Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Valerie
My excitement overflowed when I saw where we were. Leavenworth was a quaint Bavarian-themed town set in the mountains. When Lucas texted me this morning to pack a bag, I never thought in a million years it would be for here.
My slight frustration over him being impatient and not telling me where we were going melted away. I wanted to spend time with him to see if we could pick up where we left off years ago. It looked like tonight we might have the chance.
Heat filled me as we walked hand in hand down the sidewalk. Lucas always held my hand or had a hand at my back to guide me. That hadn’t changed from when we were together before, and now, as it did then, I felt special and protected.
We were in luck with the weather. The sun shone brightly, but because of the elevation, there was a bit of a nip in the air. I hadn’t brought anything warm, only a light jacket, because Lucas hadn’t told me where we were going.
At the corner, Lucas stopped. “Most of the stores are to the left, but there are a few to our right. Which way?”
I looked right and saw a shop that made me think of Christmas. “Right. I want to look in the Christmas shop.”
“Good choice.” Lucas opened the door to the shop for me, and we were greeted by two workers in jeans and bright colored shirts.
Happiness filled me. Christmas everywhere.
I adored Christmas. I decorated every year.
There was something magical about the season.
I tugged my hand from Lucas’ and began walking around the shop, which housed everything from ornaments, villages, and figurines, to home décor. I was in seventh heaven.
Grinning, I reined in my impulse to buy everything and started making mental notes of items that made sense. This store was close enough to the hotel that I could grab them before we left tomorrow.
I reveled in the holiday atmosphere as I made my way to the front of the shop to look at the Christmas tree they’d put up and stopped dead. Oh my goodness. Above the decorated tree was a beautiful hanging leaded glass panel of two wolves in the forest. I stared at it.
That would look great on the wall in my living room; it wouldn’t overwhelm the small space. I’d always loved wolves, and this piece called to me. I looked at the price. Not bad, but should I really be spending that much? I’d think about it. It was so beautiful, and I didn’t want to pass it up.
“Not buying anything?” Lucas asked, coming up to me and looking up. “You’ve always loved wolves.”
“I do. I still have that small wooden carving you gave me.” It had been a total surprise when Lucas had presented me with the wolf carving two months into our relationship. I hadn’t even known he noticed my love of the animal.
“You do?”
“Don’t be surprised. It was a thoughtful gift. As for not buying anything, I can come back before we head back to the hotel. That way I don’t have to carry anything around.”
Lucas shook his head. “I’ll be carrying anything you buy today.” He guided me away from the tree. “Let’s continue.”
We spent the next two hours walking up and down the street, in and out of shops. I’d picked up a few items, and true to his words, Lucas wouldn’t let me carry my purchases. I was so used to doing things on my own, I felt a flash of guilt that was quickly followed by blooming warmth at his gesture.
Suddenly my stomach grumbled.
“I heard that,” Lucas commented. “It’s time for lunch. Breakfast was a while ago.”
“Only if you’re ready to eat.”
Lucas stared at me, and my gut clenched. His eyes blazed with hunger and not for food.
“You’re hungry, and that’s all that matters. What would you like to eat?”
I swallowed. Why did that make me feel out of sorts? “I’d like to try German food.”
“I know a place, but we’ll have to double back a bit. Are you okay with that?”
“Let’s go.” I didn’t mind walking. We made our way back and passed the Christmas shop, where I couldn’t resist glancing through the window at those stained-glass wolves.
Lucas slowed down and looked over at me, then led me past the shop and stopped to pull open a large wooden door to a restaurant whose name I hadn’t seen.
The second I walked in, the smell of sausages filled the air.
A couple waited in front of us, and it gave me time to look around.
The building was decorated like a Bavarian village, and had a homey feel too it.
Most of the tables were filled, but when the hostess came back, she was able to seat us right away.
The wooden chairs and tables had unique designs to them.
Opening the menu, I began to read. Not an overwhelming number of choices but still a nice selection. Our waiter walked up and set water on the table. “Welcome. I’m Greg, your waiter. Can I get you something other than water to drink?”
“I’ll have an IPA,” Lucas said.
