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I worry if I tell her now that I'd like her to be a permanent fixture in my life that I'll scare her away.
So for now, I'm going to keep that bit of information to myself.
She crosses her curvy legs on the couch and digs into the bottom of her cardboard container with chopsticks, getting every last bite. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. With every breath I inhale the spice and sweetness of our food and the delicious smell of Zoe.
Now that she is here, I feel like I could take on the world.
I'm not worried about what Cameron is doing or planning next, I have no concern about Felicity's behavior, I'm just happy to be here with Zoe. And that thought gives me an idea.
“Hey, would you like to go somewhere exotic with me?” We both just got back from vacation, but if it's possible, I'd like to take her somewhere new, just the two of us. I want a break from all the stress and drama.
She looks at me with a playful smile. “What are you talking about?”
“I want to take you somewhere. Hawaii, Bali, Fiji, I don't care. Just somewhere far away from here. Just the two of us.” As I say the words, she sits upright, an expression of concern crossing her face.
“Is everything okay?”
I nod my head. “I just want to get away from the stress and the pressure dealing with Cameron, thinking about my father's stuff. I want to just spend time with you.”
“That's really sweet, Damien,” she says, her gaze darting back and forth between mine, “but in my experience, it's better to face our problems rather than run from them. Because if you start running now, you'll never stop.”
Of course, I know she's right.
“You're too smart,” I say, leaning in and kissing the tip of her nose. Again, I find myself wanting to tell her how I really feel about her. Instead, I simply say, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Her eyebrows furrow, but the playful look never leaves her expression. “In your office or in your life?”
I nod in agreement. “Yes.”
Her beautiful smile widens as she places her cardboard box on the little coffee table I’d moved in front of the couch to serve as a place to arrange our lunch. The second her hands are free, I pull her into my arms.
“Zoe, look at me,” I say and her gaze meets mine. “I don't even know how to express how grateful I am that you came into my life. You inspire me to be a better man.”
She makes a little noise that's a cross between a hiss and a snort. “Oh, come on, Damien. You are a good man with or without my influence.”
That's where she's wrong, but I'm not sure how to tell her that she is the difference in my life. She allows me to be the good person she sees. Everyone else requires me to be something else. Someone else.
I’m a good man for her...
Only her.
Chapter Seventeen
Zoe
I sink into my couch, feeling the soft cushions hug my tired body. Even though I love my job, I can admit today was a long day. Maybe it's something in the water, but all the animals seem riled up and now I'm grateful to just be at home relaxing.
With a groan, I wiggle and settle into place. Just as I get comfortable, there's a knock at the door and I blink, feeling annoyed, and mentally prepare to stand up again on my aching feet.
Grumbling to myself, I make my way to the front door and pull it open.
On the other side of the door, I see Ryan, hand on the back of his neck, scanning the street. In his other hand, he's holding a manila envelope. I only know what he looks like because Amy had shown us all pictures of him the night we all learned about her super-secret boyfriend.
“Hi, Ryan,” I say.
“I can't stay, but this might be helpful,” he says, pitching the envelope into my hand before making his way down the path to his car, whistling cheerfully every step of the way.
“Thank you,” I say into the empty space between us. But he doesn't acknowledge me as he gets into his idling car and drives off. I'm not bothered by his actions. I highly doubt he wants anyone to know he stopped by. And I think I know why he wants it to be a secret.
