Page 68 of Staying for You

“Look out your window.”

What the…

I do as I’m told and look down at the ground below my deck to see Owen looking up at me, walkie talkie in hand, surrounded by blankets and what looks like a… picnic.

Oh my gosh. Did he make me a picnic?

He’s grinning and looking so freaking handsome I can hardly stand it. I want to go down and freeze to death outside having a picnic with him sitting on that stack of blankets more than I’ve ever wanted to do anything in my life. But still, I can’t just let him think that being all swoony by making us picnic lunch will just work on me because it’s freezing outside and Ireallylike to make him work for it.

“Not sure if you’ve noticed, but it’s freezing out there! And there’s snow on the ground!”

I watch as he lifts the walkie talkie to his lips and starts talking. “Where’s your sense of adventure, Cami? I slaved over a lunch of peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches. I’ve packed us each a can of Coke. I have a giant bag of potato chips because last time you hogged them all and wouldn’t share like a decent person.”

“I did no such thing! And you aren’t saying over!”

“You aren’t either and yes you did. Get your cute ass down here and let’s have a picnic in the cold. I’ll keep you warm.”

He smirks and splays his arms out to either side of him, showing off the thick layer of blankets he has down on the ground. He’s completely bundled up. Camel-colored canvas jacket and snow boots, a black beanie covering his head. How can I resist that? Or him? I mean, really? He made me a picnic and packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for heaven’s sake! He’s so cute and adorable and charming.

“Fine! You win.” I grumble like I’m really put out but really, he showed me the picnic lunch and I was a goner. It could be pouring rain outside and I’d still venture out and join him.

It doesn’t take me long to brush my teeth quickly (that was a no brainer) and throw on enough clothes that I’d be warm outside and make my way to him.

As soon as I get to him, he gives me a kiss on the lips and whispers, “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I was right.”

“About?”

“You’re beautiful.” Damn him and his words! He’s making it all too easy to want to stay. “Your blanket, Miss.” He presents my “seat” on the ground like he’s at a five-star restaurant. And adds in a wink that has me warming up regardless of the temperatures outside.

“Thank you, sir.”

We take no time digging in. Why would we? It’s freezing and I’m not one to turn away a good PB & J sandwich. I’m far too smart for that. And he was right about the chips. I would eat the entire bag if given the chance to do so.

My phone rings in my pocket and I reach inside, look at it and press ignore. Gretchen and I talked just last night and I told her I’d be sending her more chapters. She likely just wants to give me her opinion on it.

“You can answer that.”

“Nah. It’s just my friend Gretchen.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.” I smile and nod.

“What does she say about you being up here?”

“She was all for it. She knew I needed to get away and find some inspiration.”

He looks out at the water, arm resting on his bent knee as he leans back on his elbow facing me. Owen tears off a chunk of sandwich, chews, and swallows it down. When he looks at me, his eyes are warm. “Have you found it?”

I nod. “I have. Gretchen said this is my best work yet.”

“Hmm. Interesting.”

“It is.” I lean over and kiss his lips. “She thinks it’s because we’re getting it on.”

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