Page 21 of Embracing Trust

I sit up a bit straighter. “I hope so.”

I turn to face forward in my seat. I take another deep whiff of the car. The scent of the leather seats makes me want to roll back the years. I feel Ryan’s eyes watching me and I turn to him. “What?”

He smiles and shakes his head. “Nothing.”

“Do I have food in my teeth or something?” I tease.

“No, you’re just so beautiful tonight,” he says softly. “It’s hard to take my eyes off you.”

I am melting into a puddle on this seat. I’ll probably need to be mopped up once we get to my house. Such a smooth talker.

“How is it being home after being in the military for so long?” Maybe I can break this spell between us.

Ryan sighs. “It’s been a great night. I don’t want to talk about that now.”

He pulls into my driveway, kills the car’s engine, and turns to me.

I run my damp hands down my dress. “Thank you for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

“I had fun this weekend.”

“It was a good time,” I agree and reach for the door handle.

“I’ll walk you to the door.”

Be careful. Keep your wits about you.

My heart speeds up and my mouth goes dry. “Don’t be silly. It’s right there.”

He gets out of the car and hurries around the front to open my door.

Always the gentleman.

I can hear his footsteps as he follows me to my porch, and I struggle with my shaky hands to retrieve the house key from my purse.

I turn toward him and let out a shaky breath as I see how close he is. I can practically feel the heat radiating off him and it not only brings back the sweet memories from high school but our time on the dancefloor just hours ago.

I lean against the door—more for support than anything. He moves in closer, and I suck in a breath.

“I talked to Amy during the dollar dance. I asked her if you were seeing anyone, and she told me you’re not. I’d like to see you again.”

This is not what I was expecting.

“Actually, Iamseeing someone.” I tighten my grip on the keys.

“Oh?”

“It’s new. We’ve only been dating a month.” I roll my eyes and grin.

Ryan smirks. “So, not long enough to be serious or engaged?”

“Not yet.”

Ryan studies me and nods. “Does he treat you well or do you have a reason I might want to kick his ass?”

This is so Ryan. He was always so protective of me and even though we’re not together, it’s easy to see that he still cares about me, and it makes my heart ache. I miss that feeling of security. I misshim.

I shrug and smile. “So far, so good.”

---