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“Wasn’t that why you wanted my help? To get into Sugar & Silk and land a rich guy?”
I frown, but I don’t detect any sarcasm in his tone. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I never imagined dating a guy who owns a plane. I’m realistic. I want a man who’s more financially stable because my ex sucked me dry. That means good credit and decent income. Ideally, his own house since I’ve been living with my mom.”
He gives me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about your ex. He sounds like a real douche.”
"Yeah. Brandon never told me he had problems with alcohol. I only found out after we'd been together for six months. My life was already meshed with his, and getting out was difficult." I look down at my lap, the shame of needing my sister and mom's help still simmering in my soul.
“But you did it. You got out.” His words are tender and feel like a hug.
"I had to," I whisper.
At the end of our relationship, Brandon didn’t attempt to hide his addiction like in the beginning. He lost his job at the post office, drained the money from our bank account, and fell behind on all our shared bills. Stole a few of my things and sold them for booze.
“Did he ever… hurt you?”
“Not physically. Well, only once. He shoved me when I tried to get the vodka bottle from him, but I knew it was the disease talking. He yelled at me because I had the guts to confront him, and I knew it was time to leave.” I learned the hard way that I couldn’t fix him. Fixing myself after the break-up was hard enough.
Gray leans forward and reaches for my hand, squeezing it. “I feel like killing him.”
A pang of joy shoots through me, and I bite my lower lip. I shouldn’t be so excited about the thought of Grey harming Brandon. Inciting violence isn’t my thing. Grey is offering support, though I doubt he’s the kind of man who would protect those he cares about.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Never knew you moonlighted as a hitman. No wonder you’re so rich,” I say in a light tone to keep the overwhelming emotions swirling in my chest at bay.
“I take care of my own,” he says.
Awareness rumbles inside me. The same sentiment that enveloped me after we had sex returns with a vengeance, and it’s hard to describe. A sense of belonging? Of recognizing yourself in someone else's eyes?
The flight attendant returns with Grey’s champagne and exchanges a few pleasantries with him while the cogs turn in my brain. I’m sure Grey takes care of his own, but what did he mean? His ex-wife? His family? Certainly not me.
Knots twist in my stomach. Gosh, I’d like to be his. I bet he’d know how to treat a woman. Not only sexually but in a relationship.
"What happened with your ex?"
Grey places his champagne flute on the table. “Why do you want to know?”
“We'll meet her during this trip, so I need to fill in the blanks. It would be weird to join your family for a wedding when I know nothing about you.” I omit that I’m also dying to know why his marriage didn’t work. What if he cheated on her? The idea makes my heart skip a beat. I hold him in high regard and his betraying his wife would disappoint me.
“I wanted to have kids. She didn’t.”
A thread of relief unfurls within me. So, no cheating. Good. “Didn’t you guys discuss children before getting married?”
“Apparently, not enough. She changed her mind. We got along well, and the only thing missing was starting a family.”
“I see. Hmm… I’m sorry.”
He sits back, his eyes on mine. A flicker of sadness touches his irises, and I restrain myself from jumping across and hugging him. An inexplicable wave of jealousy washes over me. Does he still love his ex? Is that why he hasn't moved on?
“And you haven’t met anyone since the divorce?”
“No. A part of me wondered if something was wrong with me. I was lost, I think. I still haven’t figured out,” he says, his voice low.
A lump lodges in my throat. “I know that feeling all too well.” I wondered if I was doing something wrong when I was with Brandon. It’s probably why I didn’t leave him sooner. Took me a while and a few group support meetings to clear my head. “If I figure it out, I’ll let you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can help me discover why I’m not securing second dates, and I’ll return the favor.” I wink. “If I see any red flags with you over the next few days, I’ll tell you.”
Part of me wants to ramble like usual without filtering my thoughts, but I stop and listen for the first time in a long time. I can make this about his pain, not mine.
