Page 107 of Forever Wild
“What’s left to do?”
“Staging and cosmetic touches, which sounds like not a lot, but I want buyers to walk in and feel the homey, lake vibes. I put up wallpaper today in the dining room in lieu of painting and buying artwork. My budget is small for the square footage so I’m having to prioritize and figure out where to allocate the most money and time. A mistake in one room can wreck the entire design.”
“What are you thinking for the living room?”
“You really want to hear about this?” I ask, arching a brow.
“Yeah.” His expression doesn’t say otherwise so I keep talking. I lay out my entire plan for him, starting with the living room and then moving on to the other rooms. I explain how I came to each decision and even use the photos on my phone so I can help him visualize.
I realize it actually helps to talk it through like this. He doesn’t interrupt, but he nods along when he agrees and even points out a few things I hadn’t thought of, like how the biggest impact is going to be when people first walk through the doors. The house has a great view as soon as you step inside, so highlighting that is a great idea. That area wasn’t high on my priority list, but I move it up and can immediately picture a few small touches that will accomplish the task, maybe an entry table and a rug, but otherwise, it doesn’t need to be over the top. Let their eyes go to the most important thing naturally.
When I’ve finished, I feel more excited than I have in weeks. It’s gotten dark since we’ve sat down. The pizza is gone and I know he needs to get back. I wrap my arms around my stomach to fight off the night chill.
“Come on, let’s get you warm,” he says, standing and holding out his hand to me.
It’s a thrill holding his hand, just like it was the first time. I lean in close, wrapping my free hand around his bicep and stealing as much warmth as I can. Stealing as much of him as I can.
He opens the passenger door for me and I hesitate, lingering there, not wanting to drop his hand and thinking about kissing him. I think he’s on the same page because his gaze drops to my mouth and then up before he steps away.
I hide my disappointment and get in the car. He drives back to my apartment and parks in front of the building.
“Are you ready for Boston?” I ask, not ready for him to leave.
“Yeah. They’re tough, but the team is looking good.”
“I know. I’ve been watching,” I admit.
He nods and smiles. “Watching anyone in particular?”
“My brother,” I say with a smirk.
He smirks right back. “Fair enough.”
“Thank you for coming tonight. I miss everyone. Even you.” Especially him, but I’m not ready to admit that to him.
“We miss you too.”
“Do you want to come up? I can show you my place. It has a real floral vibe currently, but otherwise it’s not bad.”
His boyish grin is full of pride. “I want to, but I should probably get back. One of our minor league guys was moved up for tomorrow and I need to make sure he’s good to go.”
“Captaining,” I say. I lean across the console and place my fingers on his cheek. It’s rough with stubble and his gaze darkens.
He chuckles softly. “I’d rather captain you.”
He closes the distance and presses his mouth to mine. It’s gentlerthan normal, almost sweet. Before I’ve had enough, I don’t think I could ever get enough, he pulls back.
“Thanks for dinner.” I reach for the door handle, then on a whim, turn and fling myself at him. I still don’t know what we are, but I know that I’ve never been happier to see someone than I was when he showed up today.
I know I’ve caught him by surprise because it takes him a couple of seconds before he’s kissing me back. His hands come up to frame my face and he groans into my mouth. That perfect control of his slips and he kisses me with all the passion and intensity that I’ve missed so much. I’m dizzy with excitement and a little relief. This feels right. Maybe I don’t have the rest figured out, but I know I want this. I want him. Kissing Jack is all the fun of a night on the town and all the warmth of a night in. It’s thrilling but safe. He’s home.
Breathless, I pull back.
Jack’s fingers still rest on my face and his voice is gruff as he says, “You’re welcome.”
We breathe each other in, both of us still panting.
“I’m still giving you back the earrings though.”
