Page 145 of Love in Riverbend
“This?” My grin quirks. “Yeah, you can come on my hand anytime, any day.”
“Date,” she says, slapping my shoulder.
“Exclusive,” I say. “I’ve tasted you, and I don’t want anyone else tasting or touching what’s mine.”
“And it goes both ways?”
“Are you asking if I’m yours?”
“I am.”
“For as long as you’ll have me.” I think about that for a moment. As I’m helping Devan with her dress, I add, “Unless Ricky kills me first.”
Chapter 18
Devan
After Justin readjusts my dress, I settle between his legs, my back against his chest as we sit on the blanket and watch as the sky fills with purples and reds. The effects of what he did isn’t gone. It’s as if mini explosions are still detonating beneath my skin like firecrackers in a string, bringing life to nerve endings I never knew existed. His heart pounds against my head, and I feel him everywhere. Craning my neck, I look back at him. “After what we did” —I’m still in shock— “I think we need to make this officially real.”
His hand settles on my stomach, his fingers splayed. “I think that’s what we just did.”
“I’m talking about telling people.”
“I agree.” He lifts my chin so I’m looking back at him. “We could tell your family tonight.”
My eyes open wide. “You’d be willing to tell them tonight?”
“Is that too fast?”
I chew on my upper lip. “I don’t know. Why is this complicated?” I sigh, laying my hand over his. “What will your family say?”
Justin laughs. “My mom will probably ask when I’m moving out.”
“Yeah, no. Cohabitation is rushing it a bit.” Earlier today, I would have said that Justin fingering me was rushing it. Obviously, I’m not a good judge of timing.
“Seriously,” he says, “my parents are good people. I think their first reaction will be shock. I’m certain they think I’m a hermit. I haven’t dated a lot since college.”
“Why?”
“Fuck.” He turns his hand so we’re palm to palm. “Riverbend.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you said you always knew you were coming back to Riverbend.”
“I did. Not many women want to move to some rural town when they have career ambitions.” He quickly adds, “Your ambitions are fantastic, and they brought you back.”
Nodding, I reply, “I get it.”
“And once I came back, the girls I knew were either married or moved away. I’d say I’ve gotten into a rut with friends. It’s not a bad one. It’s comfortable, and I haven’t looked for a way out.”
“That’s why you’re worried about Ricky?”
Justin’s chest moves as he inhales and exhales. “I’m worried that if you and I don’t work out, I’ll lose you and him.”
I squeeze his hand. “How come I never realized how sweet you are?”
“Because you thought I was a grumpy know-it-all.”
“Well, you can be that too.” I lift my head and turn toward him. “Are you friends with your brother-in-law?”
