Page 32 of Found By You
I searched the stars in awe. “It’s so beautiful out here.” And it was so peaceful, even with the chirping crickets. I moved to the swing on the deck. “Do you care if I sit here?”
“Of course not. While you’re staying in my home, you can sit where you like, eat what you like, do what you like.”
I sat and then nodded. “Thank you. You’re so kind.”
McCrae let out a low, grumbly laugh. “I don’t know if kind is the word for me.”
His pensiveness made me smile. “That’s true. Maybe it’s not kind.”
His eyes met mine, and then he burst out laughing. “Well, okay.”
I laughed too. “Hey, you’re the one that said it didn’t really fit you.”
“That’s when polite society would say, ‘No, you are thekindestperson.’” He said it in a falsetto.
I laughed. “Oh, is that what society would say?”
He nodded.
I laughed, again. “What else would polite society say?”
He turned, and our eyes met, sparking this tension between us back to life. “I think polite society would also say, ‘McCrae, you’re the most handsomest, strongest, man I’ve ever met, and I think you’re gorgeous.’”
That made me laughed harder. “Oh my gosh. I guess you’re kind of full of yourself too.”
“NowthatI’ve been told before,” he said with a hearty chuckle.
Both of us settled into a content silence.
McCrae had taken to pushing off so we could sway back and forth in the swing, and it just felt good out here. The night sounds wrapped around us like a comfortable blanket, familiar and soothing.
I let out a long breath.
He turned to me. “You okay?”
I nodded, still looking out at the moonlit lake. “I think I’ve finally been able to relax in this moment, sitting out here with you. Thank you.”
He cocked his head to the side, staring at the lake. “I’m glad. I mean, since you told me I had to take you because Ifoundyou, I’m glad you could find some peace with me.”
I let out a light laugh. “Man, that sounds so … silly.” I shook my head. “I guess you must have thought I was crazy.”
He laughed at that, and then he got serious. “Actually, I’m really glad you insisted. I mean, of course, we don’t know where this is going, or who you are, or when you’re going to wake up and remember, but I’m glad I got to know you, Sky.”
His admission set butterflies swarming in my stomach. “I’m glad I got to know you too, McCrae.” I reached out and put my hand over his.
He looked down, and it seemed like he was holding his breath.
I pulled my hand back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I just—this whole thing is so confusing, and I’m feeling so many things, and maybe it’s just Stockholm Syndrome or something.”
“Stockholm Syndrome?” His laugh was harsh and loud. “Stockholm Syndrome,” he said again, and he stood, pointing to himself. “I’m not yourcaptor. You asked to come with me.”
I laughed too. “Okay. I was just trying to make a bad joke.”
His eyes held mine, and then he looked at my lips. “It was a bad joke.”
I wanted to kiss this man.
He stood and then took a step back and moved to the railing that overlooked the lake. “Yeah. Anyway.”
