Free Taming Her Past - Protecting Her Future: BBW Erotic Romance (Hearts of Heroes Book 2) by Rayne O'Gara Page A

you’ smile again. Never to hold him again.
    I make my choice.
    “Yes. I do.”

Chapter Nine
     
     
    Harmony…
     
    The next morning after seeing Bronnie out, I made myself ready to face the firing squad. Even with the long hours of talking and laughing about what I was going to include in my apology, I am still nervous. Dressed in my best yellow sixties vintage sundress I inhale a long deep breath before ringing Luc’s doorbell.
    I’m not opposed to using my contacts. So first thing over cereal and milk, I called Sofie. Told her straight up I messed up and needed his address to apologize personally. She gave it to me and was gone with a ‘go get ‘um, tiger’ and a click of the phone. The drive didn’t take long so I was in front of his house sooner than I wanted to be.
    I ring again and add two sharp knocks to the door. One more ring then I’m out. He must not be home…or in bed. I won’t even entertain the thought of him with another woman. A man who goes that long without sex does not pick up a one-night stand.
    At least I hope he wouldn’t.
    Reaching my hand up to knock for my last time, I get one rap in before the door swings open to reveal a scowling Luc.
    Wow, he does that well.
    “Hi.”
    His eyebrows lower into a glare.
    God that was stupid. ‘Hi?’ What the fuck, Harmony .
    “I came to apologize.”
    There, that’s a little better.
    His still stony visage doesn’t waver and my courage starts to dissolve.
    “You took me by surprise, Luc. All those things you said weren’t true. Never even ran through my head until you said them,” I rushed out in one breath. Sucking in another lung full, I make myself slow down and stare right into his burning eyes. “I am so very sorry I didn’t say anything. So sorry I didn’t correct your thoughts. I know you’re extremely angry, I understand, and you have every right to be, but I needed you to know that. I never… never , considered you a secret, dirty or otherwise. I really enjoyed being with you and I don’t want it to be over. I would like another chance.”
    His face softened slightly during my speech but his mouth has stayed shut. Nothing. Well, I guess there’s my answer. My rapid heart rate starts to slow with my disappointment, so I decide to throw his words back at him and beat feet away from here.
    “Balls in your court, baby,” I say softly.
    Spinning on my heel I walk away, wiping the sweat off my palms onto my skirt, and swallowing the lump in my throat. Unlocking my car, I go to grab the door handle but a large tanned hand stops me. His hard body pushes up against my back. My eyes close and I smell his spicy scent. His erection pushes into my lower back and my pussy responds instantly, dampening my panties. His callused fingertips on his free hand graze up my arm, my shoulder, my collarbone, to wrap lightly around my neck in a possessive collar. My breath hitches in response and he leans his head in closer.
    “Seven o’clock. Be ready.” His voice, harsh and gravely, washes over me making me shiver in his arms.
    “I will be,” I answer him.
    “Good. It’s a date.” I hear the smile in his voice.
    A light kiss to the back of my head then I’m free from his grasp.
    “Safe driving.”
    I don’t look back at him until I’m locked safely in my car. His broad back and lean hips move effortlessly as he walks back into his house. A jungle predator.
    He makes me feel so safe and at the same time so scared.
    Turning on the ignition, my dash clock blinks on and a smile creeps on my face. Whether I feel safe or scared I’ll have to be put on hold. Because I have a date in nine hours. I’ve got to call Bronnie.
    *****
    A full day of pampering and a little shopping finds me standing in front of my closet in my underwear. The scarlet bra and matching panty set was the easy part, now for the hard part. Frowning and with the clothes tornado that has hit my room at some point, I am no closer to figuring out this conundrum.
    Why didn’t