Page 71 of The Lucky Heart (Jamison Valley 3)
“My best friend. She’s a real kick. I’ve been begging her to come out and visit.”
“I’ll look forward to meeting her.”
“Does that mean you’re going to keep me around?”
I held my breath and waited for his answer. I was fishing for something, anything. I needed a little verbal reassurance that what we had wouldn’t soon fizzle out when he’d gotten bored with me.
He set his plate aside, then did the same with mine. His arms reached for me, and with one strong pull, he slid me across the couch and into his side.
“Yeah. I’m keeping you around.” With the hand not wrapped around my shoulders, he handed me back my plate.
“Good.” I relaxed and burrowed further into his side.
We turned our attention to the movie, and though my eyes were aimed at the screen, I wasn’t really watching. My heart was soaring through the clouds. Silas and I were cuddling!
For two people that had had sex numerous times, it was strange for our relationship to be progressing at a snail’s pace, but given that we were both trying to overcome the past, it was for the best. We were getting reacquainted with one another. We were connecting emotionally. The physical part could come later.
Slow is good. Have patience. When Silas was ready, he’d claim me. I just had to wait until he thought the time was right.
The movie progressed and I struggled to keep my breathing steady. Just because my mind had decided to let him take the lead didn’t mean my body was on board with the plan. The sexual tension between us was heavy and tempting. Silas felt it too. He was forcefully restraining himself, his teeth audibly grinding together, but he never made a move.
If he hadn’t done anything yet, he probably wasn’t going to. Tonight wasn’t the night for us to sprint forward. Fine. Great. Grand. I’d do what my magazine had advised and savor the slow burn. Yeah, right.
Just when I’d resigned myself to watching the movie, Silas’s hand slid across my cheek. His face bent close as his thumb stroked my skin. My pulse was racing and I fought the urge to close that final inch between us.
His lips were right there. Inviting me. Begging me. I had almost given into their lure when the shrill sound of Silas’s alarm filled the room.
Seriously?
Silas leaned away, grumbling under his breath while silencing the alarm.
“Time to head to the barn?” I tried to hide my disappointment behind false cheer.
He sighed. “Yeah. You can stay here if you want.”
“I’d like to go with you, if that’s okay.”
“Of course. Let me grab you a sweatshirt.” He jogged up the stairs against the back wall of the loft and rifled through his closet while I took a few moments to collect myself.
Don’t be in a rush, Felicity. I couldn’t let myself get frustrated and pushy. Silas wanted to take this slow and I could give him that, even though it was killing me.
When he came back downstairs, he handed me an old green sweatshirt. Across the front was the logo for our high school.
“I haven’t worn a Prescott High Mustangs sweatshirt in years. Awesome!”
He grinned. “Figured you’d like that one.”
I pulled it over my head and took a deep breath, inhaling the lingering smell of fabric softener and Silas. The chances of him ever getting this sweatshirt back were slim to none.
“Shit. I should have thought about shoes.” I looked down at my bare feet and realized I only had the heels that I’d worn for dinner.
“Oh, uh, I got you something.” Silas rubbed the back of his neck as he walked to the laundry room.
I followed, watching as he reached in and pulled out a pair of brand-new, black, knee-high rubber boots. The soles were heavy with thick tread, perfect for working outside in the mud and dirt.
I choked down the lump in my throat. “Muck boots? You got these for me?” I’d been eyeing this exact pair at the sporting-goods store but they weren’t cheap, and since I had been unsure of my employment situation, I had passed them up. I was beyond touched that Silas had thought to get them for me.
These completely unattractive, yet highly functional boots were an incredibly thoughtful gift. Silas always took care of me. On the worst nights of my life, he’d never let me down. My chest felt too small for my heart and I struggled to breathe.
