Page 28 of Finding Chloe

“Do you want to go for a walk? Burn some of these calories off?” Chloe stood and held out her hand.

“Okay. Let’s go.” I grabbed her hand, and we moved toward the exit. It was only then that I started to notice others’ eyes on us. Funny how I only saw her when we were eating.

“What’s your favorite spot on the ranch?” Chloe asked, her arm wrapped around mine as we left the dining hall.

“It’s this spot on the eventing course. It’s a little cove of trees that has a stream flowing through it. The bank is littered with flower patches, and there’s something so calming about it. I like to go down there and unwind from the day while listening to the water babble.”

The comfort of her presence continued as we walked, enough that teasing her seemed natural. “Wait, how many questions are we at? This seems like far more than twenty.”

“I don’t know. I thought you were counting,” Chloe laughed.

I chuckled. Little did she know I’d never tire of hearing her tell me about herself, twenty questions or not. Her husky voice hypnotized me, drew me in and made me never want to let go.

I cleared my throat. “What’s your favorite thing to do during the summer?”

“Going to the lake. Jumping off the dock into the cool water feels amazing in the heat. Nothing beats that.” Her eyes had a far-off look in them, as though she was remembering the fun summers she had growing up.

“Wish I’d known you then.” I joked, earning a smile.

“My turn.” She pulled us to a stop and stepped close. Uncertainty flashed in her eyes. “I know this is fast and probably a little crazy, but I like you. A lot.”

I drew in a quick breath.

“And the whole time tonight I kept wondering if you liked me too, and whether you’d want to kiss me.” She gazed up at me through her dark lashes. Her eyes sparkled with the setting sun.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly feeling dry. “I want to.”

“Why haven’t you?” she asked, her voice so soft I had to lean in. She placed her hand lightly on my chest. I was certain she could feel my heart trying to escape my chest.

I placed my hands over hers, loving how soft they felt, and forced myself to stay in place when all I wanted to do was run. “I can’t compete with them.”

Her gaze searched mine. “I don’t understand.”

My shoulders slumped forward. Why would she ever go for a guy like me when she had both Hunter and Matt?

Her eyebrows drew together as her perfectly lush lips tilted. “Why would you need to compete?”

I sighed. I hated having to put my fears into words, but I needed to be honest with her. “Chloe, you have both Hunter and Matt. Why would you want someone who’s inexperienced? Someone who doesn’t have the charm or outgoing personality? I don’t have the moves, or flirty lines, or things to impress you?—”

Chloe’s finger landed on my lips, halting me.

“Kyle…” She smiled so sweetly. “You might not have those things, but have you ever thought that maybe I want you for a whole other set of reasons?”

I shook my head, and her finger fell from my lips.

“You are different, but that’s what attracts me to you. The fact that you balance them out. You are sweet and caring, and I honestly question why you would want me. People are going to think I corrupted you into this kind of relationship.”

I chuckled. “Pretty sure Hunter did that already.”

Her hands cupped my cheeks. “I want to be very clear with you. So listen very closely when I say I want you. Just. As. You. Are.”

This was everything I wanted and more. I was done doubting myself. I was done questioning whether Chloe could be attracted to me. I was done wondering if she belonged to me just as much as Hunter or Matt. I brushed back a piece of hair that had fallen forward, relishing the heat of her skin, the scent of her shampoo that invaded my senses, and the feeling that everything about us was perfect.

“I want you too,” I admitted.

“Then have me, Kyle.” Chloe closed the distance, and this time I let her. Her delicate hands slid around my nape, and she slowly lifted on her toes.

Now that I knew we both wanted the same thing, I couldn’t keep my hands off her. I banded my arms around her waist and tugged her close until my lips landed on hers. I wanted to savor our first kiss, explore her, tease her. I didn’t want torush something I knew I’d remember forever, but when I felt her tongue brush along my lower lip, the last of my reservations crumbled.

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