Page 115 of Teach Me How

I laugh. “Traded flowers for coffee and books.”

I let him into my apartment and watch him as he looks around. He looks good here. A little big for my cramped apartment, but like a brawny bookworm. I frown at him. “Why didn’t you text to tell me you were coming?”

He comes closer, reeling me in. “I wanted to tell you in person.”

My hands flatten across his chest. “Tell me what?”

He pauses, looking unsure. “I decided to take a page out of your book.”

“Which book was that?”

He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “The one about the girl who follows her dreams.”

“I’m not sure I’ve read that one.”

He grins. “You should. You’d like the main character. She’s brave and knows how to follow her heart. And I want to do the same thing.” His hand cups the side of my face. “You’re my heart, Reese. I’ll follow you wherever you go. Can I follow you here?”

My heart expands to the ends of the earth. “Here? In Boulder?”

He nods.

“What about the farm?”

“That’s Bo’s problem now.”

I bite my lip to keep from grinning ear to ear. “We might need to get a bigger place.” My cheeks catch fire. “Unless you were going to find your own place.”

He tugs me closer, glancing around the small, jewel-colored apartment. “I like this place. Pink is my favorite color.”

I glance at the powder pink walls and laugh. “If you like that, you should see the bathroom.”

“More pink?”

“Green.”

“That’s my favorite color, too.”

He bends his head, brushing his lips over mine.

I speak against his soft kiss. “Is it?”

“Always has been.”

He presses his lips to mine and I return the kiss tenfold.

78.

Skyler

From Reese’s bedroom window, we can see the Christmas lights hung from every street light and tree bough. We’ll go home to Silver Bend next week and make the announcement. Though, it seems like Mitch and Cody have already told anyone who matters.

I’ve only been staying in Reese’s apartment for a day and a half, but it already feels like home. That’s probably because she’s here. And if she’s here, there’s no reason to leave.

We’ve been holed up, only leaving for food and books. I’ve been staring at the same page in my book for the last fifteen minutes, making no progress. Reese’s bare shoulders are just visible over the top of my book. She’s lying opposite me. Her dark hair spills over her back and she has the fluffy, purple blanket pulled up around her waist. Her feet are crossed at the ankle, just at my side. I let my free hand slide up and down her smooth calf. My gaze follows the elegant dip of her spine, lingering on that pretty little snake. “Maybe I should get a tattoo.”

She looks at me over her shoulder, lips curving up. “I’m not sure you can handle the pain.”

“I handle you just fine. I think I can handle the tattoo.”