“I’m going to try the non-alcoholic pineapple mule, please.”
“Very good. I’ll be back with those.”
There were a few things on the menu I wanted to try, but I wouldn’t be able to eat all of them.
“Hard time deciding?” Lucas asked.
“A bit.”
“What are your top two?”
“Schnitzel and a Brat.” Both looked delicious to me.
“Both are good choices.” Lucas kept his gaze on the menu in front of him. “Why don’t we do the platter for two since it has both of those and sides with it.”
It took me a minute to find it on the menu so I could see what the sides were. German potatoes, sauerkraut, and bread. “Will that work for you?” I didn’t want Lucas to forgo something he wanted just to make me happy.
“Yes, along with a pretzel appetizer.”
Always with the appetizers, but I wouldn’t argue with him. “Sounds great. Although you might need to roll me out of here.”
Lucas laughed, and the sound vibrated through my body. The waiter returned with our drinks. “Have you decided on what you’d like to eat?”
“Yes, we want the platter for two and the pretzel appetizer,” Lucas told him.
“Great choices. I’ll bring the appetizer right out.” He picked up our menus and walked away.
Lucas reached across the table and put his hand on top of mine. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes. The shops are great, and I’m loving the ambiance.”
“You haven’t bought a lot.”
“Only what I need.” I had a hard time spending money on myself. I’d always been that way, which was why I was able to save up when I was younger. I thought back to the stained-glass wolves. I had the perfect place for them, but even though the price wasn’t bad, it still held me back.
“I think you already found something you really want.”
“Why would you think that?” Was I that transparent?
“Your eyes lit up just now.”
“You’re way too observant.” Lucas could read me so easily, but then he’d been able to do that back then too.
“Only with you.” He squeezed my hand. “I didn’t ask you if you wanted to spend the night with me.”
I turned my hand over and squeezed. “If I didn’t want to, I would have let you know the minute you told me to pack a bag.” That was the truth. “I want to be with you, Lucas.” Vulnerability hit me in the gut, but I pushed it away.
“I believe in consent, and I haven’t exactly been asking.” His voice was soft.
“You have at times, and Lucas? I’m a big girl. If I don’t want to do something, I will tell you.”
“But I didn’t really give you a choice?”
I stared at him. This was really bothering him. “Don’t you remember what happened at work that day you snuck up behind me while I was talking to one of our co-workers?” I bit my lip so I wouldn’t smile. Lucas learned how I could defend myself.
“I ended up on my back on the floor.” Lucas shook his head. “I was surprised.”
“So was our co-worker.” I remembered the look of horror on the man’s face.
“You shocked him, a little thing like you dropping me to the ground.”
“I’m not little.” I wasn’t.
“No, you’re perfect.” His fingers tightened around mine.
I bit my lip. “I’m anything but perfect.”
“I don’t like you talking that way.”
“Lucas,” I started to protest.
Lucas leaned across the table and put his free hand on my lips. “To me, you’re perfect, and I won’t hear you put yourself down or argue with me.”
“Bossy man,” I mumbled against his hand.
“Yes, I am.” He pulled back as the waiter arrived with their appetizer.
Over an hour later, I sat back and patted my tummy. “I can’t eat another bite.” Everything had been delicious; I was glad Lucas had suggested the platter for two.
“They have your favorite German Chocolate cake.”
“I can’t believe you remembered that.” It was touching that he remembered I was a sucker for German Chocolate cake.
“You would only make it for special occasions because you said you’d eat the entire cake yourself.”
My heart fluttered at his words. “Maybe I could eat a bite or two if you decided to order a piece.” My mouth already watered.
Lucas waved the waiter over and ordered. The cake was so moist and just the right amount of coconut. I wished I could eat more of it, but after two bites, my stomach was about to burst.
“I can’t.” I set my fork down.
“My win.” Lucas devoured the rest of the cake.
“I don’t know where you put it.”
“I’m a growing boy.”
“Better make sure to grow in the right direction.” My laughter filled the air.
Lucas stared at me. “I’ll make sure.” He leaned over to me. “Besides we both need our strength.”
Heat rushed through my body. He’d been a great lover before, and I had a feeling he’d improved over the years.
