“When did you realize you loved me?” she asked.
“I always loved you. But you were seventeen, going on eighteen when I realized what I felt for you was starting to shift into territory it shouldn’t.”
“That’s about the time I noticed you avoiding me, finding excuses not to be around me. I should have figured it out. I guess I was still trying to figure myself out.”
He dropped his mouth to the nape of her neck. “You turned out just fine.”
“What do we do now?” she asked.
“Dry off, go to bed, make love again.”
She laughed. “I meant where do we go beyond that. I’d like to explore what we have here but don’t want to rush into any sort of commitment.”
“I understand that, Faith.”
She twisted around until her hip was pressed against his cock, and it jumped to attention. “I don’t want Callie to suspect something’s happening between us. Or my parents.” Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “Or anyone. It’s not that I’m ashamed of you, of us, but—”
“I know. We’ll lose all our choices.”
With a nod, she settled back against him, sending the water rolling over them. “Pa would make you marry me.”
He didn’t think she needed to know he’d already spoken with her father. He didn’t want her to feel she had to travel this trail with him.
“I do like your idea, though, of drying off, going to bed, and making love again.”
And that’s exactly what they did.
Chapter Fourteen
When Faith woke up that morning, all she wanted to do was stay in bed with Rawley, but they had responsibilities. Besides, she’d been anxious to see Callie. She’d never gone that long without her. So they decided they’d act as though nothing had happened, and that evening they’d take Callie to the opening of the Nickelodeon.
But as she stood in the lobby of the movie theater with Callie clutching her hand while jumping about and Rawley discreetly holding Faith’s other hand, she couldn’t help but believe she was glowing with happiness and wasn’t certain how anyone could miss it.
“This is quite the majestic building,” Rawley said, glancing around at the gold and red wallpaper, the red plush carpet, the elaborately carved molding on the banisters of the twin winding staircases—currently roped off—that led to the balcony seating.
“You know Ma. She likes to give people experiences to make them feel special. Callie, you remember the rule about tonight, don’t you?”
Callie rolled her eyes. “No talking.”
“That’s right. This is a grown-up event, but you get to come because you’re family.”
“Rufus wanted to come.”
“This isn’t a place for dogs. He’s waiting for you at home,” Faith reminded her. Rawley had come by in the buggy to pick them up, was going to take them back home.
Laurel chose that moment to make her appearance, standing on the landing at the top of the stairs. She clapped her hands several times to try to get everyone’s attention, but too much excitement filled the room for people to pay much notice.
Suddenly an ear-splitting whistle rent the air, causing everyone to glance around. “Quieten down!” Rawley yelled, and the crowd fell silent.
Laurel smiled. “Thank you, Cousin Rawley. Welcome, everyone! Aunt Dee, Uncle Dallas, and I are so happy you’ve joined us tonight. We think you’re in for a unique experience. While moving pictures have been around for a few years, they are gaining in popularity. Theaters dedicated to showing them are being built around the country. As you know, my aunt and uncle think it’s important we keep up with the changing times. So tonight we have for your enjoymentOliver Twist. We also have the exceptional talents of Austin and Grant Leigh to provide the music that will accompany the film. You may sit on the main floor or we’re removing the ropes, so you can come up to the balcony. Enjoy your journey into magic!”
People began wandering toward the doorways that led into the theater.
Reaching down, Rawley snatched Callie up into his arms. “We can’t have you getting lost,” he told her. He shifted her over so he could support her with one arm, then reached down and threaded his fingers through Faith’s.
Yes, people were bound to notice she was glowing like a star-filled sky, but she couldn’t help it. He made her feel treasured.
The crowd was meandering in, searching for empty seats. Rawley began leading her along the edge, past people who were arguing about where to sit until he came to a row with several empty seats near the front. She sashayed by him and took the third seat from the end. He started to put Callie in the middle one, but she clung to his neck like a monkey.
