Page 115 of A Stop in Time
“Look, I’ve got too much shit on my plate. It’s not the right time or—”
Bronson’s rough grunt interrupts me as he leans back and cocks his head to the side. I know that look all too well. He’s like a shark that’s scented blood in the water. Fuck.
“Didn’t ask if you’ve got too much shit on your plate or if it’s the right time. Which means, yeah, you think there’s somethin’ there.”
He lets his words hang between us for a beat. “Question is, what happens if you never get answers about Emilia? You just gonna let that take over and miss out on seein’ shit through with Mac?”
“Hadn’t considered it a possibility.”
He lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “Take it from somebody who’s been there. Shit doesn’t seem so life-altering when you realize you’ve got a good woman by your side.”
“She doesn’t do relationships.” The words are out before I realize it, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat.
“That so?” He smirks. “Then it sounds like you better get her to reconsider.”
Suddenly, he withdraws his phone from his pocket, glancing at the screen. I know who it is by the way his whole expression changes and his voice softens when he answers. “Hey, Red. You need me?”
Get her to reconsider. That thought replays on a loop while Bronson takes his call. Get her to reconsider.
I’ve already proven to be different from the other guys since we’ve had more than one go at it. And, sure, I basically forced her to help me uncover information pertaining to Emilia, but deep down, I know she would’ve helped anyway. Mac might be prickly as hell, but she’s a good person.
Hell, we’ve spent a shit ton of time together lately, and she even let me in on her memory issues and sleepwalking episodes. I know without a doubt she doesn’t share anything with anyone else—mainly because she doesn’t let anybody else close enough. But she let me.
Or you strong-armed her into doin’ it. Christ. It’s not like we started out normal. Not by any stretch of the imagination. But now, Bronson’s opened my eyes to the possibility of having Mac in my life.
Hell, if there’s any woman tough enough to be by my side, it’s her. She’s ballsy and tough, but underneath all that bluster is a beautiful woman who has no idea how incredible she is.
Bronson lets out a rumbling laugh, drawing me from my thoughts. “I only had water, but I got you covered. See you in a few.” There’s a quick pause before he lowers his voice to quietly add, “Love you, too, Red.”
Once he pockets his phone, his attention returns to me. He evidently sees something on my face, because he tips his head to the side and nods slowly. “Yeah. You’re gonna get her to reconsider.”
I shake my head with a laugh and rise from the booth, tossing down cash for my food and Angela’s tip. Bronson straightens from his seat and holds out a hand. When I reach out and clasp it, he pulls me in for a brief hug before releasing me.
“I know you wanna do shit on your own, but don’t be too stubborn to ask for help. You know where to find me if you need somethin’.”
I dip my chin in a curt nod. “I know. Appreciate it.”
“I’ll be keepin’ tabs on things from here. Seein’ if the new kid finds anythin’.” He steps back, tossing a glance toward the kitchen. “Now, I gotta go place an order of torrejas for my woman.”
“Tell Georgia I said hi.”
“Will do.”
A moment later, I’m in my car, pulling out of the diner’s parking lot and already calling Mac’s cell. It rings and rings before going to voice mail.
The familiarity of her husky voice both soothes me and makes me antsy as hell. The latter because I want to be back there, already.
“You’ve reached the voice mail for Mac Ford, owner of Otis Brothers Salvage Yard. Please leave your name…”
I hesitate before ending the call. This isn’t something I want to say in a voice mail.
My foot is heavier on the accelerator once I get on the interstate and head south. Determination builds in me the closer I get to her.
I’m gonna get her to reconsider.
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MAC