“I love it when you blush.” He leaned back.
More heat filled my cheeks. I could never refrain from blushing.
The waiter came over with the bill. “Whenever you’re ready.”
I reached for it, and Lucas grabbed my hand. “I’ll get it.”
“Let me.” I fought to pull the black folio from his hand. “You’re paying for the hotel.”
“Valerie.” His voice dropped, and a shiver slid over my skin. His husky command was evident even when he just said my name.
“It’s only fair.”
He shook his head. “Spend your money on something for yourself.” With a tug, my hand fell away.
I wrinkled my nose at him as he put his credit card inside the folio and handed it to the waiter.
“Why wouldn’t you let me pay the bill?” I asked after the waiter walked away.
“Because I invited you on this trip, and I will take care of everything. Don’t argue with me, Valerie. You won’t win.”
Maybe not, but I wasn’t done trying. I shook my head. “This isn’t over.”
Lucas raised his eyebrows but didn’t comment.
Once the bill was paid, we continued our walk around town.
I loved all the unique shops. At one of the last places, I found a cute hoodie that said Leavenworth.
This would work if I got chilled once the sun went down, especially since I left my jacket at the hotel.
“Let’s go sit in the park for a bit,” Lucas said.
“Okay.” I didn’t mind the stop. It had been a couple of hours since lunch and sitting for a few minutes would be nice. The wood was slightly warm from the sun. “I bet this place is wonderful in the winter.”
“It can be a little tricky to get here with the snow, but yes, it’s like a winter wonderland. I’ll have to bring you back.”
“You don’t need to spoil me, Lucas.” I didn’t want him to spend more money on me.
“Why not? Besides, I want to.”
I didn’t know what to say. Lucas turned to me and took my hands in his.
“I going to repeat myself. I screwed up with you five years ago. I want to make it up to you and show you I am trustworthy.”
My heart softened. “While you broke my trust, I never really thought you weren’t an honorable man.”
“That makes me happy. I’d like it if we could explore a relationship.”
“I’d like that too. As if I haven’t been obvious, especially after yesterday.” Was it just yesterday we toured Rustic and Lucas had my imagination in overdrive? To be fair, I returned the ‘favor’. It was more than a few minutes before he could walk comfortably.
“You enjoyed that, did you?”
“Wasn’t it clear?”
“In some ways, yes. My dick was so hard.” He slipped his arms around me and pulled me close.
“I thought you’d make a move last night.” I’d been surprised and disappointed at the same time, and sleep didn’t come easily.
“I had planned on it, but we’d been at the pub later than I thought, and I came up with the idea of coming here for the weekend.”
“You always were a thoughtful man.” I kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Most of the time.”
We sat there for a while and watched the sun set behind the mountain, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Lucas stirred and looked down at me. “Walk around a bit more and then dinner?”
“Works for me. Do you have a place in mind?”
“Yes. It’s on the way back to our hotel.”
“Sounds good.”
“Great.” He took my hand and stood.
We spent another two hours in and out of shops before making our way to the restaurant.
“You should have told me you were bringing me here for dinner; I could have done something different for lunch.” It was another German restaurant. Not that I minded, but I didn’t want Lucas to have to keep eating the same food if he didn’t want to.
“I wanted you to enjoy different German food especially since you don’t get to every day.”
Once we were seated, I glanced at the menu. “I’m not sure how hungry I am.” Lunch had been filling, and even with all the walking we’d done, I still felt full.
“Why don’t we do a couple of appetizers instead of a full dinner?”
“Perfect. You choose.” That way, he’d pick something he liked. I hoped. I set my menu down to see Lucas grinning at me. “What is that grin for?”
“You trust my judgment in picking food for you.” The server approached. Lucas ordered a bottle of Riesling, brat and sausage bites, mozzarella sticks, and a family Caesar salad.
“I’ll put the order in and be right back with your wine.” The server then walked away.
“That’s a nice variety. I’m especially glad for the salad.”
“We have to have a vegetable sometime this weekend.”
A giggle escaped, and I shook my head. “Crazy man.” This was the man I wanted in my life. And I was going to embrace him full force.