Page 51 of The Downside of Love
“Could be. For all I know, you could be planning to steal my glitter-face shirt right out from under me.” She eyes me up and down and says, “And why on earth have you taken off your shirt?”
I lift an eyebrow in her direction. “Because it’s hotter than balls in here. Have a problem with me walking around shirtless?” I look her up and down. “Looks like you just proved my point about who has the shoe stuck up their ass.”
Pursing her lips, she shakes her head, a smile wanting to peek out. “Oh, you are in rare form tonight, Sheppard.”
I wiggle my eyebrows at her, feeling lighter than I have in a while. “Admit it, you like it.”
Studying me, her head tilted slightly to the side, she nods. “I do.”
Walking into my space, closing the distance between us, she wraps her arms around my waist and tentatively brings her head to my bare chest. Not wanting her to feel shy about me not wearing a shirt, I cup the back of her head and hold her in place while I wrap my other hand around her back.
Our good-night hug.One of my favorite things.We do it every night, and I know it’s because she’s trying to make up for the years of hugs I’ve missed out in my life. Not only is it sweet, but it also recharges me. Every time she holds me, I feel like she breathes fresh air into my lungs, renewing me.And she has no clue.
But this hug feels different as she snuggles in closer, holding onto me longer, her fingers splaying across my back, the pads of her fingers burning an imprint into my skin.
Standing in the middle of the bathroom, we hold each other, not saying anything, but I wonder if she gets something out of these hugs too. She’s a tactile person, but I get the sense that these hugs are becoming something she looks forward to as well. And that makes me as happy as fuck.
What I wouldn’t give right now to put a few inches between us only to lift her chin up toward me, my finger hooked, my gaze set on hers, my lips ready for her.
What I wouldn’t give to run my hand up her back, tug on her ponytail until her head tilts back, mouth open, ready for me.
What I wouldn’t give to finally press my lips against hers, to explore them, to taste her, to know every crevice and smooth surface of her mouth.
Just one taste.
Just one kiss.
Just one moment . . .
. . . I’ll never get.
Instead, I’ll take these little moments that I can hold on to forever. These moments where I steal a few seconds away from the world with her where it’s just us, together.
When she finally pulls away, she takes a step back, confusion knitting her brow but also a slight smile playing at her lips.
“You’ve changed, Stryder. It’s almost like there is a new spark of life inside of you.”
Not wanting to get into it, I tip her chin up with my forefinger and say, “Good night, Rory.”
I walk toward my bed, a bounce in my step.
I have changed, she isn’t telling me anything I haven’t noticed over the last few days, and I think I know what it is.
For the first time in my life, I actually feel needed, like there is a purpose in my life other than the Air Force.
I’ve enjoyed taking care of Rory, having someone rely on me, someone appreciate me. I’ve loved having someone see me as the man I wish I could be rather than the man my dad tried to turn me into.
I’m important to someone, but more importantly, Rory sees value inme. Instead of being a number or a puppet to master, Rory sees me as a man worth something. And it gives me pause.If I’m not going to be a pilot, am I bound to stay in the Air Force?By definition, yes, for a few years, I am. But it doesn’t have to define me. It just might be possible that I have options. And it’s the girl behind me that’s making that thought worth considering.
For the millionth time I ask myself, how could I not fall in love with her?
Chapter Sixteen
RORY
“Let me carry something.”
“I got it,” Stryder grunts out, carrying a large cooler and blankets.
