Page 29 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
She continued to thumb through some pictures. “Oh my God. This was from my freshman formal. You look so handsome in that suit.”
“I hated it.”
“I know. You bitched about it half the night.”
“We did make a good-looking couple though.” He took the image from her hands, stuffed it in the box, and set it aside. “Is it crazy that I still care about you?” He palmed her cheek. “Dare I say, even love you.”
She swallowed her beating heart. “I don’t think I’ve ever stopped loving you,” she said. “I worry, though, that all my feelings are past memories. I don’t know the man you are today and you don’t really know me anymore.”
“That’s easily remedied.” He ran his hand through her long hair. “Whiskey Ranch is your home. I’m certainly not going anywhere. There’s no reason why we can’t start fresh.”
“That sounds so cliche.”
“Don’t you believe it’s possible?”
She leaned in and kissed his sweet lips, letting them linger for a long, delectable moment. It truly was like she’d returned to the very place she’d always belonged. “We’ve hurt each other in ways many could never come back from.”
“And yet we’re in each other’s arms right now.” He arched a brow. “Outside of running into Pete, I had a great time tonight. I don’t think I’ve felt this alive in years and that’s all because of you.”
“I know what you mean, but I don’t want to rush things because of our history, which is a total switch from when Iwalked out of that bathroom, because I had every intention of trying to seduce you.”
He chuckled. “I wasn’t born yesterday. I figured that out when you weren’t wearing much. But I take it you’ve changed your mind.”
“It’s not that. I still want you. I’m just wondering if maybe it might be better if we wait.”
“Like until morning?”
She slapped his shoulder.
“Okay, tomorrow night?”
“You’re impossible.”
“I’m kidding,” he said. “I never thought I’d ever have a second chance with you, so if waiting a week, two, or a month is what you need, I can do that.”
“Oh my God. This reminds me of the first time you tried to have sex with me. You were so patient.”
“Only you didn’t make me wait for more than three days.” He held up three fingers and waggled his brows. “You texted me after football practice and asked me to meet you at your place. I didn’t know your dad was gone for the night.”
“The look on your face was classic when I met you at the door in a tiny nighty, holding a box of condoms.”
“You were sixteen. Way too young to be having sex.” He smacked his head. “What was I thinking?”
“You were a horny teenager who hadn’t had sex yet yourself.”
“This is true and imagine my surprise when my girlfriend turned out to be a sex addict.”
“I was not.” She scowled. “I just liked sex with you.”
“I had no idea what I was doing.”
“You could have fooled me.” She yawned. “Is it okay if I still stay in here with you tonight? If it’s too?—”
He pressed his finger over her lips. “I’ll sleep better with you at my side, especially until I get word that Pete is tucked back into a jail cell in Idaho Falls.”
“What happens if they let him out again?”
“Babe, we’ll deal with it if they do, but trust me when I say, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re safe.” He pulled back the covers and pulled them over their bodies. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow we can take a nice leisurely horseback ride and have a picnic.”
