I lean back to stare into his eyes. “Scared of what?”
He takes a deep breath. “Scared of losing you. Scared you won’t like what you see.”
I take his chin in my hands so he can’t look away. “You’re a good man, Durango. You aren’t going to scare me away.”
He pushes some hair away from my face. “It’s not just that. I like you so much. I always have. But anytime we start to get close, you do something to push me away. First, it was Ozzie. Now it’s causing arguments.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he puts his fingers on his lips.
“Hear me out, okay?”
I nod and move my hands to his chest.
He takes a moment before he speaks, as if he wants to get the words just right. “What you did with Ozzie hurt me deeply. I didn’t say anything then because we were just friends and you’d never given me a reason to think anything else. But to find out it was all a game you played, well, I was pissed off. But that was ten years ago, and like you said, you were young and immature.
“Then today, it felt like you were trying to push me away. Right when we were finally getting our chance. And it left me wondering if maybe things hadn’t changed.” He averts his gaze, and in that moment, I can see the pain I’ve caused him etched on his face. His eyes are glassy, and he takes a deep breath beforeturning his eyes back to mine. “But Axel made me see maybe I am a bit closed off emotionally. When you came out here just now and told me what’s going on, I realized this is different. We’re both different.”
“I’m so sorry. It wasn’t my intent to come across like I’m playing games. I’m just so raw with emotion, and I feel so exposed.”
He pulls me in tighter. “I get that. With everything going on, it’s hard to deal with. But no matter what, I’m here for you.”
I nod.
“Unless you push me away again.”
I take a step back. “What do you mean?”
His eyes meet mine, and a tear falls down his cheek. I wipe it away. I’ve never seen this man get emotional, much less cry. I ache to take away his pain.
“I’m falling for you, and I’m not willing to play games.”
“I don’t want any games.”
He lets out a breath. “Good, because I don’t think I can let you go. And if you can have a little patience with me, I’ll open up. A lot has happened in the past ten years, and honestly, I don’t like to talk about it. But there are some things you should know. To help understand me.”
“I’d like that. Thank you.”
He leans down, touching his forehead to mine.
“Durango, I’m falling for you, too.”
He grins, and I can’t help but grin back at him. My heart is so full. I’ve never felt anything this strong. He’s my one, and I won’t let anything stand in our way.
CHAPTER 28
Durango
After our talk outside,it felt like a load was lifted off my shoulders. All four of us are in the kitchen when Axel claps his hands together.
“Okay. We should discuss sleeping arrangements. I have my room. There is a guest room with a queen bed. The third room has an air mattress on the floor.”
“We can share the guest room,” I suggest.
Axel’s brows go up. “All right. Things are good with you two. That’s great. So, Samantha…”
“Yes?” She grins.
Axel rubs the back of his neck. He appears nervous, not a look I usually see him wear. “Are you all right with the air mattress?”
