Page 57 of Long Time Coming

Damn.It would not be too bad if I used my core to stand while pretending she was successful in her mission.

When thunder rolls across the sky, we need to get to shelter. Texas storms are not something to mess with. With no other option, we take off running. The first drops pelt us just before we reach the building. The warehouse garage doors are closed, and when I try the main door to enter, frustration sets in. “It’s locked.”

“We must have just missed Davey and the others.” The rain falls harder, so we huddle under the small metal awning. “We’re going to be soaked,” she says, looking up at me from under my arm. Panic rises in her eyes. “I can call my dad, but I don’t want him out in this mess. The sudden weather changes cause pain in his leg.”

“I remember he never got knee surgery after that bad fall from a horse back in high school.”

“It’s getting worse.”

His limp was definitely prevalent when I saw him. “We shouldn’t bother him. Let’s wait a few minutes to see if it lets up.” Pulling out my phone, I check the weather app.Welp.There goes that plan.

When I show her the radar, her eyes flash to mine. “Five hours? It’s not stopping for five hours?”

“And getting worse in the next hour.” I tuck it away. “I think we need to head out. We’ll get wet, but at least we’ll be safe.”

“Yeah, standing next to a metal building during a lightning storm probably isn’t the wisest.” She looks ahead at the makeshift gravel road that bends around a cabbage field. “It’s only rain.”

“It’s only rain.”

As if the words and a shared glance were enough of a plan, she takes off running.

This view—her running in her dress, hair wet and already sticking to her body—This view is all I ever want, and that smile she gives when she turns back to make sure I’m with her is all I need to dash after her.

Not just for fun or to hear her laughter, which I do, but because it feels like my heart is already with her, beating in her chest instead of mine.Oh shit. This isn’t just a visit. I want to be with her more than a friend I kiss sometimes. I want her.

“Pris?”

Glancing over, she contorts her forehead in confusion. “What is it?”

I understand the emotion. I feel that way, too. I can’t explain what’s happening because it’s so fast and out of the blue. I try to remind myself that she’s the forbidden fruit and I should tread carefully. But I don’t want to be careful anymore.

I want her.

Closing the gap between us, I take her hand and bring it to my mouth. I kiss the top and then her palm before setting one hand on her ribs and holding the other in my hand. If she asks me what I’m doing, I have no answer. Running for cover? Slow dancing in the rain? I don’t know what’s happening to me other than I’m a fool for this woman.

Lightning strikes too close for comfort, but what does it matter? I’m already a goner for her.

Capturing her face in my hands, I kiss her. And when our lips stop, I confess, “I’m falling for you, babe.”

CHAPTER 20

Christine

I gaveup caring about my appearance around half a mile back.

What was the point?

My hair is drenched, my dress soaked, and water has slid into my boots, but Tagger Grange kissed me in the rain and told me he’s falling for me. I have not one complaint. And I practically floated into the barn, providing shelter from the storm.

We gravitate like the universe just yanked us together. His lips find mine while my hands graze over his back and grip his shoulders. He lifts me from behind, my skirt pushed up high on my thighs as I cross my ankles behind his back.

I could have never guessed that Tagger would become my haven. But now, I can’t imagine it otherwise. I’m protected by his strong arms, adored when I look into his eyes, and victorious when I coax a smile from him.

Our tongues twist together as my body craves more—more of this and so much more of him. Breathless as I am, he asks, “Where can we go?”

No beating around the bush. I approve.

But it’s at that moment I realize it’s quiet, too quiet for a busy barn during a storm. The rain pummels the tin roof, and it’s still thundering in the vicinity, but otherwise, a few chickens cluck, and I hear shuffling in one of the stalls.

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