Page 55 of Love's Harvest
“Yes,” Sarah said.“My parents will be with the girls and me Christmas morning, so we’re able to come that afternoon.Thanks for inviting us.”
“Mary Lou would be disappointed if I hadn’t.”Aaron grinned.“She’s been able to figure me out since I first came to live with them.And she knows how I feel about you.”
“I’m excited to go.I haven’t told them yet, but I know the girls will be too.”
“The house will be crowded with people and kids.But it will make a big difference to me to have you there.”
“And I’m looking forward to having you at my house for Christmas Eve.The girls will be wild with excitement, but hopefully we can get them to bed at a decent time.”
“I hope so.”Aaron’s dark gaze focused on her, and she felt a shiver of anticipation shoot through her.
“Hey, you two!What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”asked Tessa.“I thought I might throw a party for everyone.”
“We have plans,” said Aaron, surprising Sarah.
“Oh, okay.I guess I’ll have to come up with another idea.Everyone’s busy but me.”
“Won’t you be busy at the inn that night?”asked Sarah.
“Yes, but I’m talking late-night party,” said Tessa.“Never mind.It was a bad idea.”
Sarah felt a little sorry for Tessa, but she didn’t want to ruin any plans Aaron might have for her.She knew from the way Aaron had flexed his jaw that he didn’t care for Tessa.She also knew there must be a very strong reason for him to feel that way.
After their drinks and dinners had been eaten and the dishes cleared by the wait staff, people began to leave.
“Ready to go?”Aaron asked her.
“Sure,” said Sarah.“Want to come to my house for a while?It’s early yet, and the girls should be in bed.”
“Okay,” Aaron said, walking her to the door.“I’ll meet you there.”
Sarah got in her car and drove to her house, full of excitement.She and Aaron hadn’t spent too much alone time together.And now that she was ready to move their relationship forward, she wanted that time with him.
At home, Sarah thanked her mother for staying with the girls and ushered her out the door.She went to check on the girls and was delighted to see that they were both sound asleep.
Aaron arrived just as Sarah turned on the fireplace and then, for the first time that evening, they fully embraced and kissed.
“You feel good,” said Aaron, rubbing her back up and down as he leaned in for another kiss.
Sarah had always thought the phrase “she melted in his arms” was an exaggeration, but she now understood it was a perfect description for how she felt.They’d hugged and kissed as high school kids, but this was so much better.For Sarah, the feel, touch, and smell of him was both familiar and new.
When they pulled apart, Sarah said, “Do you want something to drink?Wine?Water?Coffee?”
“Water sounds fine,” said Aaron.
“Get comfortable in the living room and I’ll bring it to you,” Sarah said.
A few minutes later, she entered the living room and saw Aaron stretched out on the couch.
She brought the water to him, set it down on the end table, and sat beside him on edge of the couch.
“It’s nice seeing you here like this,” Sarah said.“It seems right.”
“Yeah, I feel the same way.We’ve taken a detour, but it feels right to be back together again.”He gently tugged on her arm, and she lay down beside him.
Nestled against him, Sarah lifted her face, and Aaron’s lips came down on hers.She felt a tremor go through her and realized how long it had been since she’d felt such a strong sense of need ripping its way through her.She wanted whatever he was ready to give.
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