seems to matter. With Darby at my side, I feel like a fucking superhero. She fills all of my insecurities with her joy and brushes away my worries with a simple smile directed towards me. I stand with little to no confidence, feeling like I’m about to walk into a burning, blessed inferno.
When I round the corner, Darby is bent over the counter with her face buried in her palms. She still has her dress on with her ass cheeks barely peeking out. Her mess of light brown curls masks her face.
“Darby,” I whisper, not wanting to spook her.
She doesn’t respond to me, but I know she heard me. I close the distance between us and can’t help but plant both of my hands on each of her hips. I tug her back as far as she’ll go, which isn’t far. Her elbows remain cemented on the counter and her face still hidden in her palms.
“Talk to me, baby.”
I run one of my hands up the length of her back, then back down. I repeat the motion over and over until I feel her relax into me. She finally stands up, relaxing back into my chest. I let both of my hands wind around to her front until I have pressed her all the way up to me.
I use my chin to nudge her hair out of the way until my lips are on her skin.
“Talk to me, Darby.” I kiss her gently. “Fucking hell, please talk to me.”
I pull her back into me, this time rougher with panic rising up in the back of my throat. She’s running. She’s fucking scared to even try, and I can’t even be mad because I’ve done it so many times since Gia. If anyone understands this feeling, it’s me.
“I’m scared, Rhett. I’m just fucking scared.”
I feel a tear of hers drop on my forearm. She doesn’t give me time to ask why before spilling it all.
“We are both hot messes, to say the least. You’re a fucking stripper and I know you’ve been taking over Zane’s old business. I’m not stupid.”
I’ve hurt her.
“You’re right. I did pick up Zane’s clients, but it only lasted a couple of weeks before I realized I wanted you more. I still strip at the club, but that’s it.”
“Rhett Westburn doesn’t do relationships. I know this from hanging out around town and at the club.”
“He didn’t until you.” I try to turn her around in my arms, but she plants her feet.
“You know each week when I come watch your show?”
I know it’s a question, but not one intended for me to answer, so I remain silent and let her talk.
“I actually love watching you up there on stage. You’re so powerful and fucking sexy. You stare me down out of everyone in that fucking club, but yet you entertain all the ladies like your eyes are on them, when they’re not, they are on me. You make me feel everything, Rhett, like no one has before.”
Another long pause and I steady myself for the fucking blow that’s about to land.
“It’s like you only truly let me have you at night and when day hits, you’re everybody else’s. I know it’s your personality, and I have grown accustomed to it, but do you know how hard it is to hear that fucking bleach blonde club whore talk about you fucking her each night before the show?”
And I’ve never felt like more of a piece of shit in my life.
5
Darby
This time it’s his silence coating the area of the kitchen. I’m thankful I can’t look into his fucking gorgeous eyes or I’d be a goner concealing all these fears in. But I meant what I said in the toast. I want him, I want the chance, and mostly the happily ever after with Rhett¸ but I have to be honest with myself first. He’s a player, the town bad boy who's going to break my heart. I’ve never given it to a man before and that scares me.
The only problem is, I didn’t give it to Rhett either…he stole it. I’m no angel and have had my fair share of one night stands and am willing to own up to them.
“Darby. She’s nothing.”
His words make bile rise up in the back of my throat. It’s not an easy job, but I tear from his grip and finally face him. I’m no longer afraid of showing him my tears and fears.
“Listen, fucker.” I push back on his chest. “I