“No, I mean in general. It’s gotten more challenging as Ronnie gets older. He might be struggling to adapt to her recent changes in attitude.”
I scratch at my stubble. “Sounds slightly familiar in a completely different scenario if the roles were reversed.”
She pins me with a narrowed stare. “What’re you trying to say?”
“Gotcha.” I lasso an arm around her waist and crush her to me.
“In spite of your outrageous demands.”
My palm cups her cheek. “See? You get it.”
“That was a stretch.”
“Wasn’t sure what else to say.” The heat rising in my face could be caused by the wind. “Empathy doesn’t exist where I come from.”
She bumps her forehead on my chest. “Gosh, I’m so sorry. You’re listening to me prattle on about small problems when you were raised in horrific conditions.”
“Princess,” I chide and her gaze lifts to mine. “Don’t apologize. That’s not what I need from you. Just be patient with me in these types of situations where you’re expecting sensitivity.”
Her caring gaze assesses mine. “Who’s been taking care of you this whole time?”
“Doesn’t matter. I ended up exactly where I wanted to be.” My shrug pretends to be casual and carefree.
Bianca loops her arms around my shoulders. “Allow me to fill the position.”
“It’s yours whether you want it or not,” I chuckle softly.
“You’re a great man, Colton Keller.”
Warmth travels through my veins, bending me to her every whim. “And Byron seems like a good dad. Better than most. And if he needs support, your family won’t hesitate to stand beside him.”
She nods, a soft smile returning to her beautiful features. “We stick together.”
“It’s incredible to watch.”
Her brows pucker at my solemn tone. “You’re one of us, Stalker. My dad and Brody have made that clear for years.”
I tug her tighter against me. “What about you?”
Bianca laughs, peppering kisses along my jaw. “I took more convincing, but I’m sold.”
That odd, uplifting sensation spreads through me when she peers up at me. It’s as if I truly belong. “Are we done here?”
She bites her bottom lip. “Is there somewhere else you need to be?”
“Inside you,” I murmur against her mouth.
Her grin caresses mine. “What a coincidence. That’s exactly where I want you.”
“We’re very compatible.”
Bianca threads her fingers through mine, tugging us toward the exit. “Mhmm, and you don’t think you’re in touch with other people’s emotions.”
“Just yours, baby girl.”
We’re in a crowded area full of recognizable gossips, but she doesn’t hesitate to initiate another public display. I bask in her joy when she glues herself to my side. Mutual affection pulses between us. It’s a connection I didn’t understand until meeting Bianca.
My much taller height towers over hers, but I bend to kiss her forehead. “I know what love feels like because of you.”
