Page 6 of Finally, Our Forever

“I am. This is my third year and I love it! It can be a bit much. I work at home a lot, and taking care of Bennett is a full-time job in itself. So trying to get away for a family get-together can be tough. I think my mom would skin me alive if I didn’t make it. It’s bad enough she gets on my case about being late all the time.”

She laughs, apparently not concerned in the least. She puts her hand on my arm and squeezes lightly before releasing it. “It was good seeing you, Reece. I’m glad you’re well.”

The feel of her hands on me, an innocent touch, makes me think of not so innocent things. I’m lost to images of what could be between us. When she turns to leave me, I finally wake up and can speak again.

“Maci, wait, I heard…Well, do you want to grab dinner sometime?”

Her eyes go wide, and she sucks her bottom lip between her teeth, worrying it. I reach up and brush it from her teeth with my thumb, and caress her chin. I speak low as not to scare her.

“Say yes, Maci girl. I know this is a long time coming, and I’m sorry it took me so long.”

I can tell she’s shocked, but she hasn’t refused me yet. I’m hopeful.

“I don’t know, Reece. Can I call you?”

I hesitate, wanting to lock her into a yes, not a maybe.

I pull out my phone. “Sure, what’s your number? I’ll call you, so you have mine.”

She looks me over and I hold my breath as she studies me. For what, I’m not sure. She exhales, coming to a decision, and gives me her number without pause. I waste no time typing it in. I call her phone, and as it rings from her back pocket, I pull it out for her, my fingers grazing her ass as I do. Damn, those jeans are tight on her backside, cupping her curves exquisitely. I see the blush overtake her face, and I feel triumphant that I can affect her so quickly. I hand her the phone after I program my number into her contacts.

“Call me anytime, Maci Kate. If you want to talk, I’m here for you.”

Again, I shock her, but she just nods and accepts my words. I walk away from her before I do something stupid like kiss her and make a move she isn’t ready for. I go to look for my dad and find him outside, talking with the other men about the game they’re watching.

He looks me over, and my lips turn up in a small grin. He nods his head in acceptance that I’m finally claiming what’s always been mine. I’m sure he’ll give me the third degree about treating Ms. Maci Kate like the angel she is later, especially since our parents are best friends and basically family. I nod back at him and join in the conversation with the others about how the Volunteers are doing this season.

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