Page 204 of Micah
“If—”
She laughs, that bright, happy laugh that always seems to sneak past my defenses.
“I get it, Cowboy.”
“You sure?”
She steps closer until there's barely an inch between us.
“So protective.”
“So stubborn,” I counter.
“So...”
She reaches up and smooths the collar of my shirt like it's the most natural thing in the world.
“...very you.”
I catch her wrist before she can lower her hand.
Not to stop her.
Just because I want to keep touching her a little longer.
My thumb drifts over the inside of her wrist, feeling the quick flutter of her pulse.
It isn't the only heartbeat racing.
Mine's trying to pound its way clean out of my chest.
“Hey,” I say quietly.
“Yeah?”
She searches my face.
Whatever she sees there wipes the teasing smile right off hers.
I don't think about it.
I don't weigh the pros and cons.
Hell, I don't even breathe.
“I love you.”
The words leave me before my brain has any chance to interfere.
Silence.
Her lips part.
Those beautiful brown eyes go impossibly wide.
Like the whole world just tilted beneath her feet.
Maybe mine did too.
