My Grumpy Old Bear - Jayda Marx Page 0,7
deserved to know what he was. It was her choice if she wanted to leave or stay, but I wanted her to have all the information.”
Well, fuck me. This guy who was half my age was more mature than I could ever dream of being. “It hurt for a long time,” he continued, “But I finally told myself that not all men were like him, and that I deserved to be happy. Keeping myself from getting back out there wouldn’t only keep away the pain; I’d miss out on the good stuff too.” Yep, definitely more mature.
“I’m sorry you went through that,” I told him honestly. Then I groaned. “Oh god, that probably made what I did hurt even worse, didn’t it?”
“A little,” he answered with a tight smile. “But I get it.”
“God, you’re such a good guy and I’m such a raging asshole. That’s another reason I’m worried this wouldn’t work.”
“I already told you I don’t buy the whole ‘there’s no good in me’ routine. The fact that you tried to push me away - even if it was an incredibly stupid and mean thing to do - shows you have some good in you. You were trying to do what you thought was right.”
“I’m just sorry I went about it the way I did.”
“I really wish you would have been honest with me. We could have worked it out.” He sighed again. “Brooks, if you strip away your fears and uncertainty, what is it that you want?”
“I can tell you what I don’t want. I don’t want you going out with any other sons of bitches, especially if one has greasy hair and is a total douche.” I of course was speaking about Kevin, but I didn’t want Noah with anyone else, either.
He tucked his lips in, presumably to keep from laughing. Then he looked at me seriously. “I get that, and I’m flattered, but unless you and I are going to move our relationship forward, I’m not going to stay single because you’re uncomfortable seeing me with another man.” My eyes widened, shocked at the way he was being so firm. “I’m sorry if that sounds rude, but I can’t wait around forever, Brooks. I’m always faithful to my boyfriends; I’ve never cheated on anyone and I never will, but unless you agree to a relationship, I need to move on. There’s no pressure and I’ll accept any answer you give me, but I need an answer now.”
“Damn, Sunshine. You’re sexy when you get serious.”
“Oh my god, did you just compliment me?” he asked, appearing shocked. Because I’d always kept my interest under wraps, I hadn’t ever told him any of the things I constantly thought about him. I’d have to do better. Noah tipped his head to the side. “Wait...did you call me Sunshine?”
“Shit, did I say that out loud?” He nodded and I sighed. “It’s what I call you in my mind; you know, because you’re all cheery and nice and shit.”
“That’s so cute! I love it!” He reached for my hand, but pulled it away before he touched me to rub it over his face. “What are we doing, Brooks? I just...I need to know.”
Every cell in my brain screamed that it was a bad idea to give in, but I mentally told the fuckers to shut the hell up while I looked at Noah. The hope and fear in his eyes were killing me. “I think…” I blew out a big breath. “I think I want to try this.”
“You think or you’re sure? Because if we’re in, I’m all in, and I need the same from you, or I can tell you right now this isn’t going to work.”
Damn, he’s greedy. I love it. “Sunshine, I think it should be pretty obvious I’m not a ‘sharing’ type of guy. I’m a territorial, jealous fucker who would gladly bite your neck and piss a circle around you to lay down my claim. I want to make sure you’re prepared for that.”
Noah stared at me for a moment before bursting out into laughter. “Oh my god, that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard! I knew you had a sweet streak in you.”
Sweet? He thought that was sweet? Hell, then give me a glass of water and ten minutes to work up a piss and I’ll be damn near saccharine.
“I don’t think a piss circle is necessary, though,” Noah winked. “But I’m always down for a little biting action.”
Oh, hell yes. My dick twitched in my