Page 91 of She's Like the Wind

“And when you left—when you acted like I was just…a warm body, something fun to pass the time with—I went right back to that place. That tiny, pathetic version of me. And it scared me.”

I reached out and took her hand in mine, squeezed.

“So…it’s just so strange that your family is like all in and….” She shook her head as if still puzzled.

“I’m sorry, baby. For every time I made you question your worth. For every second, you felt like youweren’t enough. You were too much in all the best fucking ways, and I didn’t know how to be a man who deserved you.”

She searched my face. “And now?”

“Now,” I said, taking a breath, “I’ve been going to therapy every week. And I’ve learned that I used my grief like a wall. I didn’t want to lose anyone else, so I never let them close enough to matter. But you mattered. You broke through. And when I lost you…fuck, Naomi, my life went from feeling good to feeling empty.”

She lifted our hands to her lips and kissed the back of mine.

I disentangled from her touch, leaned forward, and cupped her face.

“I’m not trying to fix the past. But I’m building every day now to be a man you can count on.”

She turned her face and kissed the palm of my hand. “I know. And thank you.”

“Well, look who’s here,” a voice called.

Naomi squealed and hugged Jonah. I rose and shook hands with him,reluctantly.

“It’s been ages,” Naomi said.

The smug asshole smiled. “Busy, busy.” He pulled up a chair to our small table and took a seat,uninvited. “You know, Gage, I didn’t think this was your kinda place. I don’t think they have a single beer on tap.”

I arched an eyebrow while Naomi chuckled softly.

“I go where she goes.”

He laughed. “Good answer.” He turned to Naomi, taking her hands in his. “You’re lookin’ good, darlin’.”

I hissed.

Naomi let out a peal of laughter.

“Stop being mean, Jonah.”

“Why?” Jonah smirked. “He’s so fuckin’ jealous and easy, he’s almost beggin’ for it.”

“Just stop touching her,” I retorted.

He leaned back and held up both his hands, palms out. “I’ve moved on, man. You think I was gonna give up international playboy status for a woman who clearly never stopped loving you?”

“International? Aren’t we stretching the truth,” Naomi mocked.

Jonah looked at me, his eyes serious. “She looks happy.”

“She is happy.”

“Sheis sitting right here!” Naomi raised her hand as if she were in a classroom.

“Don’t fumble it,” Jonah advised.

I nodded. “I’m not planning on it.”

“Good. Looks like you’re less of an asshole these days.”