Page 38 of Love Her

“Connor, what are you doing here?”

“I felt like a walk.”

Sighing, she cocks her hip to the left and places her hands on her hips. Lis Thorne has absolutely no time for my bullshit.

“Fine, I was worried about you.”

“No need to worry about me.”

“Look, I know I’m new here and we’ve just met, but I have a feeling there’s a lot of history with you and this town I’m not privy to.”

Snorting a laugh, she turns on her heel and begins walking. When I don’t immediately follow, she glances over her shoulder and motions for me to join her. Doing as instructed, I fall in step next to her, digging deep inside myself for a little bit of the patience I know this moment requires.

We walk in silence the length of four houses before she speaks. “My parents met in elementary school. They grew up together. My mom was the girl everyone loved, and my dad could charm his way out of any situation. At least, that’s the version they’ve always told me. Mom says she fell in love with him over a box of crayons in first grade. They love each other as much today as the day they married.”

I don’t comment and let her continue with the story. “I was born at Lexington Memorial and likely spent time in the nursery with someone you’ve met in town. It’s how small towns work. Everyone knows each other whether it’s by blood, marriage, or simple history.”

Taking a deep breath, she takes her hair and twists it on top of her head before slipping an elastic band from her wrist to secure it. Then she takes it down. Her movements scream nerves. Needing to offer comfort, I rest my hand on her shoulder, turning her to face me.

“I’m not a nice person, Connor. Being seen with me will only cast a shadow on you with this town.”

“Why would you say that about yourself?”

The streetlight and moon allow just enough light for me to see the glossiness in her eyes. Looking at her feet, she chews on her upper lip for a beat before looking up.

“Ask anyone in this town and they’ll tell you at least three ways I’ve done them wrong. The hateful words I’ve spoken and the actions I’ve taken to make someone feel . . . awful. Insecure. Hurt. That tidbit will come easily by anyone you speak to. The irony isn’t lost on me. My daughter is living the same life as I did except instead of being the one to cause the pain, she’s experiencing it.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, reaching for her elbow and pulling her to a stop.

“It isn’t important. You’re a nice guy, Connor, and it’s been fun getting to know you without any pretenses, but being friends or whatever, isn’t a good idea.”

“I beg to differ. I think it’s actually the best idea I’ve had in a long time.”

Smiling, she steps toward me, placing her hand on my arm. “See, you’re too sweet to associate yourself with someone like me. That’s what Owen was trying to say with his scowl. Which, by the way, he’s always had so it wasn’t anything he conjured up just for me.”

There is no way she’s serious. Regardless of how long I’ve known her, the person she’s portraying herself to be is nothing remotely close to the woman I’ve gotten to know.

“Owen called you Felicity.”

Adorably scrunching her nose she cringes at the name. “Ugh, my grandmother didn’t even appreciate the gesture of my parents naming me after her. In fact, she used to apologize for the name. As if either of us had a say in it.”

Slowly, so not to spook her, I push a tendril of hair from her face and wrap it around my finger before slipping it behind her ear. Like the night we kissed, the world around us ceases to exist. Here beneath the dim streetlight it’s only me and Lis. Cupping her face, I run my thumb across her cheek. Closing her eyes, she releases a breath.

“You know what I think?”

Her head moves slowly from side to side.

“I think you are a kind, funny, smart, and gorgeous woman. Your smile lights up a room and anyone who sees you with your children would never doubt how amazing you are. It isn’t fair for anyone to judge another for the choices they made as a kid. Hell, if we were all judged for decisions we made as a teenager half of us would be hated.”

Her eyes capture mine, holding my stare. She must see my sincerity because with the briefest smile she says, “Thank you.”

“For what?” I ask while sliding my hand around her waist to pull her flush to me.

Lis begins to fiddle with my shirt, her eyes focused on my chest. “For saying all of that. I don’t want to be the person everyone remembers, but sometimes it’s easy to fall into that role. Old habits and all that.”

With her in my arms like this, it’s easy to get lost in the moment. In the way she feels pressed against me. How comfortable it is with our arms wrapped around one another. I’ve not allowed myself to consider something like this with another person. A connection that’s more than a one-night stand. Regardless of whether I planned this or not, I don’t think I’m ready for it to end.

Lifting her chin, the woman who has drawn me to her without even trying offers me a small smile. This time I don’t ask for permission as I cup her face with both my hands and press my lips to hers. She kisses me back, her entire body relaxing as she does. While our firsts kiss was full tongues tangling and hands roaming, this is more subdued but no less meaningful.

With two quick pecks, I pull back and watch as she slowly opens her eyes. Fluttering lashes and glossy eyes, she looks drunk. Drunk on us.

“Go out with me this weekend.”

She doesn’t hesitate. “Okay.”

“We have practice on Thursday, and I have to work both Friday and Saturday night but I’m off all day Sunday. Does that work? Can you find someone to watch the kids? Or we could take them if you prefer.”

Pursing her lips in an attempt to hold back a smile, she fails. “I’ll talk to my mom, but it shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve been gone longer than I planned.” Her eyes drift to the side and down the street.

Taking her hand, I interlace our fingers and walk her back home. I don’t care what opinions Owen or anyone else in this town has of her, Lis has my attention and I’m happy for her to keep it.

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