Page 31 of Irresistible

CHAPTER TWELVE

Wednesday Morning

Brock walked into the bedroom and saw Lilly folding laundry. “Honey, I’m heading to work. I took Popcorn out for a run, and he’s settled in his bed watching Animal Planet.”

“Did he actually run or did he wander around and pee on the bushes?”

“He ran right alongside me for about a half mile. After that, he pretty much walked.”

“My boy hasn’t enjoyed exercise in years.” Setting down a folded T-shirt, she brushed her fingers against his arm. “How many hours does it take to keep your body in shape?”

He captured her hand and lifted it to his mouth. “Not many.” He was about to pull her in for a kiss and she stepped away.

“You’d better get going. I’m not going to be the reason you’re late.”

“A kiss isn’t going to make me late.”

“And when have you stopped at a kiss?”

“Point taken.” He noticed one of his shirts in the laundry pile. “Are you planning to keep that?”

“Of course. It’s perfect to sleep in. I’m surprised a man of the law is asking me questions like that. Remember, possession is nine-tenths of the law. If it ends up in the laundry basket, then it’s mine.”

“There is no such law and you know it. But keep it if you want. Just don’t plan to sleep in it.”

“What should I wear to bed?”

“Me, honey.” He watched her face turn a pretty pink color as she gave him a small smile. He had a feeling that his frank talk was still a shock to her. Their relationship had changed radically over the last week, and neither one of them was sure of the terrain they were navigating.

“Okay.” She gave him a sassy wink, then lifted the pile of folded shirts and walked into the closet.

The easy agreement made him realize that he might have a real chance at something he wanted. He hadn’t allowed himself to want or need anyone since his mama passed. But the time he’d spent with Lilly over the last week had changed that. His need for her was an irrefutable fact and one he didn’t want to ignore. For the first time in his life, he was willing to put his heart on the line and ask for everything. How it would all turn out was anyone’s guess, but he had no choice and had to find out. When she walked back into the room, he decided to leave those thoughts for another day. They had only a week of peace under their belts, and he wasn’t ready to do anything that might change that.

“How’s production going on the movie?” he asked. “Are we still going down this weekend?”

“I haven’t heard anything since they arrived at Jefferson Island, and yes, I still plan to go down Saturday.”

“I’m going with you. I cleared my schedule the moment you told me about it.”

“It might not be all that interesting. I think life on a movie set is a lot of ‘hurry up and wait.’ They filmed all the interior shots in a studio in Atlanta, and the rest is being filmed here. The director and producer wanted to capture the local flavor, so we’re going to expose our home state in all its glory. People will see the pressure cooker of good and evil, sweltering heat, total poverty, and embarrassing wealth that’s made these stories possible.”

“I think it’s the imagination you’ve had since you were a kid that’s made these stories possible. I remember you playing with Barbies and talking to yourself as a story unfolded in your mind. I could hear you from my bedroom window and always wondered where it all came from. It was fascinating because nothing like that ever happened to me. I never had a story unravel in my mind. I must be too literal or something.”

“Which is why I’m the writer and you’re the warrior. Everybody has a talent, and if they figure out what it is in time, then they have the pleasure of pursuing it. It seems you and I have been lucky because we’re both doing exactly what we’re meant to do.”

“Speaking about that, how’s the writing gone this week? You haven’t said much, and I’m not sure if you want me to ask.”

“It’s going all right. I’m not sure what I’ve got, so I’ll wait to talk about it.”

“Okay, then I’ll leave you be. I’m interested in listening if that helps, or if you need some technical info, just let me know.”

“Thank you.”

“Give me a good kiss and then I’ll get out of your hair.” Opening his arms, he waited for her to walk into them. When she did, he held her tightly. “Have a good day, honey,” he said.

“Okay, you too. Be safe out there and come back tonight in one piece.” She ran her hands through his hair and then gave him a kiss.

“I promise to do my best.” When she squeezed him, he wondered what was going on. “Anything you want to tell me?”

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