Dirty Toe Drag (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 6)

His eyes search mine. “So, no. You’re not happy?”

I don’t want to admit that. “I am when I’m at my aunt’s cupcakery and when I’m at Brooks.” I pause then, meeting his gaze. “And I’m happy right now.”

His lips curve into a wide smile as he brings our hands up so he can kiss the back of my hand, staring at me through his lashes. “Sweetheart, listen to me. You have the world in your hands. You can do whatever you want, and guess what, you’ll have support. You come from a great family, and I know they’d be on board for whatever you want because they want you to be happy. Take it from someone who has no family, had no support, and believe my words. You have to do what makes you happy. You only have one life. Do you want to spend it doing something you love or something everyone else thinks you love?”

“The first one,” I admit as I swallow thickly. “I just don’t know how to tell them.”

“Tell them how you told me—confidently and with trust, knowing they’ll be supportive.”

I smile. “I was not confident.”

He scoffs. “Could have fooled me. You exude confidence. It’s my favorite thing about you.”

My grin grows. “Also, I didn’t know you would be supportive. I just didn’t want to lie to you.”

“No. You knew I would be supportive. You knew I was a safe space. I know these things,” he says, tapping his temple with his other hand. He squeezes my fingers, kissing the back of my hand once more, his lips so warm and plump. “I’m glad you told me.”

“You don’t think I’m crazy?”

“Not at all,” he says simply, the sun bright on his face, making the blue of his eyes shine. “I’m all for being happy. If it’s cupcakes for you, cool. I chase after a frozen puck to score in a goal that is guarded by a large man, and I also run into guys for kicks. So, really, who’s the crazy one?”

I laugh along with him, our eyes never breaking contact. “This is very true.”

“Exactly. And the thing is, you’ve got to be true to yourself.”

“You’re right.”

“I am. Not about most things, but this, I am.”

I thread my fingers through his. “Maybe I’ll tell them after this semester.”

“Good plan,” he says, and I can’t believe how safe I feel. I was so scared to tell him, but sitting here, our hands clasped as one as our gazes are locked, I feel right. Safe. I like that word for this feeling. “Do you go to school for making cupcakes?”

I shake my head. “I wouldn’t have to. My aunt is a pro and is training me. She’ll let me work with her. I’d also keep my job at Brooks, too, since I love doing that.”

“I support that greatly since I love seeing you there.”

“I know you do,” I say with a wink, and his smile widens even more. He doesn’t let go of my hand, but he reaches for his coffee, taking a long pull, and I do the same. When I swallow, I glance over at him, enjoying the sun on his face, the way his thumb is still gliding along the back of my hand, and just being with him. Before, when we would find ourselves together, it was always rushed and passionate. While this is passionate, it’s also sweet. It’s…wow, I’m going to use that word again. Safe.

“Thank you,” I say, and he flashes me a wide grin.

“Anytime.”

I exhale as I check my phone. I need to head out in about twenty minutes, no matter that I don’t want this to end.

“You gotta go?”

“Soon. I’m working tonight, and there is a meeting before the dinner shift.”

He nods. “I don’t want you to leave, but you’ll find me up there tonight.”

“I figured I would,” I tease, moving my thumb along his. “Where are you taking me this weekend?”

He smirks, his face so playful and sweet. “That’s a surprise.”

I giggle happily. “Fine, but I need to know what to wear.”

“I’ll give you a hint.”

“Ha-ha. Naked better not be the hint.”

He chuckles. “No. That won’t be the hint.”

We share a heated grin, our eyes dancing together as we both drink our drinks. “Darn,” I tease, and he laughs. I can’t help but do the same. He makes me happy.

“Question,” he says after our laughter subsides. Though, our grins don’t.

“Hit me.”

“Can you make me some cupcakes? I feel like I’m missing out.”

I can’t even explain how I almost shine at his request. “Absolutely. Any requests? Or can I surprise you?”

“Surprise me, and have them ready for our date.”

I beam. “Done.”

He kisses my knuckles. “Your family will say the same, you know. Especially Aiden. He loves cupcakes, but he loves you more.”

My heart skips a beat. “I know.”

And I did know that, but for some reason, hearing it from Wes makes it even more believable.