Silence stretches endlessly as Pearl stares at me.I’m about to turn and leave, give her the space she needs, when she finally speaks.
“Five minutes.And it better be good.”
“Thank you.”I blow out a shaky breath.“I was an asshole, Pearl.I pushed you too hard, too fast.You were right.You deserve to be romanced, and I’ll never forgive myself for not doing that, for not asking whatyouwanted before I proposed.”
She pushes herself into a sitting position and crosses her arms over her chest.“Youdidn’tpropose.You informed me that we were engaged.”
I grit my teeth, knowing she’s right.“I’m an asshole.I’m sorry for not making you feel like a princess.You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.I knew you were mine the minute I saw you, when you were still working for Dr.Harris.I came here to help him out, but I took one look at you and rearranged my entire fucking life.”
Her eyes widen.“What?”
“It’s true.I fell so goddamn hard for you, Pearl.I know it sounds crazy, but I knew you were it for me the second I saw you.I thought if I sold my place, bought the clinic, and moved here, I could win you over.But I… I guess I didn’t know how.I haven’t dated.”My face heats.“I’m not… experienced.So when you told me last night that you’d been thinking about me kissing you, I lost my head.”I rake a hand through my hair.“I took it too far.”
I study Pearl’s face, looking for any indication that my words are getting through to her, but she stares up at me blankly.
“You deserve to be romanced.You deserve my time and effort.You certainly didn’t deserve the way I handled things.I’d do anything for you, Pearl.Fucking anything.And if that means taking things slow, if that means stepping back and giving you space, that’s what I’ll do.It’s your call.”
“I—” Pearl licks her lips, looking uncertain.
“Let me do this right.Let me take you out to dinner tonight.Let me win you over.”
“Wells, you don’t?—”
“I want to.I want to spoil the shit out of you, Pearl.”
She’s silent for a long time.I don’t dare move.I stare down at her, letting her see the vulnerability in my eyes, letting her see every part of me.
“When?”she asks softly.
I stare at her, my mind blank after baring my soul.”When, what?”
Her mouth twitches.“When do you want to take me out for dinner?”
I close my eyes briefly, almost overwhelmed with relief.She’s giving me another chance.“Tonight?”I ask hoarsely.
She shakes her head.
My heart immediately sinks.“I understand.I need to earn your trust?—”
“I’m kind of wrung out.I don’t really want?—”
We both speak at the same time.
Pearl gives me a small smile.I can see in her eyes that she doesn’t trust me, not fully.I’ll need to work to fix that.I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for today and treating her like a princess.
My Angel sees the best in everyone.I know that her innate kindness is the only reason she’s gifting me with the chance to put things right.
“I just meant that I’m tired,” Pearl continues.“I don’t feel like going out tonight.”
“We can eat here.I can order food or grab something,” I offer.
She nods slowly.“Okay.But there’s something else.”
My heart stutters.“What’s that?”
“I want to keep this between us.”
“Why?”