Page 26 of Deserving Lara
“What do you think about Cora and Pipe’s wedding ceremony?”
She blinked at him. “You already know about that?”
“Are you kidding? Cora texted Pipe, who came out to the barn and told me—not asked, mind you, buttoldme—that I needed to get my ass in gear and visit the website he was going to email me and get ordained so he could get his ring on Cora’s finger sooner rather than later.”
It was hard to believe she was smiling so soon after all the horrible things she’d imagined, but if anyone could make her do it, it was this man.
“And you’re going to do it?”
“Of course I am.” Then he frowned. “What was that thought?”
“You know you sound like Henley, right?”
But Owl’s expression didn’t loosen. “Don’t care. What put that worried look on your face?”
“I just…are you doing it because you think I’m going to have another freak-out if you aren’t here? Ruin their ceremony?”
If anything, Owl looked even fiercer after her question. “You aren’t going to ruin anything. And I’m going to marry one of my best friends because I’ve never been more honored to do anything in my life. I’ve always felt a little like an outcast here. Stone has too. We’re all close, but helicopter pilots are a different breed than SEALs and Deltas. We’re like the nerdy little brothers. To know Pipe respects me enough to want me to participate in his wedding? It’s an honor. And having you there is icing on the cake. For meandCora.”
“I don’t know what to wear.” It was the first safe thing Lara could think to say, especially when her feelings for this man suddenly seemed confusing and jumbled.
Owl smiled. Then a chuckle left his lips. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
“Owl?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“When I thought he was coming…I was so scared. I gave up. But then a part of me got mad as hell.”
“That’s good.”
Lara stared into his eyes. She wanted to believe him. So badly. But she felt so messed up in her head. She wasn’t surewhatto believe anymore. What to think.
“And Henley will tell you the same thing when you talk to her tomorrow.”
Lara had forgotten that she’d arranged for another session with the therapist the next day.
“And you know what else?”
“What?” Lara whispered.
“I think it’s time you participated in those self-defense lessons again. But maybe just with The Refuge staff first. You’ll feel more comfortable with people you know around you.”
Lara closed her eyes. She didn’t deserve this man. She’d made stupid decisions and somehow they’d led to this moment. It didn’t make sense, and a part of her felt guilty. But another part didn’t care. She would enjoy being here for as long as it lasted.
“Okay.”
“Okay,” he confirmed with a nod. Then he did something that changed Lara’s world forever.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
His warm lips lingered, as if he was memorizing the moment as desperately as Lara.
It struck her then—she’d thought about this moment for so long. About being in Owl’s arms. He’d touched her plenty in the last few months, but she’d longed to feel…more. To have his arms around her not in a quick, platonic hug, but in an intimate embrace. Even though this wasn’t exactly how she’d imagined it happening, it felt amazing. So right.
And his lips on her skin? Heaven.
Being with him like this, surrounded by his scent, feeling the warmth of his body against her own…she’d never felt safer.
