Page 21 of Searching for Sadie
"Don't forget this," he said, holding out the giant stuffed cat.
"I would never," she said as she smiled at him, taking it from her. "It was really nice to meet all of you."
They all said their goodbyes, and the festival was starting to get broken down as Sadie and Lucas made their way home.
CHAPTER 10
SADIE
As Sadie and Lucas strolled down Apple Tree Lane, the noise of the crowd quieted, leaving nothing but the sound of their steps on the sidewalk and the small flame starting to rekindle in her heart. That was the most fun she'd had since the whole debacle of the show. It was so nice to just feel normal again. Before, she wasn't sure if she would ever feel that again.
The sun had set while they were in the beer tent, now she found herself wishing she'd brought a jacket as she rubbed her arms for warmth. Lucas seemed to take note and slipped off the flannel shirt he was wearing and offered it to her.
"What are you doing?" she asked. This was something men only did in romance novels, right?
"You look cold, please take it. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" she asked as she tentatively reached out and took it from him.
"Of course," he said, holding it open for her.
As she slipped it on, she almost melted into it as his residual body heat warmed her, and his scent enveloped her. A wave of emotion threatened to sweep her away. She'd just had an amazing night in this marvelous little town with quite possiblyone of the kindest men she'd ever met. It was such a sharp contrast to what she had just left, she wasn't sure how to handle it. With a rough swallow she bit back the emotion that had her rattled.
Their houses came into view as they made their way down the street. "Thank you so much for inviting me and introducing me to all your friends."
"They're your friends now, that's just how Mystic Falls works."
It couldn't be that easy. There was no way. Things were never that easy for her.
When they made it to their houses, she was expecting him to stop and make his way into his house as she made her way into hers, but he walked the few extra steps to hers and opened the gate. Her heart thumped away in her chest as he walked her to the door.
They stood and faced each other in front of her door. It would be so easy to kiss him. And as his soft hazel eyes took her in, she could see that he wanted to. She really wanted to, but something in her didn't feel ready. But why? She couldn't remember the last time someone had been this kind and attentive, and she was very attracted to him. Very attracted to him.
He was leaning, he was going to kiss her.
She wanted to kiss him. As he closed his eyes and was mere inches from her face, she panicked. She put her hand on his broad chest and pulled back. He instantly stopped.
"I'm sorry..." she said quietly.
"Don't be sorry. I had a wonderful night."
"I just... I don't know if I'm ready to date anyone... I am just getting out a of tricky situation and I don't –"
"Sadie, you don't owe me any explanation."
"I feel like I do. You were so nice to me and –"
"I was nice to you because I was having a nice time, not so you would kiss me."
She squeezed her eyes shut. She did want to kiss him, but everything was such a mess.
"I'm just gonna go. Thank you for a wonderful night. Please if you need anything let me know," he said as he turned to leave the porch.
Before she knew what she was doing she reached out and took his hand. A zip of desire shot through her as she stood there in indecision with her hand in his.
"Please... I want to. I'm just not sure if it's the best idea."
He cocked his head and looked at her. The vulnerability under his gaze was uncomfortable. But she found herself unable to let him leave without understanding things, even a little bit. Yet she wasn’t sure what she wanted to share.
