I took a breath before continuing. “I feel stuff for you I’ve never felt for a man. And I want you in my life in a way I’ve never wanted anyone. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m going to fight for this, Donovan.”
He stood, unmoving, his breathing rapid. When his hand came to my face, it was firm but gentle. He grasped my cheek, and when he spoke, his voice was rough. “There’s only been one woman in my life who meant the fucking world to me, and I’ve never wanted anyone since. Then I found you, and fuck, baby, you’ve turned my whole fucking world upside down. I wake up in the morning thinking about you, and you’re the last thing on my mind before I go to sleep at night. We’re gonna fight for this together.”
My heart soared.
I moved into his space, put my arms around his neck, and I kissed him. His lips welcomed mine, and he proved his words with his mouth. Our souls joined in a kiss that began to wipe away the damage of our pasts. A kiss that promised we would meet the future together and fight for the love we both so desperately needed.
***
Later that day, Damian burst my happy bubble when he resigned.
“I’m sorry, Layla, but I can’t pass up this opportunity.”
I couldn’t blame him. He’d been offered a job as a lighting technician for a band, and since that was what he’d been trained for, I would say goodbye with happiness.
“You better get me tickets when they come to Brisbane,” I said.
He grinned. “Absolutely, boss lady.”
“When do you leave?”
“In a week. I can work right up until I leave if you want me to.”
“Do you know anyone who wants a job? Who could actually do as good a job as you, I mean?”
He contemplated that. “No, but if I think of anyone, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.”
“Have you heard from Dale?”
“No, and I don’t think I will. That fucker is long gone.” The anger I’d felt towards Dale had shrunk a little. Enough, so that if I saw him again, the first thing I reached for wouldn’t be his balls.
“Yeah, I think you’re right. I’m sorry he screwed you over.”
“He will be, too, if I ever catch up with him again.”
He laughed. “I don’t fucking doubt it. Lord fucking help him.”
“Sounds about right,” I said with a smile.
We worked quietly to get the bar ready, and as I walked to the door to open for business, he said, “You seem happier today. Did you sort stuff out with Blade last night?”
I turned and nodded. “Yes.”
“I’m glad. You deserve that in your life, Layla.”
I opened the door and let the few customers, who were waiting outside, in, and walked back to where Damian was. “I’m gonna miss you, dude.”
“Yeah, I’d miss me too,” he joked.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m not sure how the fuck Jess and I will cope without you. I mean, you spend half your time checking guys out and the other half annoying the crap out of us. It’s gonna be so hard to replace you,” I said, cocking my head and winking at him.
“Yeah, fuck you, too, boss.”
I grinned. “Right, I’ll leave you to it for a bit. I want to check on Annie and pay some bills. Call out if you need me, yeah?”
He nodded. “How’s Annie doing?”