Seeing Red: Book 1 Of The Moretti Series ✔

Ch 14- Micah

The grunt and exaggerated sigh as she slumped into the booth, told me she was done fighting him. I'd never met someone who fought my uncle this much. No wonder he liked her.

The food was perfect. Simple but flavorful. The fried apps weren't overly greasy. Putting together a menu in my head of our favorites.

When her burgers came, she made noises that should only be heard in private. 

"Good, baby girl?" I asked, taking in the sight before me. She had her eyes closed and was slowly chewing her bite.

"So fucking good!" Mouth still partially full, eyes still closed. 

"That's it then." Saying into my plate.

She didn't have to ask, she knew what I meant. We settled up and booked the venue for two weeks out. 

Taking her hand in mine, we walked along the shops together. Chatting about her schedule over the next week and about the dinner to honor her mom. 

"I want all the money to go to the hospital. The money should go towards furthering their research or getting new equipment." She stopped, pulling my hand back to her. "I fucking hate cancer."

Her voice shook as she focused her gaze on the ground. Dropping her hand, I wrapped her in my arms. I should have known better. It was more than the anxiety of planning this dinner. Next week marked the one year anniversary of her mother's passing. One year of being without her parent. One year without that support. 

I knew the feeling. Holding her, resting my chin against the top of her head as people bustled by us. 

It had been years since my mom had died, but the first year was the worst. I had the support from family, but not being able to call her and without her insight and opinions, I had felt lost. 

"I feel like such an idiot. I'm so sorry Remi," I said into her hair. Her tear-streaked face looked up at me in confusion.

"What? Why?" Her beautiful eyes had changed into a Caribbean blue as tears continued to slip loose.

"I was so focused on making this dinner a success, I didn't stop to think how hard this must be for you." Brushing my hand over her hair and tightening my hold on her, I said, "I'm so sorry, baby girl."

"Can you just take me home? Can we be done with this for today?" Sniffling into my chest, I was beginning to feel like an ass.

"Of course." It was all I could manage. My intention was to move. Take her to the car and get her home, but she didn't move. If anything, her grip on my back got tighter. "Babe?"

"Not yet," she said. Her voice was clearer but still soft. Resting my chin on her head, again, I would give her all the time she needed. She took a shaky breath and slipped her hand over her face, wiping away the tears.

"Just let me know. I'll take you wherever you want to go. Do you want me to call Shay?"

She shook her head, "I think I just want a quiet afternoon. Plus, she has to work the dinner shift." I followed her movements to the car. Opening the door for her, she slid her hand over mine. "Thank you, Micah."

"Always," I said as she smiled meekly. As she climbed into the front seat, I realized that this beautiful woman had been changing me. 

Being a gentleman hadn't ever been an issue for me. My mother and uncle had taught me that at a early age. I respected women, even the ones I had only spent one night with. This thing with Remi was different, though. 

The ride back to her apartment was quiet. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. Resting my hand on her thigh, it seemed to be all she needed.