Page 100 of Perfect Guy

I smile at my mom. Our text messages over the last two days have been great. It’s like we’re getting reacquainted in some aspects, having different conversations from silly jokes to deep fears. It’s helped open that channel of communication again without expectations.

“I’m going to go see him.” I look down at myself. “After I shower.” I scrunch up my nose. I’ve been riding Dakota and working outside for a couple of hours. Definitely need a shower.

Once I’m dressed, I grab the box holding the cake and drive to Canaan’s house. I realized on the way there that I never responded to his message. I’ll thank him in person.

I step out of my truck and lean over for the box, closing the door with my hip. I head up the steps, knocking on the front door. Nerves swirl through me as I wait for Canaan to answer.

“Hey…” His eyebrows pull tight as he glances over me, stopping at the box in my hands.

“Hi,” I smile, hoping to ease his confusion.

Lifting the box, I say, “This was meant for two. Can I come in?”

“Of course.” He steps to the side, giving me space to enter. “You scared me for a sec. I thought you were returning the cake. I was like, fuck, this didn’t go as planned.” He scratches the side of his head.

I giggle and shake my head, looking into his eyes. “I wanted to share it with you.”

The smile that greets me is blinding. It brightens his handsome face, making my heart skip a beat. I hadn’t seen that from him in so long.

“Sit, and I’ll grab some forks.” He leaves me in the living room for a moment.

When he returns, his smile is still in place, and I see glimpses of the real Canaan, the one he’s afraid is lost forever. How can he think that?

“I’m sorry if you told me about the new project, and I didn’t acknowledge it.”

“Cane, stop…” I reach for his uninjured hand. “I never mentioned it. We weren’t on the best terms when Bill told me about it, and I didn’t want it to create tension since you’re not able to work right now.”

“Never feel like you can’t tell me about your accomplishments. I want to hear about all of them.” He turns his hand over, linking our fingers.

A soft sigh passes my lips. Relief and rightness fill me. It’s like a puzzle piece is put back in my heart.

“I won’t,” I promise.

“Good. Let’s eat.” He lifts the lid, placing the box with the cake on his lap. We both dig in, taking a bite of the scrumptious cake.

“Just as good as I remembered it,” I say after swallowing my bite.

“It is.” Canaan nods, looking at me. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I am, too. I talked to my mom, and she helped me gain some clarity and understand things better. I’ve never been in a serious relationship like this, and you needed me. I left, unable to confront you because I was afraid you’d end things. I should’ve fought harder, used my stubbornness for good,” I glance down at my lap.

“Babe,” Canaan lifts my chin. “I was the one who fucked up, but I promise it won’t happen again. Losing you is too much of a risk, even if I’m not myself. I’ll work on it and go to therapy if I have to. I can’t lose you.” Sadness fills his eyes. He frowns, searching my eyes.

“I need you to know that I wouldn’t leave you over something like this. Not just hear me say it, but believe me.”

“You could, though. It’s scary. It sucks knowing that my state is hurting the person I love.”

“I wouldn’t,” I shake my head adamantly.

“How do we know? You could get tired of my asshole attitude. I kicked you out of my house…twice.” Shame clouds his eyes as his fingers comb into the side of my hair.

“You’re my asshole. I understood you were going through a hard time, so I wanted to stick by you. It was my role to be there for you, support you, and offer you strength. I knew you’d heal, and you’d be the same man you always have been. I see it in the messages you sent the past two days. The jokes, the conversations. You remembered things and didn’t get irritated. You’re healing, Cane.” I place one of my hands on his chest. His heart is pounding, and I smile up at him.

“The real you is lingering underneath the fear. Let it go, babe. Come back to me.” I stare into his eyes.

“I’m here.” He nods, kissing the tip of my nose. “I still have some healing to do.”

“Let me help. Let me take care of you. How would you feel if all you wanted was to support me and I closed you off?” I arch a brow, tilting my head.