Page 184 of Love in Riverbend
Lowering my chin to my chest, I mumble, “Word-vomit.”
Her giggle rings through the cab of my truck. “I’m beginning to catch on. You talk fast and say a lot when you’re nervous.”
Straightening my neck, I clench my jaw. “I’m not nervous.”
Devan reaches over and lays her fingers on my arm. “No. Big, grumpy Justin Sheers is never nervous.”
A laugh ruins my attempt at a gruff exterior. I turn my focus away from the road to see her beautiful face. “I’m not nervous with you. I just don’t want to fuck this up. Like today.”
“What about today?”
“You fit in with my family like you are meant to be there. I feel the same way about yours.” I take a deep breath. “For the record, this isn’t about to be more word-vomit.”
“Okay,” she says with a giggle.
“It’s that I never even imagined dating, serious dating, exclusive dating. It was totally off my radar. And then we kissed. Shit, I’ve known you for most of your life, but I didn’t really. Don’t really. I want to. I didn’t truly see you until that night by the pond. I think it’s why no one, including Ricky, recognized the woman I described.” I swallow and reach my hand over to her leg. “Devan, I see you in a way that is so damn special. Maybe I was blind before or just not paying attention. Now, each time I see you, talk to you, touch you” —I squeeze her leg— “I’m blown away that you want to date me.”
“I feel the same way.”
“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous, fun, a damn hard worker, and sexy beyond belief. I’m thinking about packing a handgun, just in case any other man thinks he has a chance with you.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” She lays her hand over mine. “I’m not looking at another man. Away?” she asks. “To where and when?”
“Would you believe me that I haven’t thought that far ahead. I wasn’t sure you’d say yes.”
“Yes, Justin. I know what you mean about being soon and yet not feeling like we’re rushing it. I get it. After the other night, after you took me home, I thought about how nice it would be to still be in your arms, to sleep beside you, and to wake with you.”
“We’re on the same page,” I say. “Can we rule out that hotel in Bloomington?”
“Yes.”
We both laugh.
“How far away?” I ask. “Should I look into plane tickets?”
“That’s unnecessary. Besides, are we going to go sightseeing or do you have other plans?”
“I haven’t worked out all the details, but I’m thinking other plans.”
“My answer is yes,” she says. “You can surprise me.”
My mind is filled with possibilities.
Something special.
Something romantic.
Something out of my comfort zone.
Instead of taking Devan straight home, we head to a spot I know by a lake. It’s only a few miles out of town. There’s no public beach, but some friends of my folks have a house there and have given our family an open invitation.
“Where are we going?”
“Boggs Lake.”
“Are you kidnapping me?”
A smile lifts my cheeks. “I think I am. I’m not ready to take you home.” I turn my hand palm up, the one on her leg. Devan places her hand in mine.
