Page 23 of Two Hearts Reunited

“That was really nice of him,” Anya said. “I’d hate to think about how much time it would have taken me this morning. I was out there with the shovel bright and early. I can’t believe I didn’t even hear him outside.”

He grimaced. “I didn’t hear him either and the barn where he keeps his plow is near the back of the house where the entrance to the basement apartment is located. Although that probably has a lot more to do with the insulation they’ve used inthe house.” His eyes met hers. “I’m going to follow you to make sure you get home alright. Okay?”

“Would you listen if I said no?”

He snorted, waiting for her to unlock her truck and step inside before walking over to what appeared to be a brand-new truck with a topper, parked not far from hers.

As Anya revved up the engine, she thought about what had just happened. It was the first time she’d allowed herself to become close to anyone in years. It confused her, the ability Eric had to make her feel like they’d never grown apart. Was she crazy for believing everything he said? She knew nothing about the life he’d led since their family left town.

At least she and her mother had managed to become close again through the years. Mom had seemed like a stranger after Shanna disappeared but had gradually come to realize that she still had another daughter who needed her.

Anya was afraid to think too far ahead. It had sounded like he meant it, when he’d insisted that he couldn’t let her go. Eric was active duty, so how was she going to feel if she got too invested in their relationship and he ended up being away more than he was here?

It was something she shouldn’t worry about at this point in time. She’d never been in doubt about anything having to do with school or work, but when it came to her personal life, Anya had to admit, she’d always been kind of an emotional mess. It was part of the reason she’d avoided relationships with other guys after Eric.

Although he probably hadn’t avoided relationships with other women. It was amazing how jealous thinking about him with other women made her.

“Stop it,” she muttered out loud, glancing in the rearview mirror. “Let it go. You need to take it one day at a time, Anya.”

Eric was following behind her as she drove the truck along the access road on the lake. Salt had definitely been put down again, but it was getting a little slick with the new layer of snow on the ground.

Finally, she pulled into her driveway without any of the problems she’d had the night before. Stepping out from the truck, she approached the garage, opening the carriage door.

When she turned, she found that Eric had walked from the main road to meet her.

They stood for a quiet moment as he held her gaze. “I thought I should see you to your door. I was worried it was getting slick, so I just left the truck running on the road.”

Reaching out, he suddenly pulled her into his arms, his mouth against hers. He kissed her like he couldn’t get enough of her, just like she was kissing him, as a matter of fact.

Until Eric groaned, slowly moving away but still holding her gently within the confines of his embrace. “I’m not going to rush this. We’re going to get to know each other again and hang out together through the holidays if you’re willing.”

She was stunned to realize at that moment, that she did wantmore,and soon.

Anya drew in an unsteady breath. “I am.”

“Brian and Ashley have to work at the Inn tomorrow, assisting with the fundraiser. I have to babysit my niece tomorrow, since both sets of grandparents won’t be arriving until the following day. It should be an interesting experience,” he admitted dryly.

Anya’s mouth gaped open.

“You’re looking at me like I have two heads,” Eric said, grinning. “I know you probably have to work, otherwise I’d ask you to come over and help.”

“I do have to work.” She gave him an impish grin. “But I’d love to see you babysitting your niece. How old is she?”

“Nearly eight months,” he replied.

“She’s still in diapers then?”

Closing his eyes tightly, he groaned. “I forgot about that.”

Anya couldn’t help it when she started laughing, as she envisioned him dealing with dirty diapers.

He frowned. “It’s not that funny.”

“Yes it is,” she countered.

He kissed her again. “Alright. Pull your truck into the garage so that I can make sure you’re inside the cabin before I take off.”

“I usually close the carriage door from the inside and exit through the side door since the path leads to the house.”

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