Page 53 of Flawless Lyric

I’m gettingdizzy from the altitude as Josh and Micah go over the instructions. Which I can barely hear due to the sound of the wind rushing in. I can’t believe I agreed to do this and suddenly I feel like I’m going to vomit. When Micah taps my leg, I realize it was bouncing and he just called me out. I should have known since he’s so attentive and observant. God am I really doing this with him?

The thought of me being in front of him scares the fuck out of me. I’d rather we be chest to chest so I could bury my face and not see the ground rushing towards me. No one would believe I did this even if told them. The last thing running through my mind when we scoot over to the bench in front of the plane’s hatch is wondering whether my will is up to date.

And with that thought, we’re freefalling and plummeting to our death. With my eyes tightly closed, piercing screams leave my lungs as I hang on to the harness for dear life. I’m aware at all times that Micah’s behind me and in charge of the chute. I forget everything that they just went over with me, until Micah wraps his arm around me and I remember he’ll be pulling the cord. And he does.

We bounce for a few and then he’s using both hands to guide the chute in the right direction. I’m still clutching the harness when he yells, “Open your arms and lift your chin.” I barely hear him but remember that was part of their instructions. Yeah, it’s all coming back to me now.

Now that the worst is over, I enjoy the blue sky and the beautiful view. I’m proud of myself for taking a chance. Not only by doing the jump but with Micah as well.

He literally saved my life. By pushing my boundaries and taking me out of my comfort zone. Something I should have done years ago but was too afraid to do. Not anymore. This is the new me and it feels fucking amazing. I’m now ready to take on the world!

The landing is as smooth as butter, and I’m amazed that we landed on our feet. Who knew this talented musician was also an amazing skydiver? It makes me wonder what other hidden talents he has up his sleeve.

“Great job, you guys. So Lyric, what do you think?” Josh helps Micah unhook the harness and all of my equipment while I avoid tripping over the chute. I could kiss the ground but stop myself from looking like a fool.

“I didn’t think I’d like it, but I do. Would I do it again? As long as Micah is with me.” Truth because I do trust him. More now than ever before.

As soon as all of our equipment is removed, Micah grabs my hand, and we take a few steps. Josh takes care of the cleanup.

Micah looks so damn serious when he cups my face and scrutinizes every inch of me. “I’m so damn proud of you, Beauty. You trusted me, took a leap of faith, and we did it. You’ve held me captive since the moment we met. I’m head over heels in love with you, Lyric Montgomery. I can toss out all of my cheesy pick-up lines because I’ll never need to use them ever again. Not when I have you.”

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Or both.

Since today is all about new beginnings, I need to let him know I feel the same. No more hiding. He deserves to know the truth. “I knew on that first night that you were someone very special. That I’d never forget you. How did I know? You lit that spark in my soul that had been snuffed out for so long. Meeting you again the next day was serendipity. With that said, I wasn’t looking for love, but it found me. I love you so much, Micah Monroe, that I can barely catch my breath on any given day.”

With his forehead touching mine, he whispers, “Serendipity, huh? Did Mom ever tell you why they chose that name for our sailboat?” When I shake my head, he continues. “My dad worked for Ruth’s mom and that’s how they met. Sound familiar?” Oh my god, I had no idea.

“Did they hook up at a bar the night before?” Throwing his head back, he laughs. Josh glances at us and then keeps on walking.

“No, Beauty. That’s our love story, not theirs. I just thought you’d find it fascinating that it’s similar to how we met. Now let’s get the hell out of here.”

“I second that.” I’m still on an adrenaline rush when he grabs my hand, and we walk back to his car. I contemplate whether I should fill him in on what happened in Cali, but I decide against it. It can wait until tomorrow. Today is all about us.

“Want to pick up a bite to eat on the way home or is your stomach too queasy to eat anything?”

“It’s a little queasy but I’m running on one coffee and a yogurt for breakfast so I could eat something light.”

“Coming right up.” We stop at a sandwich shop and just grab something quick to take home. After the few days I’ve just had, I could use some rest and relaxation.

“It sounds like history’s repeating itself. What kind of business did your grandmother own?” If he tells me real estate, I’m going to die.

“She owned a paper company. If you’ve ever heard of Global Paper, that would be the one.”

“Wow, I sure have. They’re all over the world. Ruth’s never mentioned where your dad worked, and I was always curious.”

“He was the maintenance supervisor for over thirty-five years before he retired. He’d still be working if Mom hadn’t insisted he hang up his hat.” When Micah pulls into his driveway my belly rumbles. He chuckles. “Let’s eat, Beauty.”

And we do. Sitting at the island, tasting each other’s food. A bite here and a bite there, until only crumbs remain. I know he’s curious about what happened with Novalee, but he’s afraid to ask. I get it, but I’d much rather spend my time getting lost in him.

Tomorrow’s another day to get serious.

After he throws all of our garbage into the trash, I curl my finger in a come-hither motion when he turns to face me. “Me? You want me, Beauty?”

“More than you’ll ever know.” He pounces on me in a flash. The next thing I know, he’s thrown me over his shoulder and sprinting down the hall. This man’s a mind reader.

When we enter the bedroom, he gently lays me on the bed and covers me with his body. His forearms hold him upright while his thumbs stroke the contour of my cheeks. I’m lost in his smoldering eyes as they drink me in. I’ve never, ever seen him this serious before.

“I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away, Beauty.” And then his mouth lands on mine and we breathe life into one another.

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