Page 64 of The Heart Shot
Apparently falling for someone felt a lot like that.
And yet, I’d never met someone I was so willing to risk it all for.
Yes, Elsie was gorgeous but that was only a bonus. Behind the barricade surrounding her heart was a kind, sweet soul that I couldn’t get enough of. I loved her grumpy firecracker personality, especially when her feisty side came out and I caught a glimpse of her quick wit. She genuinely cared about everyone she encountered, even if she kept them all at a distance. The way Elsie bit her lip when she concentrated, or how she pressed them together while trying not to laugh constantly replayed in my mind.
Maybe some people would be scared away by all the defense mechanisms she used to protect herself, but I only wanted to dismantle them, brick by brick.
On top of it all, I had read the articles and blogs she had written recently, and they weregood. So good that I couldn’t believe she had never tried to publish anything of her own. Elsie was beyond talented, and the world only saw tiny fragments of her ability.
But I saw every piece, and the world needed her writing. I saw every dream she kept hidden, even in the silliest articles. Her heart was on display even if she didn’t know it, and it was beautiful.
I rubbed a hand over my face, trying to quell the rush of emotion that made me want to leap headfirst into a serious relationship with Elsie.
One thing at a time, Jameson.
Fighting against the wind, I spread the blanket across the sand, setting the picnic basket in one corner and my shoes in the other to hold it down. I was pulling the hot dishes from the basket when someone spoke behind me.
“I can’t say I’ve ever had a beach picnic in October before.”
My grin was automatic as I stood and turned to face her. She was bundled in a long peacoat, a cute little beanie on her head. It was around fifty degrees, but she was dressed like the middle of winter. I chuckled as I reached for her, pulling her into a hug.
“What? It’s the best time of year for a picnic,” I whispered into her ear. Elsie leaned her head back with a smile, and it was only natural to press my lips against her cheek. It lasted a split second, but when I pulled away, her eyes fluttered open slowly as if the light kiss had put her in a trance.
Taking a step away, I gestured to the blanket. Dishes of hot food—steam rising into the rays of sunlight—warm drinks, and two giant blanket hoodies, were carefully spread across it.
“You’ve been busy,” she commented.
I smiled before handing her one of the giant hoodies. “It’s a little chilly so I thought you might want this.” I slipped the other over my head. It was a long blanket that ended at the knee with sleeves and a hood. Those infernal social media ads had gotten me to buy two of them a while back when I couldn’t sleep and was doom scrolling instead. Hers had a cute dog pattern that looked like Luna, while mine was plain blue.
“Thanks,” she replied, giggling when she got her head stuck in one of the arm holes. Why was she so cute? She snuggled deeper into it and my insides squeezed at the sight of her wearing something of mine, even if it was only a blanket hoodie. A bloodie? Or would it be a hanket?
“Have a seat. I brought broccoli cheddar soup, three different kinds of bread, chicken pot pie, and because I’m notcompletelyunhealthy, roasted veggies. I also brought hot chocolate for dessert.”
She eyed the dishes as if they were sent straight from heaven.
I handed her a bowl and spooned in some soup, then sliced her a small chunk of each of the different breads. One was French Bread, another was some sort of Italian herb bread, and the last was a cheesy bread that made my mouth water. Elsie dunked one straight into her soup before stuffing it into her mouth, which was followed by a quiet hum of approval.
“Good?”
“Mmhmm,” she said around a bite. “It’s perfect.”
“I wish I could take credit for it, but I cheated a little. Work went longer than expected today, so I picked the food up from Dina’s.” Even though my mom had taught me to cook as a kid, I wasn’tthatgood, and I hadn’t anticipated having to squeeze in extra patients today. Otherwise, I probably would have…no. I still would’ve picked up Dina’s. I would do anything to impress this girl.
“Whether you made this, or picked it up from Dina’s doesn’t matter. It’s hot and delicious, and I’m happy.”
Her words sent a thrill through me, and I felt like I had won a gold medal at the Olympics.Elsie froze mid-chew, eyes widening as if her words had surprised her, too.
I couldn’t hold back my grin. “Then mission accomplished.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, eyes lighting up at my words. Sparks shot up my legs from where our thighs touched, and my traitorous eyes strayed to her lips. We moved identically, like puppets controlled by the same desire. She leaned closer to me, her hot breath puffing against my lips. Then a loud buzz came from my pocket.
We both flinched, pulling apart, and I didn’t miss the disappointment that flashed in her eyes. Elsie picked up her bowl and resumed eating, a pretty blush coloring her cheeks. For a moment, I didn’t move, letting the call go to voicemail. I didn’t want to bethatguy. I didn’t want her to think whoever was calling was more important than she was. But as soon as it stopped, it started again.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized, fishing the phone from my pocket, frustrated by the interruption. “It might be an emergency,” I added, hoping she’d understand.
Angel’s Hearth flashed across the screen and my stomach dropped. Jumping to my feet, I walked a few feet down the beach. Why was my mom’s assisted living home calling? A thousand pounds settled on my shoulders, and I ran a nervous hand through my hair as I pressed the green button and held the phone to my ear.
“Hello?”
