Page 66 of Love's Home Run

“I’ll be up in a while,” said Ross. “I want to spend some time, however brief, with my nieces.”

Melissa gave him a little wave and left the room, eager for a quick shower before dressing for the day.

###

Melissa had just finished brushing her hair when Ross knocked on the bathroom door.

“Come on in,” she said, and he opened the door wearing only his boxers.

“I need to grab a quick shower. Okay?”

She studied him, admiring his strong body, remembering what it had been like to make love with him, and forced herself to focus. “Sure. I’m leaving.”

He caught hold of her arm and drew her to him. “’Morning.” His lips met hers, and she thought about how right it was to start the day like this.

Aware of his response, she moved away. “I’ll finish packing and be ready anytime you are.”

“Thanks.” Ross stripped off his shorts and entered the oversized shower.

Melissa marveled at the ease between them. She’d seen naked men before, of course. But she’d never shared a relationship like the one she had with Ross. He was so natural, so loving, and sexy with her.

###

Later, on the road, Melissa thought about Jenn’s telling them that two strong people need their own interests. Sometimes, it took someone else’s words to make sense of things. A thought had been playing in her mind, and now, she wanted to act on it.

She gazed out the car window, content to keep it her secret.

Ross asked if she would drive. “I want to review some numbers so I can discuss them with Mike tonight. He’s going to stay at my house.”

She took over the driving, happy to have something to focus on.

###

Back in Lilac Lake, Ross dropped her off at her house. “I’ll call you later, okay? I don’t know how long Mike will stay with me, but I want to see you.”

Melissa nodded and waved before she rolled her suitcase to her front door. Inside her house, she placed a phone call.

Later, she drove to the Lilac Lake Café and waited for Crystal to finish closing the restaurant for the day. She and Crystal were friendly, but she didn’t share a close relationship with her because of their constant restaurant work. But Melissa wasn’t going to let that stop her from moving forward.

Crystal closed out the cash register for the day and walked over to Melissa. “Hey, girl. How are things going with you? I hear you and Ross are together now. Guess it took a road trip to make you both see you’re perfect for one another.”

Melissa smiled and looked away, fighting tears.

Crystal took hold of her hand. “What’s wrong?”

Melissa let out a shaky breath, relieved to be able to talk about her doubts and her fears. “Ross is wonderful. But I’m not sure it will work out now that we’re back home. All of my previous relationships have ended quickly. I’m afraid this will too.”

“Let’s take this step by step,” said Crystal. “You and Ross are or have been sleeping together. Right?”

Melissa nodded.

“You’ve always been good neighbors, and that isn’t going to change, right?”

Melissa shook her head.

“Has Ross shown you how much he cares about you?” Crystal asked.

Melissa caught her lip. “Yes.”

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