One to Love (One to Hold 4)

??Yeah, and she’s really good, a fast learner.” A knot was in my throat, and I knew I had to stop beating around the bush. “I’ve been seeing her away from the gym. She’s really kind and beautiful.”

“That’s great news.” Doc’s voice was cheerful. “So what’s the problem?”

“She doesn’t know about me, about my past.” Pressing my fingers against my closed eyes, I rubbed my eyelids. “I know I need to tell her. I can’t seem to find a way. I wondered... would it be wrong if I didn’t? No—I know I have to tell her everything.”

“It sounds like you know the answer here. What are you asking from me?”

Taking a deep breath, I sat back on the bench. “I’m not asking for anything, I guess. I just needed to hear a friendly voice.”

“You got this, my friend. If she’s the woman you believe she is, she’ll be strong enough for your past.”

“I love her, Doc.” An ache of dread moved through my chest. “I didn’t know I’d never been in love until I met her.”

It was all I was able to say, but he knew the rest. “True love destroys fear. It covers sins. It’s stronger than any human emotion.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s in the Bible.” A voice spoke to him, and the raking sound of his hand over the receiver filled my ear. “I’ve got to go, but listen to me. I know you, and I know your heart. If you love this girl, she has to be something pretty special. Tell her your truth. She’ll love you through it.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

“Talk to you soon.”

I switched off my phone and stared at it a little while. Then I got up and walked slowly to my truck. I would tell her. I’d take a day, collect my thoughts, and I’d tell her my story. If I loved her, I had to believe she was strong enough to hear it.

Chapter 26: “I am Fortune’s fool.”

Kenny

The days flowed by like keys on a piano, each one a beautiful note of music. We spent every night together, either at his place or at mine, and every day at the gym, we exchanged glances from across the room, occasionally passing in the halls to steal a kiss, which naturally led to him copping a feel. I understood Rook and Tammy’s problem with keeping it in their pants now. When you loved someone this much, it was hard to stop at just a kiss, but we did. Slayde respected Rook’s rules.

We passed each night in each other’s arms, making love every way possible. I’d have to revise my answer to Mariska, because he did occasionally hold me down and fuck me hard from behind. It was rough and violent, and I usually felt it the next day. Those were also the nights I came the hardest and glowed the longest, so I guess I was as twisted as he was.

He’d always hold me close to his chest after, his hands soothing me from my stomach to my breasts. He would hold my jaw and kiss me, and I loved his possessiveness. I loved that before falling asleep, he would always check my palm for the tiny heart hidden there.

One night as I lay hugged against him, he held it up and placed his palm against mine. I reached out and touched his hand.

“What’s the 21 for?” I’d promised not to ask about his ink, but this one was always in plain sight.

“It was the year my life changed.” I could tell by his tone it hadn’t been a good change.

“Maybe I can make it a 26?”

He opened our palms so he could run his thumb over my little heart. “I want this instead. I want them to line up when we do this.” I watched him put our hands together again. “Then I want to tell you everything.”

My heart jumped at that statement. “Name the day, and we can run over to White Lotus. I’m friends with the owner.”

“Is that where you did yours?”

Nodding, I smiled, and he rolled me onto my back. His face hovered inches above mine, and he looked deep into my eyes. “I love you, Kenny.”

Nothing kept us apart when he said that.

* * *

Before going to the gym the next morning, we hopped in Henry and drove to the tattoo shop. Wren was there, and she was happy to let us use her spare gun in the back room. She wore a black tank and Love Hurts/Love Heals was on full display.

“I really love your ink,” I said, tracing my finger over one of the curled waves, thinking of our conversation at the gym.