Page 100 of Love Me Steadfast
“It signifies the section that gets repeated tocreatethe ending.” I lift my bow, waiting for him to shut up, but he grabs his sweatshirt to use as a pillow and lays back, his hands tucked behind his head.
I can’t help laughing.Comfortable?my look asks.
“Play for me, blackbird,” he says in that tone that turns my stomach to mush.
I focus on the music and try to shift my mind’s gears away from wanting to kiss my way up his body and toward bringing this beautiful piece of music to life.
Playing Vivaldi is like dancing with my fingers, and it’s not long before I’m sucked into the playful tempo and bright, joyful notes humming through my bones. Theshushhof the distant river and the soft breeze teasing the tall grass fades to the background. I’ve seen pictures of myself playing so I know there’s a serious crease in my right eyebrow and my lips twitch in concentration. I also can’t helpthe way I sway. I once tried to be still but it was like playing with my feet in a bucket of ice water.
When I draw out the final note, I risk a glance at Will. His gaze lifts to mine, and what I see in his eyes makes my heart soar into the cosmos. It’s like he’s observing something precious.
Like he seesme. Nobody’s ever looked at me like this.
I try to play it cool with a little bow.
He rolls up and takes my violin and bow from me, placing them gently in the case, then his lips are on mine and his hands are in my hair. “That was fucking amazing.”
A soft laugh tumbles free. “Thank you.”
“I mean it,” he says, kissing my cheek while running his hands down my back. “And fucking hot.”
I laugh again, the last of my nerves shaking down my limbs with it. “I love you.”
He leans back, surprise and a look of such joy shining in his eyes.
“Sorry, I…you don’t have to say it back.”
He cradles my face. “I want to. I love you, Charlotte. I have for a while. I…didn’t want it to scare you.”
Emotions I can’t contain rise up through me like a bright, beautiful wave. “Why would that scare me?”
“Because it…scares me a little.”
I kiss him, sinking into the feel of his arms around me, his warmth and the love growing between us.
“Later, I want you to play that song again,” he says, kissing the sensitive patch behind my ear. The spot he knows drives me crazy.
“Why later?” I pant, my thoughts turning hazy.
He lowers me to the blanket, gazing down at me with those vibrant blue eyes. He caresses the side of my face with the back of his fingers, slowly, watching me with so much adoration, I feel stripped raw. And while yeah, it’s scary, it thrills me just as much.
Will gives me his sultry grin. “Because I’m going to keep you a little bit busy for a while.”
Chapter Thirty-One
CHARLOTTE (NOW)
When we sitdown for dinner, platters and bowls heaped with barbecued chicken, homemade coleslaw, corn on the cob, and cornbread with honey butter, I’m so warmed by the company and the soft buzz from my two beers that I forget to be modest about filling my plate. Not that anyone cares, but it just makes my already full heart hiccup in my chest. These people have never made me feel anything other than loved for who I am. I just didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it.
We’re just finishing our slices of Barb’s apple pie with vanilla-cinnamon ice cream when there’s a knock on the door. Rowdy jumps up and moments later, a Finn River Sheriff’s deputy stands in the doorway, a calm look in his brown eyes. I’m confused why he’s here, until I see what he’s carrying.
Conversation quiets, and all eyes turn to me.
“Charlotte?” the deputy asks.
I stand, my heart galloping so hard my ribs feel brittle. “Is that…?” Getting the words out takes effort, and I wince at how it roughens my tone.
“Morgan’s guitar?” he replies with a soft smile. “I heard you were here. Thought you could confirm it for us.”
