“Is that so?” He took another step while his dark eyes smoldered. “Because I’ve never in my life experienced whatever the hell is happening between us, Fern.”
His words squeezed me so tight I was lightheaded. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
“I’ve spent the last few years on a path of self-destruction. Drinking, women, and shutting off any possibility of there being someone for me.” His voice softened, and my stomach rolled. “But then you kicked my ass in the kitchen, and I may never be the same again.”
We continued our dance of him stepping forward and me stepping away as my heart rate shot through the roof. I couldn’t quite comprehend what was flowing out of his mouth. “I, uh.” Well, any hopes of sounding competent shot out the freaking window.
As he stepped closer, my back was against the wall. I was trapped and could think of nowhere I’d rather be while his words replayed in my brain which was melting at the moment.
“Yes, this was a weekend pass. I would’ve said anything to be with you in any way from the second we met. The most stunning woman I’d ever laid eyes on. But then you were cool, funny, and could hula hoop and drink beer at the same time which kind of blew my mind.” He shook his head. “I was afraid because I’m a messed-up person. I have ugly scars, and the way I’ve handled myself in most areas of my life has been shameful.” He looked down while the silence was eating me alive.
I took his chin in my hand, looked into his emerald eyes and could see pain and disappointment. “You’re a good person, Gabe.”
“I haven’t been. But for the first time in forever, I want to be. I’m thinking about the future, and it’s like the weight on my chest has lifted. It’s because of you,” he whispered. “I’ve had dark thoughts I’ve battled and nearly lost.”
He looked away and shook his head as I put my hand on his cheek, his whiskers gently rubbing my palm. “You are good.”
When his eyes reached mine, they were glassy. I didn’t fully understand what he was speaking about, but his arms wrapped around me. “So much about me, I’ve locked up. But I need to tell you something.”
A dread of something snuck into me. “No, whatever happened in the past stays there.”
He pulled back. “Fern, I really need to tell you?—”
“No.”
He wanted to tell me something, but I was shutting it down. I had the man I wanted in front of me professing his feelings, and I didn’t want to hear anything that could take it away. It was wrong, but I wanted to hold on to this, and not let anything in that could shake it.
“I don’t want this to be a weekend pass anymore.” He released me and took my right hand in his and ran his finger over my silver band. “I want this to be a promise ring for us. I know you’re leaving, and we can’t be in the same place, but I want to try this.”
My heart sang opera for the first time ever. He wanted me. He wanted me. A feeling of weightlessness took over as I processed, and my voice was only a broken whisper. “So basically you really do dig me, huh?”
He chuckled from deep down in his perfect chest. “Fern, I dig you so hard it’d blow your flipping mind.”
“So, when I have to leave?—”
“Shh. We’ll figure it out.” He pushed a piece of hair from my cheek.
“And Dave?”
“Yes.” He whispered as he brushed my lips with his. “Hopefully, we’ll hatch a plan that doesn’t involve serious bodily harm to me.” He inhaled deeply. “What do you think?”
Crickets. I hate it when the voices in my head go silent. I never know what they’re up to.
“We can take it slow and tell him when the time’s right?” My hands found the abs that I could almost call mine.
Our kisses grew longer. “Good plan, Miss Fern Ethel.”
He pulled me so close I could feel what was on his mind. “Gabe, do you think we need to seal this new deal?”
In a split second, he pushed me on the bed. “Oh, baby.”
I popped up on my knees to help him pull his shirt over his head. I kissed my way around those amazing abs before twisting and pushing him down on his back.
He grabbed my arm and tried to pull me on top of him, but I felt strong, like a sexy warrior, and pushed him away. “No, I’m in charge now.” I swear his grin was going to make my bra burst open at any second it was so stinking hot.
“Is that right? You don’t think I could overtake you?”
I batted my eyes. “As much as I enjoy to the tips of my toes being overtaken by you, I don’t think you want that right now.”
