Chapter
Fifty-Five
Sawyer
“I’m beginning to think you just want me for my muscles!” Soren remarked with a boyish smirk as he leaned against my pantry door, crossing his arms to emphasize said muscles. I bit my lip, trying to hold back a smile as his teasing tone sent tingles through my body, like tiny butterflies racing through my veins.
“Hmmmm,” I said, tapping a finger to my lips. “I hadn’t noticed any, but perhaps they would be helpful.” My cheeks hurt from the never-ending smile on my face. Before I could blink, Soren swooped in and wrapped his arms around my waist. My hands rested against his firm chest. His hazel eyes blazed as his embrace caused his heart to race beneath my palms.
It had been three weeks since I discovered that stack of books, and every day since then, Soren had wrapped me in his arms and kissed me breathless. No matter how often he did this, it still made my heart feel like it was bubbling over with joy.
“For someone who hadn’t noticed any muscles, you sure seem to like the feel of them,” Soren remarked, looking down as my hands slowly—very slowly—began to rub over his shoulders until they reached the back of his neck. A blush lit up my face.
“I was simply searching to see if there were any,” I replied, my cheeks burning brighter.
“And what are your findings?”
I tilted my head as my hands ran across his shoulders and down his biceps. They were quite firm indeed. Desire stirred within me as I felt the smooth skin at the edge of his t-shirt. He was more tan than when I’d met him, having worked outside so much this spring and early summer.
“There do seem to be a few,” I admitted, biting my lip and grinning.
“That’s good to know.” His eyes traced my face like I wanted his lips to.
“Soren?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you going to kiss me?” I asked breathlessly.
“Always,” he whispered before kissing my temple, brushing his lips down my cheek before finding my mouth. We kissed until we were both breathless. Suddenly, the sound of a can dropping to the floor startled us, and we sprang apart, my chest heaving.
A can of green beans rolled out the door and finally came to rest against the baseboard in the kitchen. A laugh bubbled up from my lips, and he chuckled in response. He rested his forehead against mine.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I love you more.” Something had shifted inside me, and I no longer doubted his words. Would everything be seen through rose-colored glasses in the future? No, but my confidence in his love for me gave me a freedom I had never experienced before.
“Perhaps I could reward you for your hard work?” I quipped playfully. He kissed my forehead and leaned back.
“I like the sound of this. Let’s hear it.” He smirked.
“One kiss for every can you carry to the truck?”
“Now that’s a reward I’m interested in.” His smile made my insides feel warm.
“Shall we shake on it?” I said, stepping out of his arms. I raised my hand to shake his.
“I’d rather kiss on it.” He gently grasped my wrist, lifted my open palm to his lips, and kissed it. The stubble on his face felt like sandpaper against my soft skin—gritty and invigorating. My breath hitched at the sensation.
“Sawyer,” Soren said more somberly than during our earlier joking.
“Yes?” My eyes bounced between his.
“You know that none of this is necessary, right?” He gestured to the full shelves surrounding us.
“I will always make sure you’re taken care of. Always.” The intensity in his voice was fierce.
The truth in his eyes calmed my anxiety, and a small smile tugged at my lips because I believed him.
“All these boxes are going to The Hope Center, except for two on the counter. Susie has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone in areas where I feel the safest.”
“Why does this area feel the safest?” He tipped his head, studying my face.
“You. You make me feel safe and seen. I see the evidence of love for me every day. I can feel your love. Being loved by you feels like home.” And deep in my bones, I meant every word.