Page 29 of Rescue Us (Next Generation 7)

Her lips parted, her eyes staring into mine.

“Knowing you were near,” I kissed her fingertips, “helped me sleep.”

So many questions danced behind her eyes at my confession. I had no idea what was going on with me or why this woman affected me the way she did but I couldn’t control it. There was something about her that I needed. Something dark, strong, so damn strong, that I would spend the rest of my days searching for it if I had to.

“I made coffee,” I told her, releasing her hands and putting some distance between us before I did something she wasn’t ready for.

Thank you,she signed. She grabbed a mug, made her coffee, and went to the balcony door. She looked at me over her shoulder, waiting, and like a good little boy I followed.

***

(Ainsley)

To say I was surprisedto see Cyrus again that morning, would be an understatement. But the fact that he didn’t want to drink and drive, even though he didn’t have that much wine, made me respect him even more.

When I went to the balcony, I hoped he would get the hint and he did. I was thankful for that because I didn’t want him to leave just yet. I enjoyed spending time with him. Even though our friendship was new, I still considered him just that. I never met someone who was as patient as him. We kissed a few times and I found that I wanted more. No, I needed it.

When he joined me on the balcony, he went to the railing and let out a heavy sigh. My chest tightened. Was something bothering him?

He gave himself a shake and joined me on the patio couch. I had set up the balcony as a little reading nook that I used during the warmer weather. It wasn’t much but it allowed me to get outside more and gave me more space. It also got me out of the apartment.

Cyrus wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed the side of my head.

My stomach tumbled.

“Will you go on a date with me?”

My head whipped around, finding his dark eyes staring back at me. They were hopeful, wishing for my yes.

You asked me that already.

“I know. I’m asking again because it’s a new day and I want you to be sure.”

Yes, I want to go on a date with you,I signed which earned me a smile.

“You’ve made me a very happy man, pet.” Cyrus waggled his eyebrows.

I laughed, shaking my head.

He chuckled, pulling me into his arms. “A very happy man,” he murmured.

His hot breath fanned over the side of my head. Just the sound of his deep voice, eased the stress that had become a permanent fixture on my shoulders.

Cyrus placed his mug on the table beside him then pulled me closer. He cupped my shoulder, pushing his thumb into the spot at the base of my neck.

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