Page 8 of Sip
She glances down at her belly button before a blush floods her cheeks. I yank open the door for her, but she doesn’t move. Another frown mars her pretty face.
“I’m all sweaty.”
Like I need a reminder of her lush skin shining from her exertion. “Get in.”
Delicate hands rub down her thighs to her shorts in an illogical attempt to wipe away the beads of moisture. “But I’m–”
“Get in the fucking car Grace.”
As expected, she submits to the dominance in my voice and slides into the seat with the elegance of a princess. Obviously, she has been trained well and has impeccable manners. She understands her place in this world and doesn’t bother to fight a battle she knows she’ll never win.
When I climb in after hustling around the front, she’s already twisted sideways to face me. I hope she’s not going to try and argue with me again. I’ll shut that shit down real quick.
“When my father told me I was marrying Shane, I was really scared of what to expect. But knowing I have a brother-in-law who’s also my friend, makes everything so much better than I could’ve imagined.” Small fingers pat my forearm, and she smiles her exquisite smile. “Thank you.”
Thank you.I don’t respond, and she doesn’t seem to expect an answer. Seemingly satisfied to have said her peace, she settles back into her seat. I force my gaze to the windshield when she tugs the edges of her shorts to cover more of her luscious legs.
“Are you taking me back to my house?”
Yeah, because I need to get rid of you fast before this goes even more sideways than it already has. “Unless there’s someplace else you want me to chauffer you?”
My attempt at charm works, and she laughs and shakes her head. “Well I can never say no to the turtle cheesecake at Madeline’s but with only sixteen days until I have to fit into my wedding dress I better pass.”
Another reminder of who she is— who she belongs to— sobers up my intoxication with her. “Home it is then.”
Her exaggerated pout isn’t enough to draw a chuckle out of me. I need to get her gone like yesterday. I should race to return her where she belongs and away from me as soon as possible. Yet, I drive like an elderly, a few ticks below the speed limit on a Sunday morning instead of four o’clock on a Thursday afternoon.
“I didn’t think I’d see you again until the ceremony.”
“Well I didn’t think I’d get a thank you note in the mail.”
Crimson circles burn her slender cheeks, and she turns away. Fuck I’ve embarrassed her.
“I guess that’s weird isn’t it? It just feels more personal than an email or text.”
Most people don’t even say thank you let alone write the sentiment. “I liked it.”
I don’t know why but I did. Honesty earns me her sweet face rotated back in my direction.
“Really?”
I nod, quick and sharp to ensure she believes me. “Really.”
No woman has ever been more beautiful to me than in this moment with her glowing under my praise. Rare I guess for her unique personality to be encouraged to be herself. Not to be reprimanded or teased.
“I’m glad.”
The three minutes to her house go by too damn quick, and I’m pulling up into her driveway before I want with disappointment I’m not used to.
“Do you want to go running with me on Saturday morning? I know you said you have plans later in the day, but I thought we could go out early?”
Hope shines in her eyes as she stares at me with nothing but pure goodness. She wants to be my friend since she’ll be in our world soon rather than in her own. I should say no. “Sure, I can make that work.”
She radiates with happiness. Happiness that I fucking caused. That I love and hate, just like I do her.
“I’ll go easy on you and take you on the flat course.”
I didn’t expect her to be competitive and challenge me. “Fuck that, we’re going on the hilliest route you’ve got.”
