
“A warning for what?” I gasped.
“To stay away.” Blake rolled his eyes. “I’m not staying away, Brooke. We’re friends, and your asshole husband doesn’t get a say in who you are friends with.”
“You’re the victim Roni was talking about.” The words tumbled from my mouth as my head tried to make sense of it all. The pieces were clicking together and light bulbs were flashing. Blake was the reason that my divorce would go through. He was the one pressing charges.
“Yes.” He sipped his coffee and nodded.
“You’re the one who agreed to less jail time so she could pressure him to sign.” I stared at my cup in front of me.
“Yes.” He nodded again. “Before you start worrying or over thinking this any more than you already are… I’m not losing here. I’m ok with this. It was my choice. A bruised cheek isn’t keeping me from anything, but those papers are. I really like hanging out with you, Brooke, and I want you to want to hang out with me more. I know that won’t happen as long as he’s still part of your life. If letting him get off easy helps you, then I’ll do it.”
“You need to think about what you’re giving up. You could send him to jail.” I gasped.
“There’s no thinking about it. I’m doing this so you can have your freedom. I want you and Ava to have a fresh start. I’d like to be a part of it too, but I’m ok if I’m not.” He smiled as he reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
“I didn’t know men like you still existed.” I sniffed. My emotions were overwhelming me and I needed air. “Can we start walking back? Ava will be up soon.”
“Sure.” He stood, slipped into his coat, and then helped me with mine. “Are we ok?” He glanced at me as he held the door open for us. I still wasn’t used to his chivalrous ways.
“What do you mean?” I furrowed my brow.
“I mean, are things ok with us? Are you gonna push me away, or are we still friends?” He was gesturing with his hands as we walked and seemed to be getting slightly frustrated. I couldn’t understand why either.
“I guess.” I tipped my head to the side and looked up at him. His brow creased as his lips thinned. He sighed heavily and then kinda shook his head.
“You’re doing it again,” I muttered as I too shook my head in frustration.
“Doing what?” He came to a halt and stepped closer to the building we were currently walking by.
“Acting weird. You did it when I moved out, and then again at the coffee shop when I ran into Cal. What am I doing that’s upsetting you?” I crossed my arms and shivered against the cold.
“You’re cold. Let’s just get back.” He motioned toward the house. We were still two blocks away.
“No.” I stared up at him. “Warren did this all the time. He’d get mad at me, and then he wouldn’t tell me why. I can’t fix the problem if I don’t know what the problem is.” I rolled my eyes. “So, what am I doing wrong?”
We stood there staring at each other, neither giving in. Finally, he broke. “You’re not doing anything wrong. I’m the one who’s wrong,” he growled.
“You?” I was confused.
“Yeah. I don’t
