Typically I hate being the man who does issues by the guide.

Eight

Blaze

I sit at my desk, a brand new shopper’s file open earlier than me, however my thoughts is one million miles away. The occasions of the previous few days have left me reeling, and I discover myself questioning the whole lot I believed I knew about myself.

For years, I’ve believed that I used to be simply actually dangerous with girls, that I used to be destined to be alone. However then Brooke walked into my life, and the whole lot modified. Our connection is profound, real, and in contrast to something I’ve ever skilled earlier than. She’s the one I have been ready for all alongside.

Because the gravity of this realization sinks in, my coronary heart plummets. Doubts plague my thoughts, and I am satisfied that I am not ok for her. My age, my emotional baggage… how may I presumably be the person she deserves? Brooke is younger, vibrant, with a brilliant future forward of her. I am unable to maintain her again.

“Get your thoughts proper, Blaze. You have to transfer on.” Speaking to myself would not assist.

I attempt to give attention to work, however my ideas hold drifting to Brooke. I stare out on the breathtaking mountain view outdoors my window, misplaced in my internal turmoil. The file in entrance of me blurs, and I can not seem to make sense of the phrases.

“Mitch?” Her whispered voice jolts me from my reverie, catching me off guard. I swivel my chair to face her, my coronary heart racing on the sight of her standing in my doorway.

“Brooke, what are you doing right here?” I ask, my voice hoarse with emotion.

She takes a step into my workplace, her eyes locked on mine. “I could not go away issues unfinished between us. I have to know… do you actually not need this? Us?”

I shut my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath. I haven’t got the vitality to maintain up the farce, so I simply inform the reality. “It is not that straightforward, Brooke. That is the sincere reality. I am too previous for you, I’ve acquired an excessive amount of baggage. You deserve higher than me.”

Brooke shakes her head, a fierce willpower in her eyes. “That is not true, Mitch. I do not give a shit how previous you’re, and all of us have baggage. You bought a entrance row seat to a few of my baggage earlier than you knew something about me. What issues is how we really feel about one another.”

She takes one other step nearer, and I can really feel the heat radiating from her physique. “And I understand how I really feel about you, Mitch. I’ve by no means felt this fashion about anybody earlier than. You make me really feel protected, cherished, and alive in methods I by no means thought attainable.”

“Look, Brooke, that is candy of you to say, however you are in all probability nonetheless slightly shaky over Vincent exhibiting up and all. I do know I make you are feeling protected. I am fairly good at my job.” I am unable to consider I am being so callous, however as a lot as I need her in my life, I am unable to do that to her.

“So that you suppose I fell for you since you’re a giant dangerous Navy SEAL? Develop the hell up.” She places her arms on her hips and glares at me.

“Huh?” I am shocked at how she’s standing as much as me.

“You heard me loud and clear. However this is the deal. You are a giant dangerous dude who’s afraid to fall in love. Oh you would kick down doorways with out pondering twice about it, however letting a girl get near you scares you to demise.” She’s not backing down and I am not likely certain what to do.

After which my coronary heart swells at how she’s standing up for what she desires and for us. All of a sudden I am closing the gap between us and reaching for her, pulling her into my arms. “Brooke, I… I do not know what to say. I need this, I need you, however you are proper. I’m scared. Scared of wounding you, of not being sufficient.”

“Oh, Mitch. Simply cease overthinking it. Every thing’s a threat. However I do know deep down in my soul that we’re well worth the threat.”

She’s gained me over. I see her level and I really agree. “Sorry for being such a dumbass.”

“No worries,” she says with amusing. “Simply do not let it occur once more.”

I lean down and kiss her with a ardour I do know won’t ever dim. She’s value doing it scared.

Epilogue

Brooke

Six Months Later

I sit shut beside Mitch on the breakfast bar, our knees brushing as we sip our espresso. The morning daylight streams by the home windows, casting a heat glow throughout his good-looking face. I am unable to assist however smile, remembering our passionate lovemaking earlier than we managed to pull ourselves off the bed.

“I do not know the way I can ever thanks sufficient,” I say softly, assembly his blue eyes. “For getting Vincent out of my life for good.”

Mitch chuckles, his hand discovering mine and giving it a squeeze. “That was extra his lack of character than any wonderful expertise on my half.”

“Oh, I do not learn about that,” I tease, arching an eyebrow. “I appear to recall you having some fairly wonderful expertise…”

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