Page 52 of Worth the Risk
“I love you Marigold. Thank you.”
“I love you more, Win. Now let’s get you right.”
“What if he can’t handle all of me?”
“He seems like he’s pretty good at rolling with the punches.” I agree.
“What if he takes a coaching job out of state?”
“If that were to happen then you would have a conversation about it, but he’s locked into the job he has now for at least a year so it doesn’t seem like a worry for now.”
“What about Colt?”
“What about him? You should tell him, but your brother loves you more than anyone else on the planet. He’ll get on board.” I let out a breath at that. Maybe she’s right.
“What if he changes his mind?” This. This is the scariest thought I can’t seem to bypass.
“Rhett Holloway has been all in on you since you were 22. I don’t see that changing. Ever.”
“I really hope you’re right about that. I’m really stupidly in love with him.”
“I know, babe. I’m really happy for you.” The sincerity in her voice is comforting and it makes my throat tight with emotion.
“I want to be happy.”
“Then be happy, Winnie. Let yourself be happy.” I smile.
“I think I will.”
“Atta girl! Woo!” I laugh. “I’m walking into work now, but I expect a full report in the morning. Full, Winnie. I want every detail.” I’m laughing again.
“Okay, go be a hero. I love you the most.”
“Never. Bye, Win!” I tap my phone ending the call and get ready for my evening with Rhett.
After an extensiveeverythingshower, spraying the pillow mist in my room and tidying up the house I hear the door bell followed by Rhett’s signature knock before he lets himself in. I can feel tension coil in belly. I decided to bake something for us tonight, not only because I wanted to contribute in some way to the evening but also because it helps calm me. I made the strawberry cookies that Rhett likes and also a loaf of chocolate bread, both are high on his list of favorites.
“Hey, Darlin’” I feel his arms wrap around my waist from behind as I’m moving cookies from the baking sheet and onto a cooling rack.
“Hey yourself.” I smile as he nuzzles his head into my neck and all the tension that was here in his absence melts into nothing.
“I missed you,” he says.
“As crazy as it sounds I missed you, too.”
“It doesn’t sound crazy at all to me, Winnie. I’ve spent enough time away from you as it is.” His hands start to explore my hips and my breath starts coming faster.
“Mm it’s nice we can agree on that.” His voice is so low and deep as he speaks into the skin below my ear.
“I want to take you to bed. Can we agree on that?" He's driving me crazy as he runs his lips up and down the side of my neck, his words are soft in my ear.
“I think I would agree to anything you asked right now if I’m being honest, Rhett,” I whisper.
“Is that so?” His fingers are inching their way up my shirt now. Passing my ribcage until his large hands cup my breasts. I arch into him, wanting contact on all points of my body.
“Rhett.”
“Yes, Darlin’?”
