Page 48 of Next to You

Just like my dad said, we had to start over.

She blushed softly as her hands drifted across the back of the chair.

“We need a plan,” I blurted. “I have to have a guarantee that I’m going to see you again.”

Her whole body seemed to sigh with relief, and she let out a little laugh as she crossed the room and settled into the chair across from mine at the table. I smiled, knowing she wanted to discuss when we would next see each other as much as I did.

She reached for my hand and I took it, raising it to my lips to kiss the back.

“Maybe we can meet in town for dinner—?” Her gaze was direct. She was earnest and forthright and so fucking beautiful.

How had I kept her at arm’s length all these years? Why was I ready now and not then? Timing and opportunity had forced my hand and it was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

I didn’t have to say a word, and my dad had read me like a damn book. He knew what happened here.

My heart raced; I didn’t want to mess this up.

Whatever part of my heart that had always been hers burst apart, filling the rest with clarity. We belonged together. This was right.

A restless need built in my system, pricking beneath my skin until I was laser-focused on one thing.

Grabbing her chair, I pulled it close, then cupped her chin to kiss her. Her lips were warm and sweet, but now there was an intimacy there. Our chemistry had shifted, and I would not let it shift back. I was determined to keep her in my life.

“I need your number.” I whispered against her lips.

“But I?—”

I cut her off, pulling away only enough to see her eyes. “A date, Lucy. Friday. Six o’clock. All you have to do is answer the door when I knock and let me take care of you.”

“That’s it? Just answer the door?” Her lips twitched, and I kissed her. “I can do that. I’ll let you in on a little secret, Spencer. Almost every woman dreams of being swept off her feet from time to time.”

I wanted to kiss her again and never stop.

I wished we could get back into that chair and finish what we’d started last night, but I held myself back. This woman deserved the world, and I would be the man who gave it to her.

“Good girl.” A grin slid across my face as her lush lower lip slid between her teeth. “No driving down the mountain. No meeting for tacos. Just me showing you how you deserve to be treated. I’ll take care of everything. Now, what’s your number?”

She stilled for a moment with her eyes on mine, hot and full of promises. “I was going to say—you can absolutely have my number, Spencer—I need something to write it down on. Is your phone dead? Mine is, and I haven’t seen any paper around here. Or a pen?—”

“I won’t forget your number, sweetheart. When I want something, I remember it.”

Her head dropped, and she rested her forehead on my chin. “So you’re not only romantic but hot as hell, too?” She looked up, smiling at me as she gave me her number. “How did I get so lucky?

“I’m the lucky one in this scenario, Lucy.”

“I don’t know how I feel about leaving this place. Why can’t we stay here? I know it’s silly, but I?—”

“Shh, I know.” I pulled her into my lap and hugged her tightly, burying my face in that sweet spot where her neck met her shoulder so I could breathe her in. I needed another hit. “We’ll be okay. I’ll call you tonight before bed, I promise.”

She was uncertain, and I couldn’t blame her. This thing between us had come on fast, and it scared me a little bit too.

I sighed into her hair, ruffling the waves. My chest felt heavy with a strange combination of expectation and worry. Like I was on the precipice of something big and had to let it go to keep her close.

Chapter 19

Lucy

My empty house had never bothered me before this moment. Being alone was something I enjoyed, even preferred. Not anymore, apparently.

---