Page 43 of Wrapped in Hope
When she’s satisfied with its appearance, she looks up and her dark eyes lock on mine.
“What are you doing here, Hope?” It sounds bad considering the things we just did, but I meant what I said earlier. She just happened to show up in one of the weakest moments I’ve had in years.
She crosses her arms over her chest, almost like she’s hugging herself. “I didn’t like the way we left things earlier. I know what you’re going through, but I want to be with you. I want to be here for you and comfort you.” She steps toward me, reaching for me.
Her touch is something I need to avoid if I want to keep myself in check, but fuck, it would be so easy to just walk into her arms and hide beneath those invisible wings I know she has. I need her comfort, her friendship, and her unwavering love. But it’s wrong. I’m the adult here. I should stop this. But I’m helpless.
“I meant what I said. I’m no good for you. Nothing good will come of this.” I motion between the two of us.
“You make me feel things that nobody ever has. Isn’t that enough? What more do I need?”
I walk to the fridge and grab a beer. I pop the top and lean against the counter. “How about family? Do you think your parents would approve of you sleeping with a man old enough to be your father?”
Not only that, but I’ve been friends with Gary since the day I moved in here over twenty years ago. I’m betraying him as we speak. He would never forgive me for touching his daughter.
She takes a deep breath. “I’ll go tell them right now!” she says, throwing her hands up in the air at her sides. Anger and determination is etched in her beautiful face as she quickly walks past me toward the door.
“Hope!” I yell after her as I take the few steps until I can reach her. I grab her wrist and pull her back. She loses her footing and falls into my arms. We’re both breathing heavy from the adrenaline pumping through us. She looks pissed as fuck, but damn it if she isn’t the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
A puff of air leaves me. “You’re such a pain in my ass.” I move my lips to hers where she openly accepts my kiss while tangling her hands into my hair.