Chapter 38 #2
"Sometimes it's safer to do the work from a distance."
"You're very wise."
"I am older than you by two years."
"When is your birthday? I only know you hate it. I need to know the date you hate."
"October first."
I grab my phone and enter the date in my calendar. "Why do you dislike your birthday?"
"It's not something tragic, if that's what you're thinking.
" He shoots me a wry smile. "My dad isn't big on birthdays.
He thinks they don't matter, and celebrating them is silly.
So my birthday was just another day. Again, nothing truly tragic, but as a kid, it's hard to watch your peers be celebrated.
My elementary school teachers always knew when it was my birthday, and they had these paper crowns they would make for every child when it was their special day.
I kept all of them, but they're packed away in a box now.
So there you have it. That's why I don't like my birthday. " He shrugs.
My heart lurches. I wish his birthday were tomorrow. I'd find a cake and candles and make him a crown. I opt for running my fingers over his forearm.
His playlist plays quietly in the background, and he says, "Tell me about the next place we're going."
It's his way of saying he's done talking about his parents.
We're Going To Have Fun, DAMMIT is in the bag at my feet. Spreading it open on my lap, I read from the Sierra Grande section.
"A classic western town, Sierra Grande is home to the largest cattle ranch in Arizona, the Hayden Cattle Company.
The walkable main street will transport you to the Wild West. Grab lunch at The Orchard and watch bull riders try their luck at The Chute.
" I turn the page, continuing to walk Dom through our next week of destinations.
"Sedona. Glamping. The haunted Hotel Monte Vista, in Flagstaff.
" I flip to the information printout with our reservation and schedule.
"Considered one of the most haunted hotels in Arizona, inhabited by several spirits, including a bellboy, two prostitutes, and the Meat Man. "
Dom reaches over and playfully chucks my chin. "Good thing I don't believe in ghosts."
"I do, until I'm proven otherwise. Best believe I will glue myself to your side all night while we sleep."
"I could think of far worse experiences."
After that, I let the ghost discussion die (no pun intended).
We stop once more at a rest station to use the facilities, and when I exit the ladies' room, I see Dom has Bernice's top down.
He leans against the car, one leg crossed over the other at the ankles, his arms folded in front of his chest. With his wavy hair, flopping lawlessly about his head, he resembles a literary James Dean.
A pair of older women walk out of the restroom behind me, and one of them says, "Dear me, look at that man. If I were thirty years younger..."
Her companion snorts. "You'd what?"
"Teach him a few things about life."
I press my lips together to keep from laughing, but then decide fuck it. I turn around. "My husband is hot, right? But he's also really smart, and very kind."
They blink in shock, but I smile and say, "Safe travels."
And then I practically float to where Dom waits for me. I don't know what that was about. My actions, my words, I don't know how to explain them. I only know I wanted Dom to be mine in that moment. I wanted him to belong to me. What the hell is going on in my head? In my heart?
"You ready?" Dom asks when I get closer. I don't say a word. I step into him, wrap my arms around his neck, and pull his mouth down to mine.
Mine.
Surprise suspends Dom's response, but only for a second. He eagerly snakes his arms around my waist, hauls me flush against him, and kisses me like we aren't in a dusty parking lot in the desert.
When the kiss breaks I pull back, but not too far. I can't stand the idea of not touching him, so I cup his cheek. "Sorry I attacked your mouth in public."
Dom tucks my hair behind my ear. "For the record, I like being attacked by you in public."
My fingernails lightly scratch over his stubble. "There were two women talking about how hot you are."
He crooks an eyebrow. "Feeling jealous, Chestnut?"
"Possessive."
Confusion blooms in his gaze even as he holds me fast to him. "What is it you want, Cecily?" His eyes search my face, looking for an answer.
"I'm not sure," I admit. "I've had so many different feelings toward you, and now I'm here with my family and my sick grandma. This experience is ripe for big emotions."
He nods like he understands. "You just tell me what you need from me, alright? I'll give it to you."
My head bobs in agreement. "Thank you for telling me about your parents."
A neutral smile tugs up one corner of his mouth. "You're the first person I've talked to about them, aside from my therapist. It only seemed fair, given that I have a front row seat to your family dysfunction."
I breathe out a laugh at the same time my heart does a twisty motion in my chest. "I appreciate that you trust me."
He traces my lips with a fingertip. "You are something else, Cecily."
"You too, Dom."
He drops his head for another kiss, something sweet, and small. Then he walks me around the car and opens the passenger door.
When we're back on the road, I hit play on Dom's road trip playlist, and we spend the remaining drive in companionable silence.