Beautifully Broken

Having worked through my lunch hour because I started late, I’m hungry and tired.

I glance at the clock again, and a wave of relief washes over me when I see it’s one minute to five. I watch the seconds tick by and then walk to the front of the store.

“Bye,” I say uncomfortably, not sure if I can call Joshua by his first name.

He smiles at me, but the smile doesn’t extend to his eyes. “Bye, Nina. Have a good night.”

“Thanks… you too,” I almost sputter, and then I rush out of the store.

Damian’s parked right out front, and he’s leaning against the driver’s door with his arms crossed over his chest. When his eyes land on me, he pushes away from the car and walks toward me. “Hey, gorgeous.”

Lifting a hand, he reaches for me, and wrapping his fingers around the back of my neck, he pulls me into a hug.

We’re standing in front of the hardware store.

My boss can see us.

Everyone can see us.

My eyes widen as Damian leans closer to me. I feel his breath on my cheek. His eyes flick over my shoulder at the entrance to the hardware store, and then they flick back to me, and oh my freaking word, it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

When Damian’s mouth brushes over mine, I forget to breathe. I’m still stuck in a trance as he guides me around the car, and opening the passenger door, he waits for me to climb inside before he shuts it behind me.

My eyes follow him as he walks around the front of the vehicle, and I watch as he waves at Joshua, who’s been staring at us from the doorway.

Seeing Joshua snaps me out of my stupor, and I realize Damian’s just acting like we’re a married couple for appearance's sake.

I wouldn’t have minded if it weren’t an act, though.

Letting out a sigh, I pull on my safety belt as Damian slips behind the steering wheel.

Starting the engine, he asks, “How was your first day?”

“I think I did okay,” I mention.

“How did Joshua treat you?”

I slant my eyes to Damian. “After the stunt, you pulled he was sweet as pie.”

“Good,” he chuckles while steering the car toward the diner. “Let me know the second anyone gives you trouble.”

I can’t stop a smile from forming around my lips. “Always the protector.”

Damian shakes his head. “No, just taking care of my woman.”

His words make a flush of heat spread through me, and then happiness bursts inside my chest.

I love the sound of that.

His woman.

Damian glances at me, catching the smile on my face. “You look happy.”

“I am,” I murmur as I lean my head back against the headrest.

“Yeah?”

Nodding, I wish I could explain how good it feels to be happy because I thought it wasn’t in the cards for me.

Feeling overwhelmed, I turn my gaze to the window.

I’m really happy.

Damian’s hand covers mine, and he gives me a quick squeeze before he places it back on the steering wheel.

“Another win, baby.” Hearing the pride in his voice makes a tear escape and brush it quickly away.

“Another win,” I chuckle.

Chapter 30

DAMIAN

I wipe the sweat from my forehead and then secure the last of the screws for the landing. Once I’m done, I stand back and look at what I’ve achieved this past week.

The ramp is perfect. I’ve given Mr. Taylor enough elbow space as well. At the rate I’m going, I’ll complete the job sooner than I expected.

I pack up my tools and then walk into the house. “I’m heading home, Mr. T.”

“Would you like to stay for some coffee and cookies?” Mrs. Taylor asks from the kitchen. She baked today, and it smells mouthwatering.

“No thanks, Mrs. T. I have to pick up Nina from work.”

“Of course. I’ll keep some for you for tomorrow. You have a good night, dear. Send my regards to Nina.”

I rush to the car, not wanting to be late to pick up Cara. I have a little surprise for her. The drive into town is quick, and as I stop in front of the hardware store, Cara comes out.

My eyes drift over her face as she walks toward our vehicle. She looks a little tired, but she smiles happily when she sees me.

The work is good for her. It’s not the job I would’ve chosen for her, but it keeps her busy.

Cara gets into the car, and I lean over, pressing a kiss to her lips. “Hey, gorgeous. How was your day?”

It’s becoming routine, the hello and goodbye pecks. I tell myself it’s only for appearances, but yeah, that’s total bullshit. I’m stealing every touch I can get from her.

“It was good. The rest of your lumber order came in. You can pick it up when you drop me off tomorrow morning.”

“Great, just in time,” I say as I drive us to the local car dealership.