Page 28 of Home Run Fiancé
“I go to a lot of yoga classes and they say that movement is the key to de-stressing your body.”
“Agreed. That’s why I like working out. Something about moving and sweating really clears my head.”
She nods. “That’s right! But you don’t have to do a long, hard workout to get the same benefits. Just shake your body out like this.”
Rhys starts shaking out her arms, then her head flops to the side like she’s lost all control off her neck muscles. Her torso starts flailing to some beat of a song no one else can hear. I roll my lips and try to keep from laughing. She looks like she’s having a seizure or on some sort of drug-induced bender. Her knees bow together and the shaking picks up speed. I fold my arms over my chest and clamp a hand over my mouth. It must be contagious because I start shaking too, but not to do whatever Rhys is attempting. I’m using all my restraint to keep the laughter in.
Then she pops her head up, a huge smile in place, so proud of herself.
“See? Now you try.”
I drop my hand from my mouth, but keep my arms folded. “Yeah…that’s not going to happen.”
Her mouth drops open. “Why not? Come on, give it a try.”
I shake my head and walk over to the tailgate of Damon’s truck. “Nope. I’m good. I have a much better way to relieve stress.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” Rhys challenges me.
I look over my shoulder and wave her over to the tailgate. “Hop up.”
She sighs, but follows my directions, hopping up on the tailgate and swinging her legs. I climb up next to her and point out to the lake, beautifully lit up by the moonlight. “Just look at that and tell me you’re stressed out. Impossible.”
Rhys looks out over the lake and I look at her, the way her lips look backlit by only the moonlight. I’ve seen her in full sun on the beach and by candlelight in a fancy restaurant, but this is by far my favorite way to see her. She has a glow making her look other-worldly, so beautiful she can’t possibly be from this planet. I lean closer, needing to examine her from up close, to see if she’s for real.
She turns her head slowly, her gaze taking a trip over my face and hovering on my mouth. I have to kiss her, have to taste her and see if she’s everything I’m beginning to think she is. No cameras, no paparazzi, no cell phone lurking to catch and record every detail. Just me and her.
I lean in further and she meets me halfway, her eyelids lowering, lips parting. I don’t waste time considering whether this is a good idea. It seems like the only thing that has made sense maybe in forever.
My lips brush hers, then dive in, needing more than just a brief touch of heaven. She gasps and I breathe. She moves and I follow. She presses in and I stay there with her, suspended in time, experiencing a perfect moment and not wanting to miss a second of it.
Her hands clutch my shoulders, even as she pulls back. “Jake…”
My hands freeze in her hair and I force them to relax, to sift through the strands of silk instead of tightening my fists and trying to hold her to me. “Hmm?”
“We should get back,” she whispers against my lips.
Little does she know, there is no going back for me.
12
Rhys
Saying goodbye has never been easy for me and it’s especially not when Susan pulls me into yet another hug saying she can’t wait to see me again soon. My own mother hasn’t bothered to see me but twice since they moved to Oregon over two years ago. And here is Jake’s mother nearly in tears, asking me to make firm plans to come back in a week or two. I hate to lie to her, but I have no idea what’s going on with Jake and me.
That kiss last night was, without a doubt, the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced. What confused me was Jake’s motivations. There was no reason for that kiss. No public to impress, no photos to be taken to prove our relationship. Why did he kiss me? And how was I to ever move on after that?
We bantered back and forth to the airport and the whole way home on the plane. At some point, I fell asleep with my head on Jake’s shoulder. When I woke, my sweater was draped over me and he was holding my hand on his thigh. The kiss he gives me on the top of my head adds to my growing confusion. I’m enjoying his attention far too much, but I can’t seem to pull away. I’ve decided, without actually deciding, that I’m going to enjoy the time we have together. When we break things off, that’s when I’ll deal with the fallout and the heartbreak. Because at this point, I know the heartbreak will be epically painful. I may have been falling before, but I’ve completed my tumble, straight into being in love with him.
When we pull up to my apartment, Jake pulls me back into the car before I can climb out. His hand slides through my hair, his thumb stroking my cheek.
“Have breakfast with me tomorrow?” His beard tickles my skin, he’s so close.
“Sure.” As if there’s any other answer.
His eyes crinkle in the corners and I share his happiness at the idea of getting together again so soon. I have no idea why, or really if, he truly cares about me now. It seems like so much more than just for show, but considering how adamant he was about me not developing feelings for him, I’m too scared to ask him about it. Too scared he’ll call me a foolish, young girl who’s confused friendship and attraction for more.
Jake gets out of the car and helps carry my suitcase to the front door. He pulls me into a hug, stroking my hair and making me wish I could just curl up there next to him to spend the day.
