Chapter 4 Heath #2
“Well, um… thanks,” she says before slipping her hand from beneath mine. I don’t like not touching her, but I can give her space if that’s what she needs. For now. “Anyway, have you tried any recipes from your new cookbook?”
I give her this out. She’s already shared more than I thought she would. “Actually, I’ve been eating out the last couple of nights,” I admit. “I just moved into my new place and haven’t had time to go grocery shopping.”
“Totally understandable,” Lily says, the spark returning to her eyes now that we’re not focused on her. “Where is the new house? I meant to ask the last time you were here.”
“It’s on the edge of town, at the end of North Alpine Drive.”
“Oh my gosh, the house with cute teal double doors and a breathtaking view of the valley?”
I grin, knowing I’m going to keep the hideous teal doors if she likes them. I’ll get new siding in the same color and figure out how to get a teal roof as well. I’m such a goner for her, and I’m almost done fighting it.
“That’s the one,” I confirm.
“I’m so jealous!” Lily exclaims. “That wraparound porch is the stuff of dreams, especially with the babbling brook cutting through the property. It’s kind of silly, but whenever I’m reading a book that describes a dream home, that’s the one I picture.”
Jesus, it’s like she’s reaching into my mind and drawing out all of my deepest desires. I want her there with me. I somehow bought her dream house, and if that’s not a major fucking sign from the universe, I don’t know what is.
“That’s high praise coming from you,” I tell her with a sappy smile.
“I don’t know about that. I mean, I’m just trying my best to keep up on repairs and upgrades at the store. I don’t have a lot of time or energy to work on my apartment, but that’s okay. I spend most of my time down here anyway.”
“Lily, what you’ve accomplished with Between the Pages is incredible.
” Her eyes snap to mine, with a mix of disbelief and longing buried just beneath the surface.
It’s like she’s soaking up my praise, and once again, I get that painful pit in my chest when I think about her being all alone.
“Seriously. Look at what you’ve done.” I sweep my hand out, gesturing to the store.
“I can’t imagine taking over a business, let alone rejuvenating the place and making it flourish.
I can tell you poured your heart and soul into making this work.
You have to give yourself more credit. You’re strong, smart, and badass, even on the days you don’t feel like it. ”
Tears well up in her gorgeous eyes, but she blinks them away before I’m sure I even saw them at all. The ache in my heart grows, as well as the need to be the one to remind her how amazing she is every single day.
“Thank you, Heath. That means a lot to me.” Her voice is soft but sincere.
I want to stay here next to her for the rest of the day, but I don’t really have a reason to be here in the first place. Still, I can’t leave her just yet. “Do you have any book recommendations for me?” I ask.
“Always.” Lily’s sadness is replaced with joy in an instant. She’s so damn resilient, but she doesn’t have to be in front of me. One day, she’ll understand that. “What do you normally read?”
“I’m into thrillers or a good mystery novel, but I think I want to try something new.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“What are you reading right now? I’m sure you have at least three books you’re jumping between.”
She grins at me. “You remembered.”
“Of course. I still don’t know how you’re able to hold all that information in your head at the same time. I’d get the names and plots mixed up after two chapters.”
Lily makes her way down one of the aisles, and I follow close behind. “That’s why you have to pick books from different genres. A non-fiction book, a fantasy book, and a…” She cuts herself off, but I’m far too curious to let it go.
“And…?”
Lily looks at me over her shoulder, her cheeks heated and eyes sparkling. Jesus, I have no idea what her thoughts are, but that look is giving me all kinds of wicked ideas.
“And a romance book,” she finishes. “Don’t worry, I won’t subject you to the romance section. The thrillers are right here.”
“I said I wanted to try something new, didn’t I?” I step up next to Lily, our shoulders brushing. She inhales and holds her breath, but doesn’t move away. In fact, she leans in closer, as if she craves my touch. God knows I crave hers.
Lily peers up at me, raising an eyebrow as she assesses my face. “You want to read a romance book?”
I nod.
“Sweet or steamy?”
It’s my turn to raise my eyebrows. “Steamy, of course,” I say with a wink. Her pink blush turns crimson, and fucking hell, I can’t wait to dive into whatever she recommends.
As much as I’d like to stay with Lily all day, I know we made a lot of progress, and I don’t want to crowd her space. She opened up to me, just a little. Just enough.
After ringing me up, we exchanged phone numbers, and now I’m back home.
I spent all afternoon unpacking with renewed energy since talking with Lily.
She loves this house, and I want it to be perfect the first time she comes over.
Yeah, I’m already planning for when she moves in. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
I rinse off and settle down on the couch with the new book I bought. There’s a shirtless man on the cover with tattoos and a long beard. Not to brag, but I swear he looks kind of like me. I’m probably overthinking it, though.
An hour into the book, I’m surprised by a filthy scene between the two love interests.
Lily said this was steamy, but good fucking god…
Has she read this book? Did she picture me the same way I’m picturing her?
I never thought I’d be into blindfolds and bondage, but these two may have just changed my mind.
Am I about to jerk off right here in my living room while thinking about tying my best friend’s little sister up in silk restraints? Hell, yes.
Right as I reach for my zipper, my phone buzzes.
“Fuck, not now,” I groan.
I peer over at the screen, my eyes widening when I see that the object of my desire is calling. A deviant smile curls the corners of my lips. Maybe I should ask her what she thinks about blindfolds.
“Lily?” I answer after another buzz.
“Heath.” Her voice is scratchy, as if she’s been crying or screaming. “I… I…” Lily bursts into tears, and I’m out of my chair in an instant.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you hurt? Fuck, I knew I shouldn’t have left you earlier.”
“I’m okay,” she says in the least convincing voice.
“Bullshit. Are you at the store? I’m on my way over.”
Before she can confirm, I’m out the door and speeding my way toward Between the Covers. No way in hell I’m leaving her alone. Not now, not ever again.