Page 108 of A Little Luck
“I was actually thinking the same thing.” After all that happened, I want to spend more time with her. I want to know who she really is, not who I mistook her for all those years.
Fudge flops on the counter in front of me, and I slide my hand down his long, shiny coat thinking about the text I got this morning from Adam.
Anticipation is a low hum buzzing in my stomach, and I keep checking the clock. He didn’t say when he’d be back, and since leaving my mom, it feels like I’ve entered a wormhole where time has slowed to a crawl.
“That’s not even the biggest story.” Britt leans on the other side of the counter, blue eyes huge.
“There’s something bigger than that?” I’m skeptical.
“Maybe not bigger, but equally shocking. Gram said Harold called to tell her Bo has dropped out of the Mayor’s race, and he was sorry his dog was a part of Drake’s schemes.”
“He should be sorry,” I grouse.
“AndDrake Redford just signed a deal with the Ridgeland Town Council to develop a huge tract of land on the other side of the community college.”
“You’re kidding!”
“I’m not.” Britt laughs. “He’s taking his resort and going home.”
“I wish you’d told me this twenty minutes ago! I might’ve gotten it in tomorrow’s edition.”
“I can only move so fast these days.” She nods down at her baby bump.
“Although I have to admit, Drake’s proposal did highlight the need for more places to stay in Eureka…” My voice fades when I glance out the window, up Main Street in the direction of town square.
Lightness fills my chest, and even though he’s several blocks away, I know it’s him striding in this direction. Pushing off the desk, I don’t even notice the door as I open it and run outside. I vaguely hear Britt laughing, telling my son he won’t be crowded tonight.
Outside, the sunshine is brighter. The colors of the flowers are breathtakingly vivid, but my eyes are fixed on his. I’m pulled by a magnetic force. I’m running, tears are on my cheeks, and I can’t stop.
People slip past me, but I don’t notice them. I only see one person, and he’s jogging now, too. A smile breaks across his handsome face, and I hear myself laughing. I’m barely breathing.
My whole body tingles with light and joy and desire, and when I reach him, I don’t stop. I do a little jump, and I’m in his arms.
I’m surrounded by his strong embrace, and my legs wrap around his waist. My breasts flatten against his firm chest, and I hold him so tight.
We’re cheek to cheek, my lips at his ear, and from the depth of my soul, I sigh, “You’re here.”
His low voice is a delicious vibration through my body. “I have to be with my girl.”
“I have to be with you.”
He’s standing, holding me, and he lifts his lips to mine, sliding them across my mouth and pulling them with his. Around us, I hear cheers, and when I look up, I see Britt and Jemima in the window waving. Britt’s making kissy faces while the boys shake their heads.
“We have some catching up to do.” His voice is low, and my panties are melted. “Are you free now?”
“Yes.” The paper is done, my son is with my best friend, and all I want to do is spend every minute with him.
“Good. Come with me.” Sliding my legs down, I’m tucked under his arm, firmly against his side, and he leads me up the sidewalk in the direction of his house.
* * *
“When you toldme what happened, I had to go.” We’re in his bedroom, and he’s sitting on the bed with his hands on my waist, looking up at me.
“Oh…” My voice catches, and my heart starts to break.He doesn’t want me.
I take a step away, and he’s on his feet, stopping me and holding my chin with his thumb and index finger. “I couldn’t take knowing I’d been so close, and I’d let you be hurt that way. I felt like I was burning from the inside out, and I needed to calm down. I needed to get a grip on my feelings… because I love you so much.”
Warmth from his words mends my heart, and I reach up, sliding my palms along his scruffy cheeks. “How could you know? I never told you.”