Page 114 of The Other Guy

He sets down our fresh coffee on the table and spears another piece of sausage with his fork, dragging it through the leftover syrup on his plate.

“How much clearer do I need to be? Aren’t you curious about the savings account my uncle set up for me?”

He shrugs. “Should I be? Was it done illegally?”

I gasp. “No!”

“Then what am I supposed to be curious about?”

“Are you serious right now?”

“I am, but I’m also confused.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Wow. Okay, I figured you’d be curious about how much money he piled away and why he kept it a secret and what I plan to do with it.”

“Why would I need to know that? Your uncle set aside money for you. He doesn’t have any children of his own, so this isn’t really a surprise. It doesn’t matter to me how much it is, in my opinion, it’s a blessing that you’ve received it and you’re an adult so I figure you’re not a complete moron and know what to do with money, whether it’s ten dollars or ten thousand.” He shrugs and leans back in his chair. No shirt, of course, and only a pair of flannel sleep pants, his hair is still a mess and it’s tempting to reach over and run my fingers through it.

“I’m kind of blown away right now.”

“About what? About me not being curious?” He chuckles and I nod. With a shrug, he explains further. “Don’t mistake that for me not caring, Sierra. I do care. But I don’t see where it’s my business. I’m happy for you, sure, and think that Kyle is awesome for doing something like that for you, but that doesn’t mean you have to tell me all the details. If you want to, I’ll listen. If you don’t want to share, that’s fine, too.”

Rather than say anything else, I stand from my chair and lean over to kiss him. I hope he reads everything I’m putting into the kiss.

Thank you for being amazing.

I can’t believe I found you after all these years.

I like you more than I thought was ever possible to like another person.

Our tongues tangle, tasting of syrup and spice and coffee, much better than morning breath, and we kiss for a long time. Me hovering over our breakfast plates and him holding the back of my head to keep me close. We take our time, not rushing through the kiss. It’s one of the best kisses I’ve had in my life. We aren’t kissing only to lead to sex. We’re communicating our feelings through this less than simple act.

We slowly pull away from each other, giving soft and gentle kisses before parting completely. I sit back down in my chair and he reaches over to hold my hand.

“Just to say, I approve of your way of telling me you approve of my way of thinking.”

That makes me beam.

“I’m serious. Anytime you want to give me your response by sticking your tongue in my mouth, you have my permission.”

“Good to know.”

“What do you feel like doing today?”

I waggle my eyebrows and he laughs, throwing his head back and exposing his neck. I want to lick the column.

“I’m good with that. Want to get Toby? See what your uncle is up to? Maybe we can meet him for lunch with Rebecca?”

“They’re going to church first,” I explain.

He shrugs and answers without even thinking, “So we can go, too. It’s been a while since I’ve been to church and maybe it’s time I stepped in. Just got lazy and liked to spend my Sundays doing nothing. But, I have a lot to be thankful for. Wouldn’t hurt to show my thanks in His house.” He gives my hand another squeeze.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“I don’t really have church clothes,” I remind him.

“Wear what you wore last night and we’ll stop at The Landing for you to change, say hi to Toby and play for a few minutes, Kyle can ride with us if he wants. If I remember right, they have a service that starts at eleven so we’ve got plenty of time. And I’ve been there enough to know that the people dress pretty casual. Not like sweatpants, but…”

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