Page 41 of Seven

“Okay.”

Ford jumped off the sofa and started over to the complimentary breakfast, but Holt didn’t move. He just sat there with his hands clenched together as he watched Ford. Once he was out of earshot, Holt looked over to me with emotion in his eyes. “Thank you.”

My throat was too tight to respond, so I nodded and smiled.

“He’s pretty great.”

“Yes, he is.”

“When can I see him again?”

“Soon, but I’d like us to talk first,” I started. “There are things you should know.”

“Name the time and place, and I’ll be there.”

“How about tonight at seven? We could meet across the street at Reno’s.”

“I’ll be there.”

His face was void of expression as he turned and headed out of the hotel. I went over to the window and watched as he got on his motorcycle and started the engine. My chest was tight with worry and regret, but for the first time in a very long time, I felt a sliver of hope.

As I watched him disappear into traffic, I found myself thinking about how good we once had it. Holt went out of his way to show me how much he loved me. He was always bringing me flowers that he’d picked on the way to my house or taking me to explore special places around the city. I didn’t care where we went or what we did. I just wanted to spend time with him. Heknew that, but that didn’t stop him from going out of his way to make me feel special.

My mind drifted back to one of the nights he took me out to the old boat ramp to look at the stars. It was a moment that had stuck with me, especially in the days after I was told he had died.

It was late fall.I’d just turned eighteen, football games were wrapping up, and the cool nights of winter were sneaking in. He was home on holiday leave and wanted us to have a special night together. He filled the entire bed of his truck with blankets and pillows, and he’d fixed us a picnic with sandwiches and chips. It wasn’t much, but it made the night even more memorable.

I looked over at him, amazed at just how good-looking he was. There was no doubt I was attracted to him. I always had been, but any girl in her right mind would be attracted to all those rippling muscles and his gorgeous face.

And good lord, those eyes—his eyes were what dreams were made of. But it was more than just his looks I was drawn to. He was brilliant and charming in a way you wouldn’t expect from such a tough guy, and he was thoughtful and loving, even when he wasn’t trying to be. I loved that he was protective, not just with me but with everyone he cared about.

“You didn’t have to do all this.”

“Yeah, I did.” He leaned over and kissed me on the neck. “Gotta make sure my girl knows how much I love her.”

“I do know.” He was still kissing me on the neck when I said, “That’s why I think it’s time.”

He eased back, and his eyes locked on mine. “You sure about that? Cause I’m good. We don’t have to do anything you aren’t ready to do.”

“I am ready,” I pushed. “I’ve been ready. I even got on the pill a couple of months ago.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I was waiting for the right time.”

“And you’re sure this is it?”

“I’m more than sure.”

He gave me a look that made my breath catch in my throat. I’d dreamed of being with him a thousand times and couldn’t imagine wanting anything more. He brought his hands to my face, gently cupping his palms along my jaw as he lowered his lips to mine, kissing me with a passion I’d never even known was possible.

Our hunger for each other took over, causing the kiss to become wild and heated. In a matter of seconds, our clothes were tossed to the side, and Holt was lowering me down on the blanket.

What started as rushed and impatient desire slowly slipped into something soft and tender. I felt so safe in his arms, like nothing in the world could harm me as long as he was holding me close. We spent hours making love in the back of that truck, and when we were done, we were both exhausted and completely satiated.

I slipped back on my clothes and nestled up next to him as I stared up at the stars. As I lay there in his arms, I felt like everything was right in the world. I missed that feeling more than I cared to admit.

I was still lostin my thoughts when my phone chimed with a text message. I pulled it from my pocket and saw that it was a message. I had no idea how he got my number, but as soon as I read it, I knew it was from Holt.

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