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Nothing in the back hallway.
All there was left to check was the patio which—shit. She totally went through there. I swore I could smell her lingering perfume as I pushed the door open and spied the side gate still open. We were miles away from her dorm. The gate creaked with a high-pitched squeak as the humid air filled my lungs, and there she was.
Audrey sat on the ground, her back to the restaurant brick wall, with her arms wrapped around her knees. Her hair hung around her, hiding her face, but she shook. Almost like she was…
A sob escaped, and my heart shattered.
“Audrey, honey.” I crouched and placed a hand on her shoulder. Her skin was sweaty and cold, despite the heat. “What do you need?”
“Can we leave?”
“Of course.” I slid my hand down her back, her smooth skin covered in specks of gravel. “Can I help you up?”
“This is so embarrassing, Theo. I’m not sure I can look at you.” She sniffed and faced the other way when she stood without my assistance. “Can I just call an Uber or something and we pretend this didn’t happen?”
“Not a chance.” I brushed the rest of the rocks off her back and butt, the little pieces clinging to the silky material. A rush of heat hit me as I stared at her very curvy, very perfect ass, but that didn’t matter at all. “Let me walk you to my car and then I’ll settle the bill.”
“God, our dinner! I ruined it. I ruined my first date.” She sniffed again, and I said to hell with this.
I placed my hands on her shoulders, spinning her around so she faced me. Her scrunched nose and red cheeks were so damn cute. Even as her mascara formed dark circles around each eye, she was so pretty. “Audrey, the date isn’t over. You haven’t ruined anything.”
Her bottom lip trembled as she took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry, Theo. Maybe this isn’t?—”
“If you say we shouldn’t do this, I’m going to hard disagree. You’re upset. Something happened, and when you’re ready to tell me, I’ll listen, but you and me? We fit.”
“My brother is in there.” She closed her eyes and hung her head. “With a girl I’ve never seen and… my m-mom. I haven’t seen my mom in months, and she’s here? She doesn’t have money! And she’s with Quentin? Without… telling me? I can’t…“ Another sob escaped, and I yanked her to my chest.
I wrapped her arms around me before squeezing her. I read once that when we hug, we receive endorphins that help our immune system, but you needed to feel the other person’s heartbeat. So that was what I planned to do. I wanted to give Audrey all my heartbeats, to help give her strength when she needed it. Her head rested against my chest, and I rested my chin on top of her head, cocooning her for a few moments of peace.
It was easier focusing on her rather than Quentin. I hated that dude. And her mom not telling her she was in town? Something about money? A family dinner without inviting the one who’d held the whole family together for years? It wasn’t fucking right, and I was furious. It was bullshit. How dare they do that to her? The sweetest, most selfless woman I had ever met? Yeah. I’d do whatever I could to cheer her up and help her forget what she saw.
And, hopefully not run into the Hawthornes on my way out. There was no way to know what I’d say to them, but it wouldn’t be good for any of us.
“You’re okay, honey, I got you.” I rubbed my hands up and down her spine, breathing her in. She smelled delicious and felt so good in my arms. So soft and sexy and strong. “You’re amazing, okay? Fuck your family. Fuck them for not telling you about this.”
She snorted, which was a great sign. “I’m getting mascara on your shirt.”
“Fuck my shirt.”
“Is that gonna be your response to everything?”
“Probably.” I fought a smile and squeezed her extra tight for a beat. Then, I cupped her face and stared at her, hoping she understood how serious I was. “I’m going to grab our food to go, then we’re going to find the best place on campus to eat it, and we’re gonna have the best night.”
“Even if I cry?”
“Even if you cry.” I wiped her tears with my thumbs, doing my damndest to not kiss her. Her lips were so full and wet from her tears, and I wanted to taste them. Kiss the sadness straight out of her. “Now, let me get you into my car. Then we can go.”
She nodded and leaned into my hands. “Thank you. I don’t deserve this from you, but it’s really appreciated.”
“Don’t deserve this?” I ran a finger over her lip, giving in to my wild urge to kiss her. It was a form of torture. “Audrey, you have helped me out numerous times when I desperately needed it. You helped me with my sister after she freaked out. You’re so fucking kind and thoughtful, so yeah, this is the least I can do. Be there for you when you’re sad and upset. This isn’t a burden on me at all. I’m glad you feel safe enough to tell me what’s going on.”
Her eyes welled up, and she sighed, her breath tickling my face. “You make it hard to not fall for you when you say things like that.”
“Stop trying not to. I’m very fall-able.”
Her famous snort returned, and I grinned. “There’s my favorite girl.”
She blushed and stood on her tiptoes, her hands reaching out to cup my face. We looked ridiculous, each cupping each other’s faces, but I about gasped when she leaned up and pressed her perfect lips against mine in a quick peck. It lit me up and made me feel like I could fly. Her touching me first was a huge win and show of trust. “Thank you, Theo. You are one of a kind.”
