Page 29 of I Knew You
“You didn’t tell me how sweet she was!” A hug around Lakey’s neck punctuated Julianna’s words. “How in the world did someone like you come across a dog like this?” She asked it teasingly, but something within me couldn’t help but feel a little sting of truth. Even Lakey was too good for me.
I shrugged.
She didn’t seem to notice my demeanor shift as she gave Lakey one last scratch on the neck before she got to her feet and wiped dog hair off her lap.
“Let’s go,” I said, gesturing with a tilt of my head, “I’ll show you upstairs.”
I first led her through the rest of the downstairs area, which consisted of a half bath, another bedroom, and a small room I had turned into an office. Lakey walked behind us, her tongue wagging, happy to fall into step.
I led Julianna up the stairs in the entryway. “This”—I gestured to the first room on the right at the top of the stairs—“is my bedroom.”
She peeked in. I hadn’t made the bed. Clothes, random shoes, and more dog toys were strewn about. I would have been embarrassed, but there was something about letting Julianna see my life like this that felt right.
“I’m so happy you didn’t paint everything man colors,” she said and stepped through the threshold into the bedroom. “I love all the soft white against the farmhouse fixtures. And these floors?”
“Original,” I replied, toeing a little at the dark-stained, wide-wood planks under our feet. “One of my favorite things, I think. They’re still rough, but it reminds me of the house’s history. They were a labor of love, for sure.”
She looked at me over her shoulder. “They’re my favorite, too.” One hand rested on her waist as she turned to face me. “I can’t believe you own this place and all you’ve done. It’s amazing.”
She was considered in every refinished floorboard and paint swipe. She just didn’t know it. I leaned against the doorframe as she talked.
“I dreamed about this house sometimes. Some of my best memories of Grams, Whit, and me are here.”
“I hope this place isn’t as hard for you as where we were.” I held my breath, waiting for her reply. I didn’t want her to leave, but I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable either.
She smiled. “It’s not. That house feels like an alien planet, but this place feels like a warm fire on a cold winter night. Like…”
Please say it feels like home.
Instead of finishing her thought, the words died on her lips.
I wanted to take her face in my hands and press my lips to hers. Instead, I did nothing and kept my longing locked inside myself.
“I’m exhausted,” she said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “I know it’s still early, but I would love to lie down. Do you prefer which bedroom I stay in?”
Yes, actually, I do. You should be staying in my room with me.
I cleared my throat. “That one is ready for guests, and it’s by the bathroom,” I said, pointing to the other end of the hallway.
“Then that is the one I pick.” I moved out of her way, and she walked down the small hall and opened the door of the bedroom, looking in briefly. “It’s perfect.”
“I’ll bring up your overnight bag. Is that all you need?”
She nodded. I ran to do her bidding. Lakey followed me down the stairs, then back up, excited about whatever was happening. Julianna took the bag from my hands at the threshold of her room.
“I put your snack box in the kitchen. I’m pretty low on food. There’s some bottled water down there in the fridge. Would you like me to get one for you? I mean, the spring water from the tap is pretty good, and there’s a filter, of course, but, you know.”
My cheeks heated. I was never flustered, but the impromptu situation had me out of my element. She shook her head, trying to hide her snicker behind her hand. “No, I’m okay. But if I need one later…?”
“Be my guest. You’re welcome to anything I have,” I said, gesturing to the stairs.
She held the doorknob. “Thank you for taking me in. Although it was absolutely under duress.” Her tired eyes crinkled with a smile. I wondered if she was thinking about when she said those words to me about Whit the night of the wreck.
“I hope it’s the best kidnapping you’ve ever had,” I replied cheekily.
She dipped her head and giggled, and my heart soared.
Even though I knew it was dangerous, I couldn’t help but think,“How does she feel about me, really?”
