Page 73 of The Promise Of Rain

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“No, no, no,” he chanted.“It’s not that I don’t want you to, fuck me, of course I do.I just want you to be sure.”

“I’m sure,” I retorted.

He shook his head.“I don’t think you are.”

“Oh, I’m positive I want to finish what you started,” I snapped.

He laughed and pinched my chin.“Yes, so do I.But I also want more, so much more.The more that comes with you being sure about us.”

“Deacon,” I began.

“Jenny,” he interrupted.“This is as much for my protection as yours.”

My brow furrowed.“What do you mean?”

He frowned heavily, his eyebrows lowering as he studied me.“Part of me wants to tie you to me with sex and so many orgasms you won’t be able to sit without feeling me inside you.The other part, the part that died without you, is fully intent on forging your heart to mine.And I don’t want sex to blur those lines.”

“You’re afraid I might walk away.”

He cocked an eyebrow.“Don’t I have a right to be?”

I swallowed.

There will be honesty between us.

“I understand.”

His lips tightened.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted.

Surprise splashed over his face.“No, sorry.It’s not your fault.”Pulling me back into his arms, he pressed his mouth to the top of my head.“Come on.I don’t want you to miss the bonfire.”

With Baxter and Maggie there, I hoped marshmallows would be the only things going up in flames.

14

Rumours

Jenny

More than one head turned to follow us as Deacon led me by the hand down to the beach.

Like all small towns, Moose Lake had a thriving grapevine.And we were big news.

I just wasn’t sure if we were good news.

My steps faltered as we hit the beach, and I saw the small crowd gathered near the bonfire.

But then a wild, happy cry reached my ears.Following the sound, I found Maxine jumping up and down, an enormous pom-pom bouncing on top of her head.

I laughed because it put mine to shame.

Maggie’s arm shot in the air to wave.

Baxter and Miller stood behind them.And just beyond them stood Eric and Julie with John and Vera.

“The whole gang is here,” I murmured, looking up at him as we walked forward.“Are you sure you want to be here?”

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