Free The Only Shark In The Sea (The Date Shark Series Book 3) by DelSheree Gladden Page B

Vance’s. “How did it go with Natalie? I got your text that you were going to meet her at her office, but I never got a chance to respond.”
    That had actually caused Vance a bit of concern, not hearing from her for the rest of the afternoon. He supposed she was just busy, but part of him did worry she was upset with the change. Her interest without any sign of irritation let him breathe a sigh of relief. “It went better than expected,” Vance said. “It wasn’t easy for her, and there was a severe panic attack, but she actually let me ask her questions today.”
    “She did?” Steph set down her fork in surprise and leaned forward.
    “Just about a problem she’d had this morning, but it’s progress.”
    Stephanie smiled. “That’s great, Vance. She’s such a nice person. I really hope she’ll figure out how to trust you enough to help her.”
    “Thank you for trusting me to do this,” Vance said. He pushed his dishes to the side and reached across the table for Steph’s hand. “I know it hasn’t been easy.”
    Frowning, she shrugged. “She really needs help and I know you can help her like you’ve helped me, but that’s what scares me sometimes.”
    When Stephanie shrugged again, Vance pressed a little more. “What do you mean?”
    “I know you think I’ll eventually get over my marriage and kids fears, but I won’t.” She frowned, her bottom lip quivering a little. “What happens when you realize that and find someone else to fix, or someone who doesn’t even need to be fixed?” There were tears in her eyes now and she was struggling to hold them back.
    More hurt by her words than he was willing to admit, Vance could only say, “Do you really think I only started dating you and stayed with you because I want to fix you? Or that I’d leave you because I found a new challenge?” He shook his head. “I’m with you because I love you. If I didn’t, I would have left a long time ago. Yes, I want marriage and children, but you’re too important to me to just walk away from.” He thought she understood that and felt the same way about his issues.
    Vance stood and collected the empty plates from the table, needing a moment to himself. Stephanie didn’t say anything or move to help him. While he cleaned up the dinner dishes, Vance mulled over what had just happened and tried to understand Stephanie’s viewpoint. Did she really believe that or was it just insecurity? He had no idea, but pushing her away even more wasn’t the answer. Setting the last dish in the dishwasher, Vance walked over to Stephanie who was lying on the couch as she watched one of her favorite fashion related channels.
    She really didn’t look like she was feeling well. Maybe that had spurred some of her comments. “Hey, you doing okay?” he asked as he sat down on the arm of the couch.
    “Just a headache. Long day.” She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze but made no move to make space for him on the couch.
    Vance loved that she gave so much of herself to her students, but it meant she took it hard when things didn’t work out. He doubted that was all that was bothering her, but he didn’t press. Part of him made the excuse that she was tired. Another part simply didn’t want to hear her say things like she’d never change or overcome the last of her fears. An old pang of sadness settled in as he thought about the unlikelihood of them ever having children. She had such a big heart, so much capacity to love, but he knew better than to bring it up. Did she really mean what she said about never changing her mind or overcoming her fears?
    “Do you want me to get you some aspirin?” Vance asked, trying to distract himself from things he didn’t want to think about.
    “No, I think I’ll just head to bed after this episode, but thanks.”
    Leaning down, Vance kissed her forehead. “I need to make a quick call, but I’ll be back to check on you in a few minutes.”
    “No rush,” Stephanie said.