Page 69 of Tinder Embrace
"Deal," I said, leaning in for a kiss.
As much as I wanted to linger, Carlos was waiting.
"See you then, sweet Bee."
***
Jo surprised me, arriving with coffee and energy bars while Carlos and I were troubleshooting.
"Thanks," I said, taking the steaming mug from her.
I'd gone directly to our brewing barn, not even stopping for a change of clothes. Carlos had been smart enough not to comment, but I doubted Jo would give me any grace.
"Nice shirt," she said mildly.
She'd probably drawn her own conclusions when I didn't come home the night before. But her comment reminded me that not everyone knew Sophie and I spent the night together.
"Any big plans for the weekend?" she asked.
"Dinner at Sophie's Friday and a test flight with her Saturday morning."
Jo's eyes widened. "You? In a hot air balloon." She glanced at Carlos. "Did you have hell freezing over on your bingo card for this week?"
Carlos shook his head, grinning. "Nah. Then again, I didn't have our pump imploding on it either. I need a new card. Mine's feeling like a loser."
"What about you? Are you around this weekend?" I asked.
"Not much," she murmured. "I'll probably be around Saturday morning if y'all need ground crew, but I have plans in the evening."
Jo had become more secretive lately. She answered direct questions, but I'd noticed her skating around, offering only vague information on the weekends. It was normal for her to hunker down with a book and a pot of tea or go out with her friends. But something about the way she avoided talking about details pinged my brotherly senses. Jo could usually be relied on to talk at length about her books or latest TV interest. Being so close-mouthed wasn't like her.
"Are your plans with anyone I know?" I asked.
"What kind of question is that, Davis? You know the whole town."
Not an answer.
Carlos distracted me with a request to re-energize the pump, and Jo escaped while I did his bidding at the electrical panel.
Thankfully, our repair looked like it would hold. We couldn't afford the expense of another major equipment failure.
When I finally climbed into my shower well after dark, I was bone-tired. Water sluiced over my sore muscles. Most were courtesy of the hard labor Carlos and I had done. But not all. Sophie's nails had scored my back. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to abrade the skin. The tiny wounds stung under the water, sending a flash of pleasure-pain to my groin. My candy-coated badass packed a punch.
Tussling with her was the highlight of my week. My month. My year.My life? I stilled, rolling the words around, feeling their weight. Their truth.
Sophie was everything I wanted in a partner. Everything I needed. She could keep a group of twenty tiny eight-year-olds calmly in hand without dimming their enthusiasm for learning. She'd mastered piloting a balloon, adapting to the winds and obstacles that blew her off course. She was both beautiful and strong. She blazed a trail with sunshine and love. Her unbreakable spirit was a beacon to those around her, including me. Something about her optimism and faith spilled over into me, buoying my spirits.
Somehow, the realization brought more peace than fear, which shocked the hell outta me. Sophie really was changing me, but I had to admit the new sense of hope felt good. It felt fucking great. I couldn’t wait to see her again.
Still wet from the shower, I couldn’t resist texting her.
Davis: Are me and my toothbrush still welcome tomorrow night?
Davis: What time?
Sophie: Five?
Davis: Anything I can bring?
