To Hold and to Heal (BWWM Interracial Romance) Read Free

expression. “Why? We’re having fun. Did that guy do something? I'll call security!”
                  Nice gripped Peggy's arm. “No, it's fine, he was a perfect gentleman. I've just had too much to drink. I need to go home and lie down.” She turned back to Al, who was still standing at the bar, his hand slightly raised as if to reach out to stop her. “Come on, Peg. Let's go,” she said as she half dragged Peggy toward the exit.
                  Once outside she stopped and took deep gulping breaths. The air was hot and heavy around them.
                  “Mind telling me what the fuck that was all about in there? Because if that guy tried something. . .” Peggy started.
                  “No, he didn't try anything. I just need to get home. I told you, I've had too much to drink.” She started walking toward the car.
                  “That's not what it looked like to me. You two looked mighty cozy in there. I thought for a second that my little Nice was going to actually be nice to someone if you know what I mean. . .” Peggy said, following close behind her.
                  “I just tripped. That's all. I told you. Too. Much. To. Drink. That's all there was.” Someone shouted behind her. Calling a name.
                  “Just tripped right into that kiss huh?” Peggy teased. “Wish I could trip into somebody that sexy.”
                  Nice recognized the name being called out, but couldn't place it. She really HAD drank too much. “Yeah, I don't know. . .” she trailed off as the man called out the name again. Ann. Right, that's me, she thought to herself.
                  She turned to face the sound. Al was walking towards her, cane in hand, a pronounced limp on his left leg. He waved her clutch purse in the air. She looked back at Peggy who frowned at her. “Maybe you have had too much to drink. You never forget your purse.”
                  “I told you!” Nice replied, hurrying toward Al across the parking lot.
                  He stopped and waited for her to meet him. As she approached he held out the purse. The tiny green sequined bag looked ridiculous in his massive hand. “You left this on the bar.” His voice still had the same husky timbre but his eyes were hidden in shadow. God help me, she thought, I can't walk away from those eyes again.
                  “Thank you,” she said softly taking it from his hand. “Can't believe I left this,” she laughed nervously.
                  He nodded and smiled weakly. “Have a good night, Ann. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I didn't mean-”
                  “No!” Realizing her voice sounded much harsher than she intended she repeated, softer, “No, it wasn't you. I just,” she paused thinking for a moment. “I just can't do this. Whatever this is, I just can't. I'm sorry. I'm drunk. Good luck with whatever it is you're here for and thanks for bringing my purse out to me.”
                  He nodded. She moved to walk away when he reached for her, his hands clasping her arm gently. She turned and found herself stepping into his arms, back into his warmth and scent. His grip was loose on her as he bent and quickly kissed her cheek, the stubble of his chin rubbing against her skin, sending tingles through her body, flooding her with desire.
                  “Thank you for talking to me,” he whispered to her.
                  She nodded, her tongue felt too big for her own mouth and there were no words. She knew she should move away but there was something about him, something keeping her still. Something that felt safe in him. He stepped back.
                  She shivered and looked back at Peggy for a moment. His hand was still resting on her arm, his fingertips burning.
                  Peggy grinned