Page 30 of Take My Love

“That’s true.” He nods, then glances my way.

“What?”

“Nothin’.”

His sly smirk tells me otherwise.

I blow out an annoyed breath. “Just say it.”

“You called me a brick wall of muscle. And you said my hair looked good.”

“Oh my God…” My head falls back against the seat with a groan. “I said it wasfine. And you know you’re muscular. Did Aundrea never compliment you or somethin’?”

His eyes shift to the road. “Not really. She mostly pointed out what she didn’t like about me and what I needed to change.”

“You know that’s not normal, right? Your partner should love you for you and not wanna change every little thing about you or only point out your flaws.”

“I do know that but I wanted to make her happy.”

“The right person will be happy with exactly who you are.”

“I used to believe that. But I guess she warped my idea of what that means.”

“Well, I’m sure Michelle wouldloveto remind you,” I drawl.

He chuckles. “Why do you say it like that?”

“’Cause she was flirtin’ with you before knowin’ if wewere together or not.”

“Did you want her to think we were together?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then what’re you sayin’?”

“Can we just drop it, please? I’m starvin’, exhausted, and I still have to edit a few videos tonight.”

“Do you want me to cook you somethin’? I wouldn’t mind.”

I shift my gaze toward him. “Depends. What can you make?”

“I can make grilled cheese. Do you have soup?”

“I think so,” I say. “But yeah, that sounds good.”

“Perfect.”

“Did you cook for Aundrea a lot?” I ask, grabbing our bags from the back once we’re parked.

“No, she refused to eat my cookin’. She’d rather go out or order in and then expect me to pay.”

“This is gonna sound rude but I gotta ask…” I walk into the house and he follows me to the kitchen. “Why’d ya stay with her so long? She sounds awful.”

“I’ve been wonderin’ the same thing, honestly. I think it boils down to likin’ the idea of us together, settlin’ down, and startin’ a family. I ignored all her red flags ’cause I wanted someone to love, but I don’t think she knew how to love me back.”

That makes me want to hunt her down and find out what the hell is wrong with her.

We set the bags on the counter, looking at each other. “You deserve someone who will love you back. Even if it hurts right now, it’ll get better.”