Page 28 of I Knew You
“How did you do all this?” she asked.
I ran a hand through my hair. “Well, after the football injury, I took a construction job for a couple of years. I learned a lot doing that, and I was good at it.”
“So you have a big boy job, and you can also do this? Color me impressed.” She turned to face me. The faraway porch light reflected in her eyes, making them sparkle in the dark. “It is breathtaking, Bram.”
I held out the key to her. “Go check it out. I’ll get your stuff.”
I grabbed her small suitcase from the back bench seat of the truck. She hadn’t brought much with her since she was planning to stay only one night. I wanted to turn her single night into two, three, maybe four, or perhaps a week, or even the whole time she needed to be in Roanoke.
When I opened the screen door and walked in, I saw Julianna standing stock-still in the middle of the living room, her deep-brown eyes lit with curiosity as she scanned her surroundings. I set her bags down and flipped on the light.
Stuff was everywhere: a random flashlight, dog toys, papers, and a few empty beer cans.
“Bram,” she whispered, her eyes finally resting on mine. “It is perfect. The original woodwork restored—and this fireplace…” She skimmed her fingertips over the refinished mantle as her voice trailed off.
Then she floated across the room to the forest green velvet cushion of the built-in picture window seat. Her graze against the fabric was slow and reverent. It made me smile and tingle with awareness of her. I would give the world to have that touch turned on me.
As if hearing my inner thoughts, Julianna quickly walked over and threw her arms around me.
It had been a long time since I had been pleasantly surprised by anything, but the feel of her pressed against me…
This was what should have happened that night on the road.
This was what should have occurred when I went to see her in the hospital on that sad, snowy day of Grams’ funeral.
This is how it should have been.
I wrapped her in my arms tightly, unable to resist what was given to me, even if I couldn’t keep it. She put her cheek against my shoulder, and I had to fight to keep the smile off my face as I slowly rubbed her back.
Incessant barking came from the utility room where Lakey waited in her kennel.
Julianna untangled herself, and I let her pull away.
Cockblock dog.
She pulled a few loose strands of hair behind her ears and averted her eyes as a blush spread along her cheekbones.
“Come on, let me introduce you to my girl,” I said, shoving my hands in my pockets to keep from touching her again.
I led the way through the dining room and the kitchen and walked into the back utility room. Lakey’s whines ceased whenshe sensed my presence, but when I flipped on the light and she saw Julianna, she went into guard dog mode and her barking became shrill.
“Lakey, come on now,” I scolded.
But Julianna was unaffected. She walked around me confidently.
“Hi, darling,” she cooed, softly and sweetly. She knelt before the kennel door and stuck her hand through the grate so Lakey could smell her. Julianna petted her with her fingertips. Lakey took to her immediately, nuzzling against Julianna’s hand.
“She likes me!” Julianna exclaimed, then she looked up at me and smiled.
The most vile, dirty thought possible ran through my mind of Julianna on her knees in front of me, her eyes fixed on mine with sparks of unmatched excitement.
I knelt beside her to quell my quickly rising situation. I unlatched the door to the kennel, and Lakey bounded out with the force of a thousand elephants. She ran directly at Julianna, knocking her back with untethered excitement.
“Whoa!” I grabbed for Lakey’s collar, but Julianna was giggling as Lakey licked her face. I let go and watched the scene unfold.
Julianna’s dark-painted fingernails dug into Lakey’s spotted fur as she gave the deep scratches Lakey loved so much. I was unable to keep the smile off my face. It was as if they were long-lost friends reunited after an eternity apart—happy, joyous, and enamored. What I wouldn’t give to have that sort of affection between us.
Was I jealous of my dog?
