Chapter 15
COOKE
I drive the cold roads slowly. I have the excuse that I want to be safe, unwilling to risk a slick patch that might cause an accident that could injure Gretchen. And I won't deny the protectiveness I feel for her. But there's more to it than that.
It's that when we get to her house, this night will be over, and I don't know where we'll go from there.
“Cooke?” Gretchen's voice is hesitant, and when I chance a look at her, her eyes are fixed on me.
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“You know what one of my favorite things is?” I shake my head and wait, keeping my eyes fixed on the street, while dying to learn more about what she loves.
Because if I can give it to her, I will.
She takes my silent encouragement. “Christmas lights. I love driving around and looking at the lights.”
“Really?” It's simple, but then again, not really surprising. She's the kind of woman who finds joy in these moments. Then shares that joy with everyone around her. “Point me in the right direction.”
The smile she shows me is dazzling, and she gives me quiet instructions, until we're at the neighborhood she assures me has the best display.
We take it slow, navigating behind the other vehicles that have come for the same show.
I see the lights, acknowledge the time and effort it's taken to create something like this for everyone to appreciate.
But really, it's the play of lights across her face that I'll remember.
The way she pointed things out to me, her fingers holding onto my arm, her gasp of amazement when she saw something unexpected.
I want to make her gasp like that. I want her to look at me the same way. Like I'm something unexpected that delights her.
That's when I know there's no going back for me.
I've fallen for this woman. Hard.
And I'll do anything to prove it to her.