Page 79 of Until the Ink Dries

I smiled. “I know the feeling.”

“I guess I’m gonna have to book a flight to come see you when you go back home, huh?”

I pulled back so I could look at him. “Maybe not.”

His brows furrowed. “Whatchu’ mean?”

“I um… I decided I’m moving back to Rose Haven.”

“Word?”

“Yeah. I’m ready to be home. Everyone that matters is here and I’m tired of being away from them. Then, there’s you and Charlie. I’ve gotten so used to having you two around. My days would never be the same. I’m going back to Sterling Point in a few days. It’ll take me a little while to get packed up, but I’ll be back. My parents said I could stay with them until I find a place.

“Honestly, I think I need that. I could find a place before I leave, but I wanna stay home just a little longer. It’s funny because I couldn’t wait to be grown and out on my own. Now, I love the comfort of mommy and daddy’s house.”

Benny chuckled. “I get that. It’s a different type of peace.”

“It is. You know, we have to officially introduce each other to our parents at some point.”

“We do. If you still feel the same when you get back, maybe we can all have dinner or something.”

I frowned. “What do you mean, if I still feel the same? What? You think I’m gonna go back and forget about you? About Charlie.”

“Don’t get defensive, love. I’m just saying. We don’t really have a title… no commitment. Things could change.”

“But they won’t. I care about you, Benjamin. Charlie, too. Look, I know what happened with Ellis was messy and fucked up, but that is over. Done. I want…”

I paused for a moment, trying to choose my words carefully. My mother told me I had to be intentional and I was trying.

“You want what?” Benny asked, stepping back.

“I want to be with you,” I whispered. My eyes finally met his and I spoke louder. “I want to be with you, Benjamin. The time I’ve spent with you is the most I’ve felt like me in years. I’m sorry if that comes off as me using you to make myself feel good, but I promise, that’s not the case. You just… you see me.”

I slid off the bed of the truck and stepped closer to him, grabbing his hands.

“I love being with you and Charlie. The two of you make me happy and that’s all I want in this life is to be happy. I want to be happy with you.”

He stared at me for a moment, his eyes searching mine.

“I wanna be happy with you, too, Willow. That shit’s hard for me to say after everything I’ve gone through with Tierra. You gotta understand that I have a kid and she comes before any and everything. I have to protect her.”

I nodded. “You’ll never have to protect her from me. Even if you and I don’t work out, I’d always be around for Charlie. I love her, Benny.”

“You— you love her?”

“Yes.” I smiled and giggled. “How could I not love her? Charlotte Grace Davis is a ball of sunshine, a literal light. She reminds me of the little things that make me happy. How innocent love can be. Her smiles brighten my day and when she’s excited to see me? God, that just warms my heart in a way only a child can. She reminds me that there is still good and innocence in this world. More importantly,” I said, cupping his face. “She’s a part of you. I want to love, nurture, and care for every part of you, Benjamin Davis. So let me make something abundantly clear.”

I pulled his face close and pressed my lips to his. When I pulled back, I looked deep into his beautiful eyes.

“I want you and everything that comes with you.”

Our lips collided again as he lifted me and wrapped my legs around his waist. We kissed with hot, sensual, delicious passion. I was so turned on right now that I wouldn’t care if the neighbors saw this man bend me over and take me right here in the street.

“Get in the back seat,” I said, between kisses.

He didn’t hesitate to open the back door of the truck and put me inside, climbing in behind me. Again, our lips collided in a passionate kiss. Our fingers worked to undress each other, all while subtly copping feels. I was down to my bra and panties, and he wore nothing but his boxers.

“Don’t be out here screaming and shit,” he said with a smirk as he released himself.

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