Page 51 of Tempting the Goalie
“Not yet. We’ve only been home a day. I have a feeling it will be Eric. I’m pretty sure Phoenix has all his seasonal work positions filled. Although, he may put me to work in the bakery, even though I love the orchards.”
“I remember you liked working the orchard,” Luc notes.
“I really do. I love seeing the kids out there picking apples and racing through the corn maze, it reminds me of us when we were little.”
“How many times did we get lost in that thing?” He laughs.
“Too many to count.” I giggle. “Imagine if we got lost in there now.”
“Whoa, my monster theory is spot-on. One track mind, Izzy.”
“I just needed the right inspiration for my fantasies,” I tease, and I watch Luc’s eyes darken.
“You’ve always been my inspiration, but I didn’t want to admit it to myself. I kept pushing those feelings down,” he admits.
“It’s crazy we were both doing that. Imagine where we would be today if we hadn’t,” I say to him.
“Nah, I wouldn’t change anything. I don’t think either of us would’ve been ready for this when we were younger.” He makes a solid point.
“You’re probably right. We know each other too well. It’s like we’ve gone from one to a hundred,” I say, and I watch Luc shift uncomfortably. It makes me feel an unease in my chest.
“Is this too much for you? What’s happening between us because if it is, just say the word,” I assure, even though my heart is beating fast and the thought of us ending sends a strike of panic inside me.
“Isabelle, I’m exactly where I want to be, and I don’t think we’ve moved fast. We’re just comfortable with each other so there is an ease between us that doesn’t exist when we are with other people. It isn’t scaring me or making me want to run in the other direction,” he assures, locking his eyes with mine. My heart picks up pace.
He stands and walks Braden upstairs to his crib and says he’ll be down in a second.
He said he isn’t scared of what is happening between us, but maybe he’s had enough. Maybe he wants to call us quits.
He walks back downstairs. “The little guy is out.” He grins and he looks so content and relaxed.
I smile. “Why are you worrying your lip, baby? I just said I don’t want to run. I’m happy right here with you.” He pulls me up off the couch and draws me close to his body so he can wrap his arms around me.
“I keep wondering when our time will run out,” I admit. If this were anyone else I would’ve kept those fears to myself, butthis is Luc. The boy I’ve shared my whole heart with since I was young.
“Our time doesn’t have to run out. Not if you don’t want us too, but if we’re going to do this, I mean really date. I need to speak to your dad. I respect the man. I can’t take his daughter out without having his permission.”
I’m stunned silent. Who is this man and what has he done with my best friend?
“I thought you never wanted forever,” I say to him.
“That’s true, but this doesn’t feel like I’m being forced into something I don’t want. It feels natural, like it’s what was always meant to be,” he says. “I just don’t know about marriage and kids. I’m not there yet, Izzy.”
“Neither am I. The whole situation with West made me realize how I’d been obsessing over having a family so I didn’t see what was right in front of me. That West and I would never work and my dreams made no sense at all. Being with you has been a real eye-opener.” I laugh.
“How so?” he asks.
My cheeks flush to the point they are burning hot. “Our chemistry, Luc. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
“Same for me, Izzy. It’s never been like this for me.”
Something inside me softens. I’ve had my guard up, knowing Luc and I were temporary, but now that he’s willing to give us a real chance I feel relaxed, happy.
“So, you’re good with me speaking to your dad?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say giddy as hell.
Luc leans in and captures my lips. I’m so happy I’m soaring until the front door opens and his dad walks in.
