Page 35 of Trustfall
“And then I didn’t help matters by disappearing after graduation.”
“I’m just grateful you’re back.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know you are. I promise it’s water under the bridge.”
She made a heart shape with her fingers, and I reciprocated.
“Now, I’m guessing the fire in the greenhouse and almost losing your dad reopened that old wound, right?”
“Exactly. My dad and I had a heartfelt talk once he returned home, and as difficult as it was to admit, I’ve closed myself off to finding lasting love.”
“That’s huge, Ari. I’m so proud of you.”
“Perhaps my life’s lesson will inspire you too?” I lifted my brows in encouragement.
“The difference between us is that you were unaware of the deeper reason—me, I’ve purposely chosen to be on my own.”
“Lil—”
“I won’t involve anyone else in my drama.”
“As your best friend, I wish you could tell me what’s going on. I want to help and see you happy.”
“Who says I’m not?”
“Gosh, we are a pair, aren’t we.” I laughed.
“A pair of something, all right. Cheers to that.”
“Cheers.”
We clinked our wine glasses against our phone screens.
“So, how do you feel now toward Jameson? Still closed off?”
I shook my head no in response.
“When I asked Jameson why he came to my home to check on me, he said he was worried I might be overwhelmed with emotions after the day I had and didn’t want me to be alone.”
“Please, for the love of God, tell me you’re going to give the man a chance?”
“We kissed, and let’s just say there was no mistletoe involved.” I hadn’t told her about my heated exchange with him in the back office at McQuade’s, as I was embarrassed by my actions that night.
“Stop it!” she screamed wide-eyed in disbelief, causing me to nearly drop my wine glass. “I need more details. How was it? Did he stay over?”
There was no denying the blush that crept across my cheeks from the mere memory of his mouth on mine. I had often imagined what his kiss would feel like; the real thing had exceeded all my expectations. From our hot, heavy, and desperate kiss at McQuade’s to the quick kiss under the mistletoe to the soft, sweet, and sensual kiss on my couch last night, Jameson had my head spinning in the best way.
“It was amazing. It was as if every experience in life had unfolded just as it should, leading us to last night. And no, he didn’t stay over.” He was a perfect gentleman.
After my hour-long call with Lily, I spent the remainder of my night sitting in front of my computer, editing the photos to send to Tara for the First Responders’ calendar. By the time I crawled into my bed after midnight, the memory of Jameson’s kiss was at the forefront of my thoughts, along with Lakelyn’s quoted words of wisdom. “They say love often finds you when you least expect it.”
Maybe, just maybe, it was my time.
Chapter Fourteen
Jameson
