Epilogue #2
“Remember when we talked a while back, you said that you could work from anywhere?” Trucker asked above the din of traffic.
“Mm.”
“Did you mean it?”
“Trucker, what do you really want to ask me?”
He stopped walking under a tree and took my hands in his. I was so in love with the way my smaller hands disappeared in his bigger ones. I loved being enveloped in his arms, feeling his body almost consuming mine.
Still, I lifted my eyes to his.
“Do you want to move in with me?” Trucker asked. “I know it might be a little early. But you don’t understand how I feel when I have to leave you.”
“Is this your way of telling me that you’re in love with me so you miss me when I leave?”
“Love you?” He choked.
“Like it’s a secret!” I flipped some brown hair over a shoulder. “Mayson it’s the little things you do for me. The way you talk to me, look at me, touch me—do I need to go on?”
He hung his head a tell-tale sign he was blushing.
“Okay, fine. Let’s pretend I didn’t say that. You can confess later. Yes.”
Trucker arched a brow. “Yes? To what?”
“To moving in with you.” I replied. “Did you think I’d say no?”
“I—um—wasn’t sure.” Trucker hugged me tightly. “We’ll make plans. Right now, enjoy your vacation.”
“Thanks.” I framed his cheeks.
“For what, Sprite?”
“For sharing your family with me. For knowing I came with baggage but was willing to work with me. For not abandoning me when you found out what happened—”
Trucker kissed me deeply. He sucked my words into his mouth as tears rolled from my eyes.
He was a phantom in a dream of sunshine.
For some reason, this beautiful man saw me and even with my demons chasing me—even though I was the less expensive gem, he treated me like a diamond.
Though we were still trying our best to build a life together, Mayson Calhoune had taken my hands and through the storms of getting to know myself again, getting to love myself again, he wouldn’t let go.
Of course, I’d move in with him.
Flushing, I snaked my hand into his and when he looked down at where we were connected, I lifted my chin proudly and continued on our walk.
The air swirled around us, cool as the sun was now hiding behind some clouds—it had threatened to rain all day but hadn’t.
“Mayson?”
“Mm?”
“I know you may not be ready—just know that I love you.” I cleared my throat. “I can wait until you feel ready to say it back. I won’t pressure you.”
“Is that so?”
I nodded. “For men, I understand it’ll happen when you’re ready. You don’t have to tell me with words right now. I know how you feel.”
He made a thoughtful sound in his throat.
Feeling lighter, I was happier as he stopped to treat us to ice-cream before we walked back toward home. He held my hand tighter, drew closer to my side as we silently ate our cold treat,
It was dusk by the time we arrived back at the house. Lena hurried by us, yelling a greeting and a goodbye as she was already late for her date with Bishop.
I chuckled.
“Be safe!” I hollered.
“I will!” She replied, climbing into Kaos’ truck because it was blocking her car.
I watched as she maneuvered the massive vehicle backwards out of the driveway and disappeared out of the laneway. Once she was out of sight, I listened to the engine die in the distance.
“Are you coming?” Trucker asked.
“Yup.” I hurried in with him and poked my head in to find the others playing a game of Dominoes.
“We’re heading out.” Trucker called.
It took another hour to get out of the house after hugs and numerous attempts at leaving.
Trucker took me back to his place and led me into the bedroom. Confused at the serious contemplation on his face, I allowed him to sit me on the edge of his bed before producing a long, red velvet box.
“I know your birthday is going to be crazy.” Trucker told me. “With the cadets and these guys—I wanted to give you a part of your present now. Open it.”
Holding my breath, I lifted the lid on the box and gasped.
“Oh, Trucker!” I stared at the white gold bracelet with the pearl embellishments.
“If you don’t like it, we can—”
“Baby.” I leaned in to kiss him. “I love it. Of course, I love it! It’s a gift from you. Can you put it on me?”
Trucker smiled and lifted the delicate piece of jewelry onto my wrist. Once he had it latched, I fell against his chest, tangling my arms around his waist.
“Thanks for the gift, Mayson. I will cherish it.”
Some time passed and Trucker left me to check my emails. When he returned, it was with a glass of wine. He traded a kiss for the wine and grinned handsomely at me.
“I’ll run you a bath.” Trucker told me.
“And will you join me?”
“Sure.” He kissed my head. “Bring your wine.”
Excitedly, I picked up my wine and followed.
I stripped naked while he prepared my bath. When he stood and turned, he laughed.
“Lady—”
“What? I thought you love it when I’m naked.”
Trucker chuckled. “And I love you.”
Blinking, I put my wine on the vanity. I had to have had too much to drink.
“I love you, Taji Sloane—”
“That’s Sprite to you.” I giggled.
“I love you, Sprite.”
Stepping closer, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“That’s the nicest thing—I love you too. Come on we can make out in the tub.”
Though he chuckled, we didn’t speak again until I was cuddled against him in the warm, soapy water. He kissed the side of my head, and I tilted my mouth up to him.
Taking one of his hands, I pushed it down between my thighs, as he kissed me deeper than he’s ever had.
The End