Page 23 of Unwrapped
“Hopefully that will change once you guys get married. Have you set a date yet, by the way?”
“No.”
I expect her to elaborate, but she stares at her ring in silence. Most newly engaged brides-to-be are more than willing to gush about their wedding plans. Not Lena, apparently. While I don’t want to probe, I want to be there for her if she’s having a hard time.
I walk over and settle on the bed beside her. “Everything OK?”
“I don’t know.” Her jade-colored eyes meet mine, and the sadness in them is unmistakable. “Did you ever get a gut feeling?”
Dean stomps snow off his boots and leaves them on the mat inside the foyer. He meets my gaze as he unzips his coat and hangs it on the coat rack. I’ve been relaxing on the loveseat, enjoying the fire.
He approaches with a smile that heats my insides. “You ready to hit the slopes?”
“Not really.”
“How come?” His dark brows come together. “You love to ski.”
“I’m just not feeling it.”
“Are you OK?” Concern laces his voice as he settles beside me.
“I’m fine. It’s just not what I feel like doing.”
“What would you rather do?”
You.“Well, I’m feeling inspired, so I wanted to do some writing.”
He squeezes my knee. “I meant what I said earlier. I think it’s an amazing endeavor, and I’m really proud of you.”
His praise warms me. “Thank you.”
“Can I ask you something?” He searches my face. “It’s kind of personal.”
“Go for it.”
“Where’d your sudden inspiration come from?”
I lift my chin. “It’s not sudden. I’ve been trying to write this book for ages.”
“Right. But you also said you’ve been dealing with writer’s block.” He holds up a finger. “Not to mention, youloveto ski, yet you’re ditching a chance to hit the slopes so you can write.”
“Is that a crime?”
“Nope. I’m just curious what’s fueling your fire.”
Heat crawls up my neck and cheeks as my gaze darts from his eyes to his plush, kissable lips. “I think you know the answer to that.”
He licks his lips. “Maybe I want to hear you say it.”
“Maybe I’m not concerned with whatyouwant.” My syrupy sweet reply makes him grin.
“How would you react if I decided to skip the mountain today?” he asks, dragging his thumb over my knee in slow circles.
“It’s a free country, Dr. West. You do you.”
He suddenly stands and brushes imaginary dirt off his jeans. “I think I’m going to hit the shower again, and I dunno, maybe take a nice, long afternoon nap.” He pins me with his heated gaze. “If you’re in the mood for any moreinspiration, you know where to find me.”
Mood Music: “I Want You” by Third Eye Blind
