Page 285 of Love in Riverbend
I shake my head. “It was an accident, Ricky. It wasn’t your fault.”
“I know that. I’ve spent many hours out in the barn. The suspension isn’t why it fell. It was—” he shakes his head “—an accident. The jack gave way. Who knows if it wasn’t set properly or if it malfunctioned. And it took me opening my eyes to realize that helping Justin wasn’t my job alone. So many people have volunteered, and Dax is as invested as I am—family.”
I swallow. “I’m happy you figured that out.”
“If I’d listened to you…”
I shrug. “Some people are denser than others.”
“That’s not all. You told me not to make a rash decision. I did. I turned down the position at Parker and Stevens. If it weren’t for you…”
“No, Ricky. They want you. See? All is well.”
He takes a step closer, his cologne mingling with the garlic in a spicy scent. “Marilyn, you spoke to Mr. Stevens. He said he cornered you and it was wrong, but he didn’t know what else to do. I wasn’t answering my phone.”
“He didn’t corner me. He asked me to his office and asked politely. He did say that I didn’t need to answer.”
Ricky puts his hands on my waist. When I don’t back away, he pulls us closer together until I need to crane my neck to maintain eye contact. “I’ll never deserve you, Marilyn, but I’d like to spend our lives trying.”
My resolve is fading fast. I’m still scared. “Can I call you out when you’re being an ass?”
His smile lifts his cheeks. “Every time.”
“Did you really make the fettuccine?”
“I mean, I bought the noodles and the sauce, but I warmed them up.”
My smile returns.
“I’ve missed you.” His lips collide with mine as one of his hands goes to the back of my neck. I lift my hands to his strong shoulders. Our tongues mingle as my lips bruise.
When we pull apart, I say, “I’ve missed you too.”
“Did you bring an overnight bag?” he asks, his eyebrows dancing.
“Maybe.” I smirk. “Feed me first.”
Chapter 34
Ricky
I wait with bated breath as Marilyn lifts a spoon of the homemade caramel ice cream to her lips. The room is perfectly still as she closes her beautiful blue eyes. When they open, her smile grows.
“Delicious.”
“Does that mean we can bring your overnight bag inside?”
“I suppose. After all, I’ll need my pajamas.”
“No, you won’t.”
She stands and wraps her arms around my torso. “Don’t make me regret giving in to you.”
“I promise.” Inhaling, I feel the need to confess. “Years ago, I didn’t know I was hurting you. We agreed to no strings.”
Marilyn nods.
“This time, I knew. I thought you’d be better without me.”
