Page 37 of The Goode Girls of Maple Lane
If the rumors are true, Johann and Madeleine both took over from their parents, who had a fierce rivalry Johann and Madeleine have maintained with equal vigor for about twenty years now. I’m dying to know the details, and to try out the other bakery, but Johann has been so good to us, I wouldn’t dream of betraying him.Also, his baked goods are phenomenal and Aggie loves his oatmeal and pumpkin dog cookies. Coming here is hardly a sacrifice.
Everett slips a twenty into the tip jar before we head out with cheerful goodbyes and enough treats to feed us for a week. He nudges my elbow with his, and I slip my hand through the space he creates for me. I love these moments, these silent conversations where a gesture or a look communicates everything we need to say.
Come closer.
Like this?
Yes. Perfect.
Agreed.
As we turn the corner onto our block, with our building in view, my nerves go taut and my insecurities mount. The night has beensogreat, Everett and I know each other pretty well by now, and we’ve both been up front about liking each other, so why is this so hard?
My body language must be broadcasting my thoughts, or maybe I spoke them aloud again. Either way, Everett must sense my anxiety because he stops walking, pivots to face me, presses a kiss to the top of my head, looks me in the eye, and patiently waits for me to speak.
“I don’t want to be this nervous,” I say once I can manage it.
“What can I do to help?” His voice is warm, kind, like always, and I consider his question while drawing curlicues on his soft, cedar-scented sweater where his coat hangs open.
This would be so much easier if I didn’t like him so much, if I didn’t know with every pulse of my heart that I want more than one night. I want a lot of nights. And a lot of days. And maybe even years. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but I can picture it, andthat’s a first for me. It makes the stakes feel high. Yes, this is about sex. It’s also about so much more.
“Three things,” I say.
“Tell me,” he says. “If they’re in my power, consider them done.”
“One.” I hold up a finger. “Can we go to your place? To avoid interruptions?”
“Of course. Whatever makes you most comfortable.”
Right, I think. He’s getting to the point faster than I am.
“Okay. Two.” I hold up another finger. Swallow. Breathe. “Please take the lead. Not forever. But for tonight. I want this. Us. But I need some help getting out of my head.”
He nods, once, very businesslike. “Done. Number three?”
I don’t hold up a finger this time. I let my hand rest on his chest instead.
“Tell me it means something to you, too,” I say. “I need to hear the words. I’ve gotten this wrong before and I don’t want any guesswork about it. Or any surprises.”
He nods again, maintaining his formality but inching closer so his toes touch mine.
“This absolutely means something to me,” he says. “I’m not a casual dater. I’m not sure I’m a casual anything. I can’t predict where we’ll be months or years from now, but I knew when we first met, not for a drink after swiping right, but by going on a grand adventure to save a life, that whatever happened between us would be the kind of meaningful that stayed with me forever.” As the wordsmeaningfulandforeverembed themselves in my brain, the skin near his eyes crinkles in one of his not-actually-smiling smiles, like a secret he’s only sharing with me.
“You’re so nice to me,” I tell him, and to my surprise, he winces, taking a step back.
“Okay, wait,” he says as my hands slip from his chest and elbow. “My turn.”
“Right. Of course. Okay?” I brace myself, if chewing on my thumbnail counts as bracing.
“Number one,” he says. “For the rest of the night, don’t call me nice.”
I open my mouth to protest, to assure himniceis a compliment, but something flashes in his eyes that sparks my curiosity about what a not-so-nice Everett might be like, so I just nod.
“Number two,” he says. “My taking the lead doesn’t mean you don’t tell me what you want or if I’m doing something you don’t want. Okay?”
“Yeah. Okay,” I say, sweating a little now. In a good way. “And number three?”
“Number three.” He closes the distance between us and leans down so his lips brush my ear, making me shiver. “I know we have to get Aggie out, so I suggest we get moving and do that first, because once we get started, I won’t want to stop, and if you’re not naked in a bed within half an hour, I’m going to yank down your tights and take you against the nearest wall.”
