Page 11 of Everything I Desire

Get yourself together Adelaide Harper. He’s back. He’s going through a hard time. You need to let him focus on his niece, and get everything settled.Maybe once he’s settled I can let myself go there with him again. But now isn't that time.

I look in my rearview mirror on my way out. I see Porter standing in the same spot with his hands on top of his head, and worry lacing his face.

As I lay in bed later that night, trying to fall asleep, I can still feel his hands on my body.

It felt like home. Porter still feels like home.

I spent so many years hoping he would come back for me. Now, he’s back. He’s here, and I don’t know what to do about my heart until I know he’s staying for good.

Chapter Four

Porter

It’s been less than 24 hours since I touched Adelaide Harper for the first time in a decade, and I feel like I’m going through withdrawal all over again. A simple touch of her body against mine and I’m needing more.

My feelings for her have never wavered. I love Adelaide Harper as much now as I did ten years ago. My body craves her. Which is how I know, I’m going to rent this house we are pulling up to. Because it means Adelaide Harper will be my neighbor. I don’t even need to see the house, I’m already sold.

I pull into the driveway and can’t help but stare ahead at the beauty that haunts my dreams standing in front of the house next door.

“Oh. My. God. Uncle Porter! Look! This house is next door to Ms. Harper!” Kayla is squealing with delight in the passenger seat. Obviously she has made the same observation as I have.

“Yeah, looks like it is.” I try to act indifferent after her inquisition last night. She caught us much too close and wants to know theteaas she puts it.

As soon as I put the truck in park, Kayla is off running to Addy who is shoveling the light dusting of snow we got last night off her walkway.

I get out of my truck to greet Lauren who got here before we did.

“You ready for this one, Porter?” She smirks my way.

“I feel like you did this on purpose.” I raise my brow to Lauren, knowing she put this rental in here on purpose.

“I may or may not know your history together, and I may or may not be pushing to help my girl out. Provided you didn’t show up with anyone, I assume you’re single,” she winks.

“Always have been. Only one girl ever got my attention.” I shove my hands in my pockets and head into the house, leaving Kayla with Addy. Even though I already know this is the one for us.

When we come out of the house, Addy and Kayla are in the front yard. “Hey Kayla, why don’t you go in and check it out. It looks good to me. Even has a room with a walk-in closet for you.”

“Shut up! Really?” She runs through the front door and I can hear her talking to Lauren a mile a minute. Asking questions that she shouldn’t even be worried about, like how often the police department is called to this neighborhood.

“I’m glad Lauren was able to show you some houses so soon.” Addy shifts from foot to foot. She seems nervous about something.

“Yeah, it’s great. We saw a few yesterday but none of them really worked for us. I’m thinking with a teenage girl we definitely need two bathrooms.” I chuckle.

“Oh of course you do,” a slow smile takes over her face. “I think she’s really going to flourish in a safe home environment, Porter. I feel bad saying this considering the circumstances, but I’m glad you’re here for her.”

I step into her space, and she sucks in a breath. “I’m glad I’m here too.”

I was just about to cup her cheek and pull her into me, when Kayla comes running up to us excitedly. I take a step back from Addy.

“This is it, Uncle Porter! This is the house.” She claps her hands together. “I love it.”

I already know that, so I just let her think she had the deciding opinion. I look at Lauren and nod my head. “Sounds like the lady has made her choice.”

“Ok, let me give the owners a call, I’ll be right back.” She walks away already on her cell phone.

I made sure that all the houses we were seeing were available with short term leases, now I just hope they’re willing to rent to me specifically. Hopefully the owners don’t know my family history.

“Oh my gosh! Ms. Harper! We’re going to be neighbors! How awesome is that?” She hugs Addy. This is the happiest I’ve seen her since I got here, and her happiness is contagious.

---