Page 83 of Wilds of the Heart

I took a step back and fastened my gaze on Lucas. “We need to talk.”

Chapter Twenty

Lucas

Emily’s dark hair was nested in a pile on top of her head. Excitement mixed with something I couldn’t quite gauge darted through her expression.

She linked her hands with mine, and we walked inside.

“My parents can’t stop talking about you,” I told her, and her smile only widened.

“I think their son is pretty spectacular too.”

“Ah, shucks.” I chuckled, not letting go of her hands as I drew her into me. I tipped my head down and caught her gaze. “Now, tell me what’s on your mind. It’s not Clara, is it? I had no idea my parents invited them, and my mom was so mortified when she realized you and I are together.”

She smiled and chuckled. “Oh, please. She’s old news.”

I laughed, pulling her in tighter. I just loved how her body fit into mine. She lifted her head and traced my chest with her fingers.

“Remember that poetry contest?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I remember it. You didn’t want to tell anyone about it.”

She licked her bottom lip and drew a deep breath, but I kept hold of her.

“I guess you could say…” She stopped herself and let out her breath. “I guess you could say that I won.”

My brows rose. “You won? As in, they offered you the residency?”

It felt like all the dreams of our first summer together were crumbling into a million pieces.

She nodded. “Yeah. Three months.”

Excitement shook through me when I saw the hopefulness in her gaze. This was what she wanted. I wasn’t going to stand in the way.

I couldn’t.

“I am so freaking proud of you, Emily Evans.” I hugged her tighter and felt her press her cheek against my chest. “So proud of you.”

I took a step back and took her in. She looked incredible in her tight jeans and fitted red top, but there was a current of something else that made her even sexier.

A newfound confidence?

I wrapped my arms around her again and tamped down the disappointment and worry that wanted to destroy this moment.

This was amazing news.

And I wasn’t about to let my personal desires take away her dreams.

Because sometimes, dreams changed.

But for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t scrambling to figure out my next move.

My only move was to stay put for Emily.

“Do you think I should take it?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t let you say no,” I said softly. “Although, I’m not sure you’d listen to me, anyway.”