Page 39 of Twenty Years Later

I told her the dates, and luckily, she didn't have anything going on and would be in town. We didn't talk much longer because Jayda's mom called her, but we made a "phone date" for the next night as I wondered how I'd make it for six long weeks until I could see her again.

One day at a time, man. One day at a time.

Chapter Thirteen

Alex

Six weeks later…

As I balanced a sleeping Gabby on one shoulder and our carry-on bag on the other, we walked down the aisle of the plane, my heartbeat starting to accelerate at the thought of being with Jayda again in just a few minutes.

I couldn't wait to see her, face to face, and hold her in my arms. After all of our late-night conversations almost every day for the last six weeks, I felt like I genuinely knew her now. We'd talked about pretty much everything—family, religion, parenting, politics, and almost every topic in between.

There were nights we talked so long that Jayda practically fell asleep on the phone. She said writing this last book was wearing her out.

But there were still a few things we hadn't discussed really. Maybe it was premature. I didn't know. However, she hadn't mentioned much about her late husband, and we hadn't talked about any kind of future for us beyond this visit.

I guessed this trip could be a big turning point.

After waiting a few minutes for our suitcase at baggage claim, I looked for the pick-up area where Jayda said she'd meet us. Somehow, even with the jostling, Gabby was still out like a light.

I found the exit and walked out the door, a blast of cold air hitting me in the face. Damn, even though I knew it was coming, I wasn't prepared for it. Glancing at Gabby, she didn't even stir from the change in temperature.

"Alex!"

Jayda stood a little way down the curb, next to a black SUV, waving at us, her face lit up with a big grin.

That smile did something to my chest, something I'd never felt before, something that grew the closer I walked. God, she looked cuteandsexy in her winter hat. What did they call those things anyway? Beanies? Well, whatever they were, she lookedhotin her cold-weather get-up.

"You made it," she said, sounding a little breathless when I reached her. Her eyes darted from me to Gabby. "Aw, she's sound asleep."

Holding on to Gabby with one hand, I couldn't resist leaning down and kissing Jayda. I had waited six long weeks to see her again and to taste those lips. I brushed my mouth against hers. And holy heck, I could kiss this woman forever. And she seemed to love it as much as I did.

I had to stop myself. Now was not the time. But I couldn't wait to get her alone. It might be complicated with two little kids involved, but we'd figure out a way. I had saved up six weeks of wanting her, of aching for her, and I was dying to sink into her heat and feel that passion between us.

She swallowed hard. "So... you, um, ready to go?" she asked, peeking up at me, that sweet look in her eyes that made me want to pull her to me and not let go.

"Yeah. Sure."

My voice was rougher than usual, but she didn't comment, just went to work opening the trunk where I tossed my suitcase. Once the conked-out Gabby was situated in her car seat, I settled into the passenger side, and we took off. Jayda looked so tiny in the huge car, and she was pulled up so close to the steering wheel that it made me laugh.

"What?" She glanced over at me.

"Just kind of a big car for ya, shorty." I grinned.

She reached out and lightly shoved my arm. "Well, first of all, it's not my car, all right? I rented this SUV because it's four of us, including two humongous car seats.Andit's supposed to snow this weekend—way earlier than usual—and I haven't put the snow tires on my car yet."

"Wait a minute. It's going to snow?" I couldn't believe it.

"You didn't check the weather before you traveled?" she asked, that teasing tone in her voice.

"What doyouthink? Do I seem like I'm that organized to you?"

She giggled and looked at me again. "Well, you did manage to buy a coat at least."

"I did." I pulled at my seat belt, trying to get comfortable with all the extra bulk. "So how'd I do? You like it?"

We stopped at a light, and she gave me a once-over.When her eyes finally returned to my face, I swear there was heat in her gaze. I held my breath at what she could do to me with just one glance.

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