Page 53 of Shattered Trinket
I’ve been enduring Ridge and Manny’s constant teasing for weeks because I secretly bought a candle that reminded me of her. It’s safely tucked away in my room, and I’ve nearly burned through the entire thing, but it’s just not quite the same as getting it straight from the source.
With her arm linked in mine, I lead her to the left side of the pond, closer to the trees. We find a nice, shaded spot not too far from the water’s edge, and I gently set the basket down before opening it to pull out the blankets. I carefully lay out those on the ground, creating a soft and inviting space for us, and once they’re down, I place the basket and bag on top, extending my hand to help Cozy get situated.
I watch as she folds her legs up and gets herself comfortable, and when she looks up at me with a shy smile, I fall a little bit more for her. She’s nervous, but she’s still here, and I’m grateful. The fact that she’s willing to be here, sitting next to me after everything she’s been through, is a testament to her strength. Her willingness to trust me—despite her worries—only shows how resilient she is, even if she doesn’t yet see it. She will in time, though.
“Shall we see whit Mama V packed for us? I had tae ask her for help since I didnae know whit ye’d like,” I say, a hint of embarrassment tinging my words as I pull things out of the basket.
My hands shake as my own nervousness courses through me, terrified of screwing this up. Side by side, with only a sliver of space between us, I feel a soft breeze drift over, carrying the delightful scent of lemon tarts. As I take a deep breath, my eyes naturally close, and I exhale with a peaceful sigh, feeling an immediate wave of calmness. My eyes pop open when I feel herhand on my arm, and when I glance at her, the soft smile on her lips as she stares up at me calms me more.
“Nobody has ever done anything like this for me before. It’s really sweet. Thank you, Zeke,” she says, cheeks heating again, and I swallow around the lump forming in my throat.
“No thanks necessary, lass. I’m honored tae get tae do this wi’ ye,” I rasp out. “Thankyefor agreein’ tae join me.”
With everything laid out, I push the basket to the side and pass her a bottle of water. I can’t help but stare at her as she looks over the spread in front of us, wanting to pinch myself to make sure this is real. She’s so petite compared to me, every feature flawlessly crafted, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid of making this a horrible experience. I can’t remember the last time I dated, so the thought of courting her is a tad nerve-wracking.
“What’s that?” she asks, pointing over at the bag, and I grin, pulling it over to us and passing it to her.
“Presents,” I tell her, eager for her to see what I got her and hoping she likes it all.
She smiles brightly and opens the bag, giggling as she pulls everything out. There’s a really soft blue throw blanket that I think matches her eyes, two candles that smell as close to my scent as I could get, a small koala plush, and a few self care items that I had to ask the sales associate for help on picking. She immediately rubs the blanket against her cheek, closing her eyes with a soft smile. When she sets it back down, she grabs the plush and hugs the koala to her chest.
“The blanket and koala smell like you,” she says, pressing her nose against it.
In an attempt to mask my delight, I bite down on my cheek, relishing the fact that she appreciates my scent. Clearing my throat, I slide some of the food closer to her, wanting her to eat so I can make sure she’s taken care of.
“Is this a-a date?” Cozy eventually stutters out as we eat.
I meet her gaze, lips parted with a sandwich poised just an inch from my mouth, surprised by her question. Clearing my throat, I lower my hand.
“If ye want it tae be, then, ay.”
Nodding, she gazes down at her lap, meticulously brushing away imaginary dirt from her legs, the hem of her dress sitting atop her thighs. Involuntarily, my eyes follow her movements, and I realize this is the first time I’ve seen her in something that shows more skin than usual. It’s also the first time I’m looking so closely, and my throat burns as I stare at the multitude of marks etching her lovely, freckled skin.
Her scar-covered pale legs trigger an intense rage in me that I have to swallow down, unlike anything I have ever experienced on behalf of someone else. Not wanting to intimidate or drive her away, I force myself to maintain my composure, despite my inner turmoil. She’s already so skittish, and I’m not a small man. I don’t want to scare her with my anger.
I’ll have to wait until I’m home to unleash on the punching bag in our makeshift gym. And unleash I will.
“I’d like that,” she eventually says, drawing my attention back up to her face when she pulls the hem of her dress down over her knees, hiding her scars from me.
“Then it’s a date, lass.”
I smile gently at her when I realize my staring at her scars has made her uncomfortable, a vulnerable look crossing her eyes that I need to wipe away. Slowly, I reach for her hand and grip it in mine, rubbing my thumb across her palm.
“Have I told ye how positively radiant ye look today, Cozette? The bonniest o’ lasses I’ve ever laid eyes on,” I murmur as I pull her hand up to my lips and kiss the back of it, never taking my eyes from hers.
I can’t help but notice the rosy hue that adorns her cheeks, perfectly complementing her vibrant blue eyes that seem tosparkle as she looks at me. Her fingers twitch in my hold as I bring our hands down to my lap, keeping hers cradled in mine.
“How many girls have you said that to?” she teases, but underneath I can tell she really wants to know the answer.
“Just ye,” I tell her honestly, and it’s not a lie.
“So, is that your plan? Flatter me for the entirety of our time together until I fall madly in love with you?” she asks, tone still playful, yet curious.
“Would ye believe me if I told ye I don’t have a clue whit I’m doin’? I’m tryin’ so hard no’ tae mess this up an’ tae make it perfect for ye. But I’m a bit inexperienced in… a lot o’ ways,” I murmur, hoping that my confession will distract her enough to erase those lingering worries I can practically see still dancing in her mind behind her teasing.
“Oh? You haven’t been on many dates?” she asks, her curiosity peaked, and I grin.
“No’ since I graduated.”