Free Broken by Rachel Hanna

covered that, Grant.”
    “What about friends?”
    “I had a few friends, but I’m not one who likes to be at big family events.”
    “Because you didn’t have that family experience of your own?” She could tell he was really trying to understand her.
    “I guess so. I tried once or twice to hang out with friends and their families, but it always felt uncomfortable to me. I felt judged…” As soon as the words left her mouth, she wanted to reel them back in.
    “Judged? For what?” he asked in confusion.
    “You know, this poor girl who lost her mom at eight years old and grew up in foster care…”
    “You should never be judged for that, Bella. You couldn’t help that. I think you’re too hard on yourself.”
    “Oh, really? I don’t think I’m hard enough on myself.”
    “Why do you want to punish yourself?” he asked.
    “Who says I’m punishing myself?” It was getting way too real for Bella.
    “It’s obvious, Bella. You deserve good things. A good life. People who love you…”
    “I’ve made some big mistakes in my life, Grant. You have no idea who you’re talking to. I don’t deserve nearly as much as you think.”
    “Have you murdered someone?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Stolen?”
    “Nope.”
    “Then you deserve whatever kind of second chance you need. End of story. Now come on…” he said as he took her empty cup and threw it away. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down the sidewalk and into the pavilion that was blaring with music. Without warning, Grant pulled her close and started dancing with her. Thankfully, the music was fast, and she was a pretty good dancer. They laughed as they danced, and for once Bella felt like her real world was miles away.
    While they were dancing, Sharon came to ask if Ethan could spend the night. He and Howie wanted to leave already and go to the diner for dinner. Reluctantly, Bella agreed. She knew that meant she was on her own with Grant. She kissed Ethan goodbye just as the song changed to Garth Brooks’ “The Dance”.
    As she turned to walk off the dance floor, Grant reached down and lightly took her hand, pulling her close. He slid his hands around her waist and started swaying to the music. Everything in her said to run, but she couldn’t. It was at that point that she realized she was in trouble. Big trouble.
    She slowly slid her hands up his firm chest and around his neck. She could feel every inch of him pressed against her, and it ignited feelings in her that she never could have imagined. His eyes pierced through her as she broke his gaze and put her head against his chest. Grant’s heart was beating hard and fast, and she was thankful that he couldn’t feel the erratic way hers was beating.
    Bella had never felt so safe, so secure, so wanted. She didn’t know what to do with any of those emotions, and with her ADD-addled mind, she felt like a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. Why couldn’t she just let go and be at peace for a few minutes? Why did security and kindness feel more dangerous to her than abuse?
    “Bella?” he whispered into her ear. She could feel the heat of his breath against her ear, and it sent shockwaves through her body.
    “Yes?”
    “You okay?” he asked. Just the fact that he asked made her want to cry. What was he doing to her?
    “I’m okay,” she said softly without looking up. Instead of taking her word for it, he reached in and tipped her chin up with his finger. Looking her in the eyes, he leaned in slowly and kissed her gently on her forehead as if she was glass that might shatter into a million pieces if he touched her too hard. She smiled up at him, unable to say thank you with words. She wanted to thank him for every single moment he’d spent with her, and she wanted to tell him that he had been her saving grace - the thing that kept her sane since losing Lori and becoming a stand-in mother to Ethan. Instead, she put her cheek back on his chest and absorbed the masculine scent of his cologne as