Adrian's Wrath(11)
The laugh that bubbled out of her was completely unexpected. How long had it been since she had laughed? Too damn long for her to remember. In all honesty Adrian was exactly the type of man Brea should stay away from. It was obvious he had anger issues because it was clear as day when he fought. He could crush anyone with just a look. Cameron hadn’t been anything like Adrian physically, but his anger had been something nightmares were made of. She was smart enough not to let herself open up to Adrian, but she couldn’t help the part of her that desperately wanted to connect with someone.
“I…” It was cute how he didn’t seem to be able to get his words out. For one instant it made her feel like she could forget everything that had happened in her life. “I don’t want to be forward or anything, but maybe you’d like to get some coffee with me one of these days?”
It had been so long since she had allowed herself the pleasure of company, male company to be exact. There was just too much at risk, but even though she was being logical, she also wanted to be a little selfish.
“Listen, I’m sorry I put you on the spot. I feel like a dumbass now.” He chuckled but she had a feeling he didn’t find any of this funny.
He started walking past her and instinct had her reaching her hand out and grabbing his thick forearm. “Wait.” When her hand touched his warm, hard flesh, Brea found it hard to breathe. He instantly stopped and looked down at her. A small crease formed between his eyes. Letting go of his arm, she was the one that felt like a dumbass now. “I’m sorry.” What was she supposed to say? If he didn’t think she was whacky before, he had to now. She had grabbed onto him, stopping him when he obviously wanted to leave. A small gasp escaped her when she felt his big hand take her much smaller one and clutch it. She brought her eyes up, not knowing what to expect to see in his expression, but what she saw left her dizzy and breathless.
Chapter Five
Adrian was a fucking fool. A dumb motherfucker for even entertaining the idea that there could be something between them. If his past hadn’t been a good enough reason to stay away from her, his aggression and hatred of himself should have sealed the deal. It was clear she had past issues as well, especially after he saw her reaction to being touched by the drunks. Sure, any woman might have reacted like that, but when he had looked into her eyes both times he had seen honest fear that she knew from experience. The way she had almost told him so was enough to have every part of him wanting to beat the shit out of the person that had hurt her. Even the thought of someone hurting Brea had his hand that wasn’t holding hers curling into a tight fist.
They stared at each other for several long moments and he wondered if she could see all the need and want he had for her. The feelings he had for her were crazy and so unlike him, but they were powerful and all consuming. Nothing was said and then she pulled her hand away and walked past him.
“Please, Brea.” Was he actually begging her to go out to dinner with him? He hadn’t been on a date since Addie, and the very idea of doing so with this petite, beautiful woman had him feeling fear for the first time in years. She stopped and looked at him, indecision sweeping across her expression. Never in his life had he wanted something as much as he wanted her. Even if all she did was allow him that one dinner, he would accept it with a smile and a “thank you.” The thought had guilt slamming into him when he pictured Addie’s face. The emotion was fresh and raw and had a building storm of turmoil growing inside of him. This woman before him, who he hardly knew, made him feel things he had never felt, that he thought he could never feel again.
“Okay.” Her whispered agreement had his pulse accelerating. Who knew one little word could make him feel so much?
“Okay?” It was stated as a question even though hers hadn’t been.
“Yes, okay.” The smile that touched her lips was endearing and a little on the shy side.
He couldn’t help his grin as he looked down at her. “Can I have your number and I’ll give you a call tomorrow so we can set something up?” He felt like a damn teenager asking a girl out for the first time. She looked unsure for a split second and he had to remind himself that whatever problems she had in her past would make this very sensitive for her. He had to be patient.
“Here.” Digging into his pocket he searched for a scrap of paper and pen. When he came up empty he glanced at the small black apron tied around her waist. He could see her pen and order tablet sticking out from one of the pockets. “Mind if I use those for a moment?”