Page 48 of Falling Inn Love
We move together, in perfect rhythm, and it doesn’t matter that it’s been a while for both of us, or that we were both nervous for this moment, it just feelsright. The electric rush between the two of us at finally connecting after the pent-up tension is magic. He moves in and out of me, rolling onto his back to let me be in control. Before I know it, I’m tipping over the edge and stars are dotting my eyes. God, I needed him. He’s been here all along, but now I can’t imagine him not being mine.
I finally come and I tense all around him. He doesn’t stop, flipping me back onto my back as he takes what he needs. His breaths become more jagged and it doesn’t take long for him to come, too.
Afterward, we fall asleep, me wrapped in his warmth. Being with him is more amazing than I could have imagined, and at this moment, I know he’s right. Wearegood together. My heart hurts to admit it, but maybe we could work. I just need to figure out how I can merge my life of pain with a life of hope.
NINETEEN
BETH
Maybe.
* * *
The sound of Evan’s phone going off startles us awake. He sits up and answers, “Hello…?”
He pinches the bridge of his nose and sits up straighter, his legs swinging over the edge of the bed. I put my arms around him. I can hear Margie’s voice on the other end of the line, and she sounds upset.
“Okay, I’m getting on the next flight. Keep me updated. Love you, Mom.”
I squint at the clock. It’s 2:38 am.
Evan hangs up and slides on jeans. He pulls a long-sleeved t-shirt from his closet.
“What is it?” I ask, fearing the absolute worst.
“It’s bad, Beth. He’s been admitted to the hospital. We need to do the transplant as soon as I can get there.” My heart breaks seeing him like this. I quickly think of what I can do to help.
I jump into action. “I’ll take you to the airport.”
Evan frantically packs his bag and gets ready. The dogs whimper in their kennel and he heads to the kitchen to tend to them.
“Making us coffees to-go, then I’m ready,” he calls from the kitchen.
I quickly dash out to the guest room where all my stuff is to get dressed in leggings and a sweatshirt. I pull my hair up, brush my teeth, and slide on my Converse.
I head to the kitchen where I wrap my arms around him and hug him close. He hugs me back and says, “Ready?”
“Yes.” I pour coffee into two travel mugs and we head out to his truck. He looks nervous and worried. I don’t know what to say so I just slide my hand over his.
“Thank you for being here. I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate you right now. You have been doing so much for me and my family.”
“Hey, I will be here and help in any way you need me to while you are gone. Just take care of yourself and do what you need to do for Caleb. Focus on your family.”
We pull up to the airport and I give him a quick kiss goodbye. He hugs me tight and kisses me for a long time. He looks at me, full of worry. “I’m falling in love with you, Beth.”
I kiss him again, deeper. I am too, but I can’t tell him. I can’t get his hopes up. I don’t know what’s going to happen yet, and I won’t make promises that I can’t keep.
Instead, I just look in his eyes and say, “Maybe I am, too.”
That seems to put him at ease. “Maybe.”
“Safe travels. Hug everyone for me.”
“Bye, Beth,” he says as he walks into the airport, his duffle over his shoulder.
* * *
When I get back to the inn, it’s already after 4 a.m. I check on the dogs and start getting ready for the day. I can’t sleep and the best way for me not to worry is to stay busy. I head over to the front room, start a fire in the fireplace, and get the coffee bar set up for the day.
