Page 38 of Unspoken Hearts
Reid’s jaw ticks as I readjust myself, partly to be more comfortable, and partly to give myself something to do while he stares at me, trying to figure me out. Tucking my knees up to my chest, I rest my arms on them, pulling them tighter against me.
“You don’t talk a lot about your parents,” he murmurs, gaze falling away like he’s scared to see the hurt in my face.
Throat moving, my fingers fiddle on my knees as goosebumps rise along my forearms. “There’s not much to say. They weren’t good people,” I admit in a small voice. “I wish I had parents like yours growing up.”
“You have them now,” he offers gently.
I give him a weak smile.
Reid blows out a breath, shifting to face me more. His top clings to his muscles, and I have to fight to keep from studying every line and carving of his body.
Eyes steadying on his, I think of the times when Grayson and I would go to the creek during the summer. Reid sometimes came along, and I told myself it was because he wanted to spend more time with me, to sneak peeks of me in my bathers, but I think it’s because their parents made him watch over us. He would strip down to only his shorts and jump in with Grayson, splashing the surrounding rocks. I used to stare at the lines etched into his muscles, the clear separation of his abdomen, before forcing my gaze away before he caught my flushed cheeks.
Even back then in high school he had a glorious looking body, and it’s gotten even better since then.
A shiver runs down every vertebrae as I bring myself back to the present. The man beside me is just as quiet as before, only now he’s rugged and handsome, with faint lines on the corners of his eyes, stubble that I bet would feel like rough velvet, and worn hands that I want to feel against my skin.
His dark brows pull together before reaching over the back of the couch. Watching him, Reid grabs the woven blanket that’s soft and cloud-like and leans forward.
My heart beats heavily as if it’s attempting to leap out of my ribcage, saliva sticking to my throat as I take in his fresh, masculine scent.
“Here.” Reid drapes it around my shoulders carefully.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not wanting him to move, but to my dismay, he does.
Returning to his spot, I can’t help but smile at how kind he is. He’s not grumpy or boring, he’s just a quiet, gentle soul who I’ve desperately wanted to kiss for twelve years.
“So,” I say, breaking the silence. “How’s your place coming along?”
His eyebrows rise a little. “You remember that?”
I dip my chin slowly, letting out a. “Yes.”
The corners of his mouth twitch, making my fingers curl into the blanket fabric. “It should be done in a few weeks. I just need to choose some paint colours and start getting furniture. Then I’ll be all set to move in.”
My grin grows. “That’s the best part.”
Reid shakes his head in disagreement. “I just want it to be done. I like living here, but this house…”
“You like your own space,” I finish for him.
His eyes twinkle again. “Depends on the company.”
I feel a rush of heat pinking my cheeks as my head tilts backwards to lean on the couch cushion. My eyelids finally feel heavy as I let out a soft yawn. “Why were you down here at this time? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” Then he shrugs. “I couldn’t. Sometimes I struggle.”
My smile falters, because I know that exact same feeling. “Me, too. I’ve been this way since Axel was born.”
Reid holds my stare, waiting for me to continue, but I can’t bring myself to talk more about them, so I let it go. Too much reminiscing about my irresponsible parents for one night.
“You’re a good sister,” Reid utters, and my heart swells a little hearing that from him.
I give him a small smile as my eyelids fall shut. I’ve heard that many times from Axel, but it feels oddly comforting coming from someone else.
“You okay?”
I nod my head, my eyes gluing together as my body finally feels relaxed enough to rest. It’s comfortable down here. Warm in his presence, and the blanket also helps.
