Page 38 of Barefoot Dreams
“Yeah, must be that little meddling herb.”
She rises to her feet, collecting our mugs, and strolls to the counter in the kitchen. “I think you should give firefighting a chance. What if it’s something you were meant to do but might lose the chance to try because of something ridiculous like fear?” Her voice is soft and soothing but there’s also tension there.
“Maybe you’re right.” That ridiculous fear seems to be obstructing more than one pathway in my life, but what am I supposed to do here?
Ask her to break up with her boyfriend because I came strolling into town like some fucked up knight in dinged up armor.
“I think I’ll head to bed,” Julie says, and yet another slash of fear whips over my body. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to stop talking to her, but it’s clear I’ve ruined the night with my reckless, stupid attempt to kiss her.
I get up from my spot when Julie says, “You are welcome to sleep on the couch if you don’t want to go home.”
I eye the small apartment, noting the proximity of the loveseat to her bed and decide no way in hell I can stay here.
“Thank you, but I’m a big boy. I can face my mother for another day.”
“Another day? Did you decide to leave again?” There is a tiny strain to her voice and maybe I’m delusional idiot, but I decide it’s because maybe she doesn’t want me to leave? Maybe? Is that too much to wish for?
I wasconsidering leaving but the look on her face settles my fate once and for all. I won’t leave. I can’t. Even if watching her love another man will slowly kill me, I can’t leave.
No, I’ll stay and be the fucking ham!
Until I know she’s serious with Owen, I’ll have to try. I’ll have to try and steal her, no matter how ungentlemanly it is. Because I’m not sure how to survive in the world that she’s not a part of.
My enemies overseas wouldn’t need no missiles to bring me down. All they’d have to do is use Julie as a weapon.
Even having small glimpses of her would be better than nothing at all because I never stopped loving her.
Fucking lavender and all its voodoo tricks. Did I ask for all these revelations tonight? No, I sure as hell didn’t but here we are.
“No, I just want to get my own place. Figured it’ll help with all the pestering and meddling.”
Julie snorts at my answer. It sounds downright cute coming from her, and it makes me smile. Yep, snorts are cute. That’s where I’m at these days. Especially if they mean she doesn't hate me for that kiss.
What’s next? I’ll start drinking mushroom coffee? Or join the Love Hive?Is Julie in that obnoxious chat?
“You must’ve been away for too long if you think you moving into your own place will stop them from meddling.”
“I know you’re right, but I gotta try at least something.”
Julie remains quiet as I make my way toward her door, putting my shoes back on. “Thank you for tea and company.”
“Anytime.” She smiles, leaning against a wall, her features in serene state. I’m well aware that my eyes have lingered on her for a few seconds too long, but I can’t pull my gaze away. She’s so different. So special. “Oh, and Griff?” Julie jolts my train of thought.
“Yeah?”
“Do give firefighting a chance. I have a feeling about it.” Julie pushes off the wall and strolls my way. In the next second her scent wraps around my heart as her hands gently wrap around my shoulders in a very timid, friendly hug.
I’m stiff from shock for all of one second before I slide my hands around her waist, pulling her in tighter, closer, harder until she’s molded into my body. Until she can hear the wild thumping of my heart.
For a moment, Julie stays unmoving and frozen in my arms but then I feel a burst of hot air rush out of her lungs and her whole body growing slack as she raises onto her tiptoes to get a better—more intimate—hold on me.
Oh God. It feels so good. So right.
I don’t want to let go but when that urge to kiss her wakes up anew and attacks me with vengeance, I force myself to pull away before I throw her over my shoulder and disappear into the night. Only allowing my lips to press against her forehead one last time. It's short, brief, yet packs a punch.
Love Hive:
*PheonixG rejoined the chat.
