AllFreeNovel
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Luckily, she smiles at that, understanding what I mean, which just makes me fall for her all the more.
We spend the rest of the day walking the grounds, joining in some enrichment activities with Isaac. By the end of the day, my face hurts from smiling and laughing so much, and I’m sure Belle feels the same, judging by her flushed cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes.
“Goodbye, Isaac. It was very nice to meet you,” Belle says when it’s time to leave. She leans down and kisses his cheek. Isaac’s smile lights up the room. The way Isaac looks at us both makes my heart clench. He adores Belle, and so do I. I’m so glad to have his unspoken seal of approval.
“I’ll see you in the week, bud. I love you.”
Taking Belle’s hand in mine, we leave the facility and walk toward the parking lot. Belle’s quiet, but it doesn’t feel awkward, so I just enjoy being in her presence.
“Where does your mom work?” she eventually asks, as we reach my car. She leans back against it and looks up at me, and for a moment I’m completely distracted by her kissable lips and huge brown eyes. It takes a moment for her question to sink in because I’m so consumed by thoughts of dragging her into the back seat and showing her how much I’ve missed her.
I clear my throat.
“She’s a hair stylist. She’s worked at the same salon since I was six. The owner is actually a really amazing woman. When we were younger, my mom was desperate for a job, but couldn’t afford to rent a chair. The owner said, ‘If you can keep that chair booked, you can have it.’ Mom had customers from her previous job lining up to support her. The next day, the owner made it official. At least, that’s how my younger mind remembers it,” I tell her. “Can I give you a ride home, or would you like to join me for dinner?”
Belle looks over her shoulder at the building we just left before climbing into the car. It’s such an important part of my life, and I feel guilty for staying away for so long. I’m so glad to be back in L.A. and around my family once again. The Miami lifestyle never really suited me at all. And while I’m not saying I’ll never leave, for now I know I’m right where I need to be. With the people I need around me.
I glance over at Belle, and she’s giving me an understanding look.
“Dinner sounds perfect. Thank you,” she replies.
“It’s just dinner. No need to thank me,” I quip, starting up the engine.
“I’m not thanking you for dinner.”
“I know. But there’s no need to thank me for anything. I should be thanking you for coming with me today.”
“I’m thanking you for sharing this part of your life with me. Letting me in like that? It means the world to me…I guess there’s so much more to the three of you than I realized.”
“Well, that’s what getting to know us is all about. We have time.”
“Especially, now I’m your girlfriend,” she teases.
“Sorry about that.” I rub a hand on the back of my neck.
“Don't be.” She shrugs. “I kind of liked it, but it’s still early days.”
“What? You think you might change your mind about us? Or just me?”
“Definitely not. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
“So you think I’m going to change my mind about you?”
“You never know.”
“I do know.” I shake my head emphatically. “It’s not gonna happen. You’re it for me, Belle. And I’m not about to go declaring my undying love—”
“Please don’t!” She laughs and I shoot her a rueful look.
“I won’t. Yet.” It's damn hard to hold back with this woman, though. I don’t want to scare her away, but I think she’s amazing. And knowing that my best friends and now my brother agree, well, that leaves no doubt in my mind that she’s the one. “It’s early days, like you said. But let’s just say there are definitely…strong feelings developing for me.”
“Me too,” she whispers, and my heart jumps. I can barely contain my jubilant grin.
“So that got heavy fast.” I breathe out a noisy sigh and laugh nervously. I almost let slip how I really feel. I need to dial it back a notch. “Why don’t we hit the arcades by the beach, and I’ll treat us to some greasy pizza?”
“Sounds perfect! I can’t wait to kick your ass on retro games as well as the new ones.”
“Oooh, fighting talk!” I laugh. “Bring it.”
