Chapter 21 #2
More silence settles between us before I break it once again. “So, Grandma Nora mentioned something to me in December that I’ve been wondering about ever since,” I start, turning to Ronin. We both rest our heads against the back of the cab.
“Yeah? What’s that?” he asks quietly.
“She mentioned that you were looking to buy the diner,” I say, studying his face lit up by the bright movie screen.
Ronin smiles. “Grandma has always been terrible at keeping secrets,” he chuckles. “It’s not really a secret, anyway. Yeah, I’ve been asking Will about selling the diner to me for a while now.”
“What makes you think he even wants to sell it?” My hands play with the fringe on the blanket covering our laps.
Ronin looks back toward the movie. “He hasn’t said he wants to sell, but he’s made some comments over the last couple of years that lead me to believe he is open to it.
Little things, like wanting more time to visit with his parents who moved to Arizona last year, or wishing for more time to go fishing, or more time for his nieces and nephews.
” He turns back to me. “Will opened the diner when he was young, only in his early twenties. He’s now pushing fifty and I think he needs that extra nudge to retire early, go enjoy life after working so hard. ”
I ponder Ronin’s words. “What about a partnership? Is that something that interests you?”
He nods. “I think so. Even if it’s just until he decides to retire, then sell to me.”
“Doesn’t seem like it would be much different than how things are now.”
“Yeah, except I’d be half owner. Something to think about, at least,” he muses.
I nod my head. “Look at us,” I smile. “All old and wise with grown up jobs and everything. When did that happen?” I reach out my hand without thinking and intertwine our fingers.
Ronin glances down at our clasped hands. “Who would have thought, huh?” His fingers tighten around my own and he doesn’t let go. “You know, Mel, we aren’t the same people we were back then. Not even the same people we were four years ago.” He looks up to meet my gaze.
“No, I suppose we aren’t,” I reply softly.
“These last few months, they’ve meant a lot to me. I feel like I’m getting to know you for the first time all over again.” Ronin gives my hand a light squeeze.
Without meaning to, our bodies have moved closer, and his face is so close to mine, I could lean forward and kiss him if I was brave enough.
I am not brave enough, not tonight.
“I know what you mean,” I reply instead, giving him a shy smile. “It’s meant a lot to me, too.”
And it has. Even amid this new charged tension that’s been steadily building between us, it’s been wonderful having Ronin back in my daily life. A slice of normalcy I had dearly missed.
I scoot closer to him, closing the distance between our bodies, our arms pressing against each other and our hands still clasped together.
His warmth seeps into me as I lean my head against his shoulder.
He lets out a slow breath that gently caresses my skin before his cheek settles against my hair, tilting his head against mine.
Who would have thought, indeed.
The movie ends, and Ronin drives me back home. When we pull into my parent’s driveway, he turns his truck off.
I twist in my seat to face him. “Well, thanks for tonight. Way better than hiding in my room.”
Ronin leans back against the headrest, then turns to me.
“You’re welcome, Mel,” he replies, his deep voice low.
The moonlight shines into his truck, but it’s still dark and his face is unreadable.
His dark hair has grown out more, and the ends rest against his shoulders.
I picture my hands running through the locks, and my skin itches to feel them, to run my fingertips through the soft hair.
The butterflies in my stomach make an appearance, fluttering with nerves.
“Have you started looking for your own place yet?” Ronin asks me, breaking the silence.
“I’ve peeked at some prices, yeah,” I answer, nodding. “I’ve been saving since I moved back, so I hope to find something by the summer. I do love being around my parents again, but I’m also used to living alone now. So it’s been an adjustment for all three of us.”
Ronin just nods his head.
“When did you buy your house?” I ask. “I’ve only seen the outside, but it looks nice.”
Ronin blows out a breath, thinking back. “It’s been three years now,” he replies. He reaches a hand out toward me and my pulse picks up.
His thoughts seem to mirror my own from a moment ago because he tucks away a stray lock of my hair, letting his fingers trail on the shell of my ear as he withdraws his hand.
“You’ll have to come over sometime, Mel. I’ll show you that I do indeed know how to cook and can even feed myself.” He smirks, letting his hand drop back to his lap.
I’m a little breathless, so I let out a small laugh. “I’m not sure I trust these so-called cooking skills of yours, so I guess I’ll have to take you up on that to find out.” I pause, and then feel awkward at the silence that follows. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you later.”
When I reach for the door handle, Ronin quickly jumps out of the cab and comes around to the passenger side. He opens my door and holds out his hand to help me step down. I stand aside, my back pressed against the truck as he shuts it, bringing him right in front of me.
Letting him take my hand once more, he brings it up to his mouth. My breath catches as he places his full lips on top, kissing it gently. His eyes never leave mine.
“We should do this again, Mel. I like spending time with you.”
I can’t speak. He’s so close, his lips are on my skin, and I can’t form words. I just nod, and he gives me a sexy smile—the small, slow one that heats my core.
When he finally lets me go, I find myself reluctant to turn for the house.
My hands fumble with the keys as I step up to the porch.
I can feel his weighty gaze on me from behind as I unlock the door, and find him leaned against his truck, watching me earnestly.
He gives me a small wave as I disappear into the house.
My heart is racing. As I press myself against the back of the door, I place a hand on my chest.
Is this what it feels like to be romanced by Ronin Kane?