Page 64 of The Wish List
“Die Hard,”she said just to get a reaction.
“Yippee-ki-yay.”
Without thinking about the consequences, she leaned in and kissed him. He lifted his big, callused palms to her cheeks, cradling her like she was precious to him.
Like he thought she might pull away and wanted to keep her close.
She wanted to be closer.
“More,” she demanded and turned to face him in her chair. She moved her hands under the wool sweater he wore. Suddenly it felt imperative that she touch his skin. She needed the heat of him against her.
A shudder ran through him and he muttered, “tickles” against her lips, but he didn’t stop her. He tasted like mint and sugar and continued to kiss her like it was his life’s mission to turn her knees to jelly. His mouth was the perfect combination of tender and insistent, and somehow Freya could feel an undercurrent of admiration in his kiss.
How could a kiss that melted her bones also be described as respectful? She didn’t know, but it added to her desire, fueling it to almost inferno levels.
“No movie,” she said, standing from the table to tug on his hand. “You and me, upstairs.”
He started to follow then stopped but didn’t release her hand. His chest rose and fell in uneven breaths and color spiked his ruddy cheeks, but he stood his ground. “Is that a good idea?”
“The best one I’ve had in a while,” she confirmed, but he still didn’t move. “Greer, please.”
His eyes drifted shut as if it were painful to hear his name on her lips. “I don’t want to take advantage of you when you’re in a vulnerable spot.”
Lord save her from this man and his sense of chivalry. “What if I want to take advantage of you?”
“Is that what this is?” He didn’t seem put off by the thought.
“Maybe,” she admitted. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.” She shook her head, knowing that if nothing else, she owed him honesty at this moment. “That’s not true. I don’t want to be alone, but mostly I want to be with you. Not just a random guy to take the edge off. You, Greer. I’m choosing, against my better judgment, to have this moment with you. Because I trust you.”
His eyes turned even more molten if that were possible. “I choose you as well.” He squeezed her hand. “And I want you more than you could possibly know.”
Those words were exactly what she needed to hear, and she led him up the stairs.
CHAPTER TWENTY
THECURSORONBeth’s laptop hovered over the submit button on the email to the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty director. Tonight was the deadline for submitting her final acceptance for the program.
What had seemed like an easy decision a month ago now felt rife with potential drama. Could she truly leave Magnolia when her mom and sisters’ lives were in such upheaval?
Freya and Trinity had told her they would manage things, but that was before Thomas had made an early arrival in the world. The baby was remarkably healthy, all things considered, but to Trinity’s dismay, he was going to have to stay in the NICU for a few days, according to the doctors, to continue his physical development. Beth’s baby sister had been heartbroken to return home without her son, and Beth knew Trinity would have her hands more than full when Thomas finally came home.
How could she expect Trin to take care of May as well? Yes, their mom continued to improve, and thanks to Greer and Freya, the house’s first floor was almost ready, but May would still need help.
More help than Trinity or Freya were used to giving. That kind of care was second nature to Beth. But she couldn’t provide it from nine hours away in Nashville.
She was slowly coming to understand that part of her discontent was caused by taking on too much, often without being asked, and refusing to allow the people she cared about to help shoulder the burden.
It felt exhausting.
The potential of taking care of only herself felt exhilarating.
And terrifying.
She’d never understand if she could genuinely release control unless she tried. Holding her breath, she tapped her finger on the mouse to hit the submit button, then let out a little yelp.
She was committed.
Committed to something just for herself.
