Page 93 of Trucker
“That’s not how it works.” I pushed. “I don’t want you to surrender, Sprite. I don’t want you to—especially to me.”
I dragged a thumb across her cheek.
“I want you strong and bold.” I cleared my throat.
“In your bed, Trucker.” She blushed. “I don’t mind surrendering because I know I can trust you with my body, with me. When I look into your eyes, I know I can trust you. So, you’ve won. And every time I remember what he’s done and feel scared, I’ll come to you. Are you cool with that? Can I do that?”
“Of course.”
“Are you sure?” Taji smiled at me.
“I’m sure. And I’ll make you forget.”
Taji smiled wider as tears slipped down her cheeks.
“And you’ll make me forget.” She whispered, pushing to her tiptoes and hugging me. “Now, come inside and help me cook. I put the fruit tray in the fridge—we can share it as dessert. Later, I’ll makeyouforget.”
I looked down into her face and couldn’t help the warmth that she sent through me. Before I did as she asked, I kissedher, gently at first, then deeper and deeper until I knew my head would explode if I didn’t breathe.
Picking her up, I loved the little squeal of surprise that echoed in the air before her laughter bubbled from inside her.
When I set her on the sofa, I wanted to keep her there. But she’d promised to cook for Lennox and Kaos. I settled into holding her for a few minutes, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her forehead over and over.
“Are we officially an item?” I asked.
“Honestly?” Taji exhaled loudly. “I want us to be. But we still haven’t even been on our first date yet. Everything that’s been going on—I told you I was?—”
“That’s not your fault. It wasn’t because of what you were wearing, what you said, what you were doing or not doing. A person is allowed to go out alone with the right to be left alone.
Tears filled her eyes again.
“Do you hear me, Sprite?”
Taji nodded.
“Don’t nod. I want to hear you tell me you understand.”
Taji kissed me softly. She then used her thumbs to smooth the flesh between my eyes.
She nodded.
“I understand.”
“Good—as for our first date. That was your responsibility, wasn’t it?”
“I’m bad luck.” Taji laughed softly. “Every time I come up with a plan, something happens—something bad.”
“Life happens.” I smiled. “Sometimes more bad than good. But just so you know—so you don’t have to guess what’s going on in my head. I want us to be a couple.”
“You do?” Taji pushed to her elbow to look down into my face. “I don’t want you to give up your station for this town. Once you’re here, you get stuck.”
“But you’re here.”
“I can live anywhere—work from anywhere.” Taji caressed a finger across my forehead.
“Your grandfather’s house?—”
“Will always be here. I’m not saying we will move in together right now and have two point five kids?—”
