Page 23 of Summer Redemption

Like forever.

Somehow, I know even that won’t be long enough. But it will have to do for now.

We kiss like teenagers as the worn barn bears witness. If things had been different, we could have had this all those years ago. But then maybe we wouldn’t be here right now, and I wouldn’t trade this for anything, not even the possibility of yesterday.

When we part, I don’t let her get far. I lift her to sit on my lap, our mouths meeting again. While there’s no way I’ll deny wanting more, this is enough.

For now.

Every kiss, every little whimper and moan from her lips, feels like we’re building something. It’s strong and it’s capable of sheltering us no matter the storm.

“Little Ray,” I murmur against her lips. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.”

A smile spreads across her face, and I capture it in my heart. I’m never letting this woman go. She’s mine and I’m going to prove it to her, one day and one memory building our foundation at a time.

CHAPTER 9

SUNSHINE

In the two weeks since my first date with Huxley, I’ve been walking amongst the clouds while waiting for the other shoe to drop. I want to trust him, really, I do. I’ve seen how earnest he is. His sincerity can’t be questioned or ignored.

I don’t believe he’s playing some elaborate game or anything, but part of me is still wary.

Where is this going? Why am I even exploring this with him?

Sure, he was my crush back in school, but sometimes crushes are supposed to just remain that. Someone you look at from afar and wonder how things could be. You’re not always supposed to find out.

But I have found out.

We’ve been taking things slowly and I’m not sure if that is his doing or mine at this point. There have been a lot more kisses,phone calls, and almost constant texting.

Getting to know the man Huxley has grown into has been eye opening. He’s so much more than a lot of people give him credit for, even his brothers.

Huxley letting me in, as opposed to hiding behind the mask he’s been wearing for so long, feels like a gift. I treasure it and find myself eager to find out more about him.

Not even just the deep stuff either. I’ve found out learning about the trivial things like his favorite color and the movies he can recite line for line is almost as addictive as finding out what he wants for his future.

I’m just not sure if my heart can be trusted at this point.

It’s not like I’ve never tried dating; I have. This is different though. It feels like so much more than dating, it feels like we’re building something.

Something solid.

Something that can last.

It scares me. Because I know if this ends, I’ll be crushed.

Will I want to run away from Wintervale again? Even though I had always planned to come back home and build my life? Will I lose the friendships and the family I’m slowly building?

The thought of it makes my stomach flip in the most uncomfortable and scary way.

I’m not sure what I would do if I had to leave everyone behind.

Eden and Delaney have opened their hearts and arms to me while treating me like their sister. Noel and Fletcher, while more reserved, make me feel welcome. Then there are the boys. I’vefallen in love with those two boys who have a way of making me laugh even when I’ve had a long day and I have to drag myself out to Limitless because I promised Huxley I would.

We’ve shared meals and laughter around the table. It’s felt normal. It’s felt right.

I don’t want to lose it.

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