Page 80 of Almost Home
“You’re quiet.” Wilder’s voice cut into my thoughts.
“Sorry. Just… absorbing it all.”
His large, warm hand enveloped mine, his other steering us carefully down the canyon road. “Did you have fun?”
“I did.”Funwasn’t the right word for something so wholly restorative and soul-filling.
We drove a while longer with only the sound of the road and the car’s engine to accompany us. When the motion stopped and I heard the click of a seat belt, I startled back into the moment. “Wow, I was really in my head.”
A soft smile was his only answer. He exited the car while I worked on my belt, and by the time I pushed open the door, he’d already arrived at my side and held out a hand to help me down. He kept it, threading our fingers together like he seemed to prefer, leading me to my door.
My mind was moving slow. I knew the evening had held so much significance and emotion, but I didn’t want to be thinking through sludgy thoughts. I wanted to be bright and easygoing and ready to invite him inside and spend the rest of the night together.
“We’ve got a big week,” he said, stopping on my welcome mat.
“It’ll be great.” I smiled.
Apparently, not well, because his brows dropped low and he stepped into my space with a hand on each of my arms. “This has been a lot.”
I nodded. Couldn’t refute that.
“I think we both need some time to think it through.” His gaze was sharp and assessing as he watched me absorb his words. Then he leaned in and kissed my cheek and a trail to just before my ear in a series of quick, soft kisses. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
My brain finally caught up to his words. “You’re leaving?”
His gaze softened even as he stepped back, linked to me by only one hand in mine. “Yes. And not because anything’s wrong, to be clear, but because everything in me wants to haul you inside and spend the night in a repeat of last night.”
My mouth opened, about to sayYes, let’s do that!, when he continued.
“But the last day has brought big changes. I don’t want us to feel like we’ve rushed, even though I know it’s my fault you came tonight—my fault I stayed last night.” He shook his head just slightly, like he was frustrated with himself.
I reached for him, holding his shirt just below his pecs to keep him in place. “I wanted you to stay. And I’m so glad you took me with you tonight.”
His eyes killed me. Even in the dusky light, they still made my heart twist and my stomach drop.
“I wanted you there. You belong there.”
His words hung between us as my heart flapped around in my chest at the notion.You belong there.
What I wanted to say, maybe would’ve said in another version of my life that hadn’t been so hammered by pressure not to assert my own desires, was something likeI belong with you.I wondered if another version of him would’ve said something else, too. But tonight, I simply said, “Thank you.”
He bent to kiss my lips and groaned as he stepped all the way back only seconds after making contact. “If we keep kissing, I won’t go.”
“You don’t have to.”
He huffed and set his hands on his hips as though searching for strength within himself. “I do. But I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Now head inside and lock up behind you.”
I grinned at his order. “Yes, sir.”
He only pinned me with those eyes, hands still on his hips, and watched as I let myself inside, closed the door, and made a point to lock the bolt loudly.
My heart ached and twisted and practically burned in my chest, it felt so full. Talking with Jane had nearly done me in, but thanks to Warrick’s ridiculous comments, I’d recovered without blubbering all over her pretty silk blouse.
Everything about the time together had felt good. I hadn’t been out of place. No one had wondered why I was there. Obviously, Calla and Sadie were glad to have me, but Warrick and Wyatt were, too. It felt so familiar and good. Sitting at that table—a table at which I’d sat years ago—felt like something coming full circle.
