Page 34 of Beneath Southern Stars

Jayson scoffs. “That’s what I thought.”

“What is?”

“You are falling for her. By the smile on her face and that kiss we all witnessed, I’d say she’s doing the same. Can’t say I don’t understand. Zoey has held my heart most of my life. I loved her long before I knew what that word meant in the romantic sense.”

I chuckle and take a sip form my cup. The drink has cooled but has helped warm me inside; all the aches and pains I’m going to experience tomorrow are no longer in the forefront of my thoughts.

“Jayson, you sound like a greeting card. I like Laney. She’s pretty fantastic and has been a surprise to say the least. But I come with a lot of baggage and a daughter. My life is in Nashville and hers is here.”

My new friend hums and says, “I used to think things similar. Something I realized”—he pauses as a giggling little girl rushes to him—“is that my life is where my heart lies. And that’s with Zoey and the girls here in Magnolia Grove. Don’t make excuses to avoid what may end up being the best thing of your life.”

I let Jayson’s words play over in my head as Laney and Zoey join us with an identical version of the little girl already chattering away in tow. The three of them talk and laugh as I watch the scene before me. I’m not prepared to use the word love when it comes to Laney, but I can honestly say my feelings for her are real and big. As I make that admission, my phone rings. A call from the sitter is never the sign of a good end to the evening.

Chapter Twenty-One

Laney

Tonight will honestly go down asone of the best dates of my life. Not just because ice skating is fun or that it is magical under the starlit sky, but I experienced what life would be like in Magnolia Grove in a relationship. Sure, it’s a sliver of the full picture, but it’s still something that has me wishing for things I’ve not let myself dream of. It’s not something I believed was in the cards for me. How could it be when every eligible bachelor in this town I’ve known since they were eating dirt on the playground? Besides, the best ones are already spoken for by my friends. Not that I could see myself kissing any of them like Ryan.

Ohmygosh, I shamelessly wrapped myself around him and made out in front of the town. If Uncle Freddy didn’t know about how I’ve been spending my time before, he’ll know by morning. Just something else to deal with at a later time. Right now, I’m pacing the floor of Ryan’s living room while he sits with Pepper. Honey called just as our ice skating was ending and said that Pepper wasn’t feeling well.

By the time we arrived back at the house, Pepper was sipping on some fizzy water and snuggled with Steve on the couch. Honey felt awful for having to call us, but she also didn’t wantto disregard Pepper’s feelings, especially since the little one told her she didn’t feel well. Ryan and I looked at each other at that news and I could see the conflict he had from elation that she spoke to someone else and worry that she was ill.

Now, it’s just me alone with worry as Ryan, supervised by Steve, tucks Pepper into bed. I did hear a giggle and a few whispers seconds ago.

“Laney?” Ryan beckons from down the hall.

When I approach Pepper’s room, my heart flips at the sight. She’s snuggled under a fluffy pink blanket and Steve is curled next to her. Ryan, his back resting against the headboard and his sock-clad feet crossed at the ankle looks up at me, a serene look on his face.

“Did you want me to take Steve home? Let you get some rest?”

“Pepper is just tired and ready for sleep, but she asked if you’d help tuck her in.”

“Oh . . .”

I’m shocked and touched at the request. Slowly, with trepidation at the thought I’m intruding on such an intimate moment, I move to the bed as Ryan stands. He lets me mess with the blankets and pull them up to Pepper’s chin. Her eyes are heavy with exhaustion and on reflex, I lean down and kiss her forehead. She smiles.

“Good night sweet girl. I hope you feel better. Get some sleep.”

“Night, Laney.”

Ryan dims the light as I step into the hallway. He pulls the door closed with only a sliver allowing light from the hallway into the room. His hand grips mine and I follow him through the house and onto the couch, his hold never loosening.

“Is she okay? Do you want me to call Jayson?” I ask.

He leans over and places a kiss on my lips. It isn’t more than a lingering peck, but I melt just the same.

“She’s fine. Honestly, from what I can gather, the excitement of a new person wore off and she had a bit of anxiety. It was too much, too quickly. Is Honey okay? She seemed stressed.”

“Oh, she was but I assured her you didn’t think she poisoned Pepper.”

He lets out a sharp breath while a giggle bubbles out of me. His move is swift and before I can protest, I find myself straddling his lap. My hands slide through his hair. Our huge smiles match as the sparks between us ignite. I’m not sure who moves first, but we’re wrapped in one another, our mouths fused. His hands slide under my sweater and like each time before, each stroke of his fingers on my skin dives deep into my veins. Somewhere along the way of flirting and laughing, this man found a way into every cell of my being.

Just as I did the last time we were in this position, I shift, searching and seeking more. More of this man and of this moment. Our hands are purposeful, discarding my sweater and his shirt. I relish the feel of his skin and allow myself to explore the ripples of muscles across his shoulders and down his abs. My fingers glide close to the button of his jeans and his abs contract as Ryan releases a groan, his grip on the back of my head strengthening.

My heart beats in a rapid tempo as his lips kiss and his tongue licks from my neck to the top of my breasts. I’m grateful for the me of three hours ago who remembered to wear the bra that makes my chest look its absolute best. The lace responsible for holding me together dips, and my head lolls back as his tongue circles the hard nipple.

I could be ashamed of how long it’s been since I’ve been this close to a man. And the reality that I’ve never truly given all of me to someone. Never have I felt this level of desire. Heatcourses through my body, pulsing at my core. Deep in my soul I know it was for this man. To give myself to him in a way I’ve never wanted to with another. He’s not the first person I’ve been intimate with, but never will it feel like this again.

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