Page 60 of Coyote
“So, you honestly still want me, even after not telling you about Cyclops and Nessa?”
I nodded, even though my neck hurt when I did so. “Of course, I fucking do!”
“So, I’m your old lady now?” she asked as a shy smile crept across her face.
“I think you always were, deep in my heart. And as soon as I get my hands on my phone, I’m gonna be getting you a property cut,” I paused, after the shit that happened with Cyclops that got me here, I hoped she didn’t think I was turning into a controlling asshole. “You know I don’t own you, right? A property cut just means—”
“It’s okay, Coyote. I used to hang around the clubhouse enough to know what it stands for. It means that a woman is protected by her man and the club. I’d love to wear your property cut, I can’t think of anything that would make me prouder to know you and your club are protecting me.”
The note of sincerity in her voice was just the balm my battered soul needed to feel better in this moment. Her words were kind, and her touch was healing on so many levels.
Feeling the love and concern radiating from her, it occurred to me to ask, “How is Reggie holding up?”
Her expression brightened. “I just talked to him this morning. He’s doing well. He and Thomas are staying in the pool house while the house is being rebuilt, his insurance will cover the repairs.”
“That’s good news. Did he tell you about how he and my sister were scheming behind our backs to get us back together again?”
Her eyes flew open, “Say that again! I’m not sure I understand you correctly.”
I cheerfully explained, “My sister told me that you talked to Reggie about how you were still carrying a torch for me. He was so excited that he decided to try to get us back together again. Your boss somehow found my sister’s number and called her to find out what kind of man I am. My sister has long been of the opinion that you were the love of my life and was worried because I could never seem to move on after you left. Needless to say, she jumped on board. Callie gave me one of your flyers and impressed me the importance of having a successful grand opening. The rest, you already know.”
Sounding contrite, she said, “I’m sorry they did that to you, babe.”
I quickly let her know she had nothing to feel bad about, “I’m not sorry at all. My sister was right about me being lonely and still being in love with you. From my perspective, things couldn’t have worked out better.”
She moved closer and leaned down to look me in the eyes. “Do you really mean that?”
“Yeah, of course I do. How about you? Do wish they had left well enough alone?”
Her hands came out to cup my face and she shook her head. “I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone since we were together, because no other man could hold a candle to you. You’re all I thought about and dreamed about while we were separated.”
My hands came up to cover hers again. “It was the same with me. I could never take another woman seriously after being with you. My heart has always belonged to you, ever since the first time we kissed. The moment our lips touched, I knew you were the only one for me.”
“You were always so romantic,” she murmured before she dropped another tender kiss on my lips. When she pulled back, she asked, “So where do we go from here?”
“I’m thinking that I should get you that property cut ASAP so every asshole that crosses your path doesn’t make the mistake of thinking you’re available.”
She laughed. “You’re being silly. I only have eyes for you. And that’s never going to change.”
“Doesn’t hurt to warn off any stupid fuckers who get ideas though,” I added.
I saw Bethany’s eyes get a faraway look to them, with Reggie living in her old place, I guessed she was thinking about where that left her and Nessa. I’d already made it clear they were welcome to stay, but just in case she had any doubts, I thought I’d better repeat the offer, “You do know you and Nessa can stay at mine, right? I’m all ready to pick up right where we left off, but even if you wanna take it slow, you have a home.”
“I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather us be. And our daughter needs to be with her father,” she planted a kiss on my bruised knuckles.
I loved hearing that a little too much. It made every ache and pain in my body worth it. “How’s Nessa holding up?”
Her hands dropped away, and she replied, “She misses you and wants to know when you’re coming home.”
A smile so wide it hurt my injured lips took over my face. “Really? She asked about me?”
“All the time. And she’s been making an extra special fuss of Ruby, especially when I told her that Ruby got hurt scaring off a bad man.”
My brave little dog, “Nessa doesn’t know—”
Bethany shook her head vehemently, “No, she’s too young to understand anything like that, and even if she wasn’t, I wouldn’t want her to know. When she woke and we were all gone, Callie told her that Ruby had gone to the animal doctor, and we’d all be back soon.”
Laying back I got comfortable because it seemed as though Bethany was going to stay with me and be my old lady. I vowed to myself right then and there to make sure she never regretted it for a moment. “You don’t have to stay by my side, I know Nessa probably needs you. I’d love to see her, but I don’t want to scare her when I’m looking like this.”