Page 13 of A Little Luck

It was the conversation that brought me to El Rio tonight. It gave me the courage to think I’ve made it past my old mistakes, past the night she told me to leave, and that I might actually deserve her.

“You are brave.” Piper’s voice is soft, and it pulls me from my thoughts.

“What?”

“A new sign.” She nods at the freshly painted, thin white plank of wood with royal blue lettering.

“How the hell…?” I look up and down the sidewalk lining the town square. “We were all inside, and we didn’t see a thing.”

Her eyes narrow, and she looks up at me. “You were the last one to arrive. Did you do it?”

My brow rises, and I press a palm against my chest. “Me?” I start to laugh, which I know sounds suspicious.

“Of all the possible suspects, you definitely fit the bill.” I really love when she goes all Veronica Mars on me. “You live alone. You’re free to do whatever you want whenever you want, and you’re very inspirational.”

Catching her hand in mine, I pull her closer to my chest. “You think I’m inspirational?”

Her full lip slips beneath her front teeth, and warmth tightens my stomach. I want this so much, and her response tonight is the most encouragement she’s ever given me.

She shakes her head, pushing out of my embrace. “You know what I mean.”

“I’m not sure I do.”

She takes off, walking in the direction of her small house. Picking up the pace, I’m practically jogging to keep up with her.

“Piper, slow down.”

“I should say as much to you.” We’re not far from the tiny shack, and she stumbles onto the front porch, exhaling a laugh as she stops at the door.

I jog up the steps as well, stopping when I’m in front of her, caging her against the wooden barrier with my arms.

“Don’t run from me.” My voice is low, hungry.

We’re both breathing fast, and her mouth is tantalizingly close to mine.

“Then don’t chase me.”

“Let me catch you.” Even I heard the crack in my voice, the break of someone on the edge, not ready to walk away but not able to keep going.

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“You know why not. I can’t play with Ryan’s life. He has to have stability. He’s already lost so much.”

That’s not it, and I won’t let her use him to push me away again. “I’ve been here for him every day since he started kindergarten. I’m one of the most stable things in his life.”

“It’s true.” She tries to pull away, but I hold her arms.

Her chin lifts, and her hair falls away from her face. The moonlight sets her ivory skin aglow, and I’ve dreamed of this. I’ve waited for this. Now, it’s here.

“I want to kiss you.”

“Adam,” she sighs heavily. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Are you worried what people will say?” I’m teasing, and her eyes roll to the side.

“I’m pretty sure our friends already think we’re sleeping together.”

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