Chapter 5 #2
“Bram,” she whispered, her eyes finally resting on mine. “It is perfect. The original woodwork restored—and this fireplace…” She skimmed her fingertips over the refinished mantle as her voice trailed off.
Then she floated across the room to the forest green velvet cushion of the built-in picture window seat. Her graze against the fabric was slow and reverent. It made me smile and tingle with awareness of her. I would give the world to have that touch turned on me.
As if hearing my inner thoughts, Julianna quickly walked over and threw her arms around me.
It had been a long time since I had been pleasantly surprised by anything, but the feel of her pressed against me…
This was what should have happened that night on the road.
This was what should have occurred when I went to see her in the hospital on that sad, snowy day of Grams’ funeral.
This is how it should have been.
I wrapped her in my arms tightly, unable to resist what was given to me, even if I couldn’t keep it. She put her cheek against my shoulder, and I had to fight to keep the smile off my face as I slowly rubbed her back.
Incessant barking came from the utility room where Lakey waited in her kennel.
Julianna untangled herself, and I let her pull away.
Cockblock dog.
She pulled a few loose strands of hair behind her ears and averted her eyes as a blush spread along her cheekbones.
“Come on, let me introduce you to my girl,” I said, shoving my hands in my pockets to keep from touching her again.
I led the way through the dining room and the kitchen and walked into the back utility room. Lakey’s whines ceased when she sensed my presence, but when I flipped on the light and she saw Julianna, she went into guard dog mode and her barking became shrill.
“Lakey, come on now,” I scolded.
But Julianna was unaffected. She walked around me confidently.
“Hi, darling,” she cooed, softly and sweetly. She knelt before the kennel door and stuck her hand through the grate so Lakey could smell her. Julianna petted her with her fingertips. Lakey took to her immediately, nuzzling against Julianna’s hand.
“She likes me!” Julianna exclaimed, then she looked up at me and smiled.
The most vile, dirty thought possible ran through my mind of Julianna on her knees in front of me, her eyes fixed on mine with sparks of unmatched excitement.
I knelt beside her to quell my quickly rising situation. I unlatched the door to the kennel, and Lakey bounded out with the force of a thousand elephants. She ran directly at Julianna, knocking her back with untethered excitement.
“Whoa!” I grabbed for Lakey’s collar, but Julianna was giggling as Lakey licked her face. I let go and watched the scene unfold.
Julianna’s dark-painted fingernails dug into Lakey’s spotted fur as she gave the deep scratches Lakey loved so much.
I was unable to keep the smile off my face.
It was as if they were long-lost friends reunited after an eternity apart—happy, joyous, and enamored.
What I wouldn’t give to have that sort of affection between us.
Was I jealous of my dog?
“You didn’t tell me how sweet she was!” A hug around Lakey’s neck punctuated Julianna’s words. “How in the world did someone like you come across a dog like this?” She asked it teasingly, but something within me couldn’t help but feel a little sting of truth. Even Lakey was too good for me .
I shrugged.
She didn’t seem to notice my demeanor shift as she gave Lakey one last scratch on the neck before she got to her feet and wiped dog hair off her lap.
“Let’s go,” I said, gesturing with a tilt of my head, “I’ll show you upstairs.”
I first led her through the rest of the downstairs area, which consisted of a half bath, another bedroom, and a small room I had turned into an office. Lakey walked behind us, her tongue wagging, happy to fall into step.
I led Julianna up the stairs in the entryway. “This”—I gestured to the first room on the right at the top of the stairs—“is my bedroom.”
She peeked in. I hadn’t made the bed. Clothes, random shoes, and more dog toys were strewn about. I would have been embarrassed, but there was something about letting Julianna see my life like this that felt right.
“I’m so happy you didn’t paint everything man colors,” she said and stepped through the threshold into the bedroom. “I love all the soft white against the farmhouse fixtures. And these floors?”
“Original,” I replied, toeing a little at the dark-stained, wide-wood planks under our feet. “One of my favorite things, I think. They’re still rough, but it reminds me of the house’s history. They were a labor of love, for sure.”
She looked at me over her shoulder. “They’re my favorite, too.” One hand rested on her waist as she turned to face me. “I can’t believe you own this place and all you’ve done. It’s amazing.”
She was considered in every refinished floorboard and paint swipe. She just didn’t know it. I leaned against the doorframe as she talked.
“I dreamed about this house sometimes. Some of my best memories of Grams, Whit, and me are here. ”
“I hope this place isn’t as hard for you as where we were.” I held my breath, waiting for her reply. I didn’t want her to leave, but I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable either.
She smiled. “It’s not. That house feels like an alien planet, but this place feels like a warm fire on a cold winter night. Like…”
Please say it feels like home.
Instead of finishing her thought, the words died on her lips.
I wanted to take her face in my hands and press my lips to hers. Instead, I did nothing and kept my longing locked inside myself.
“I’m exhausted,” she said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “I know it’s still early, but I would love to lie down. Do you prefer which bedroom I stay in?”
Yes, actually, I do. You should be staying in my room with me.
I cleared my throat. “That one is ready for guests, and it’s by the bathroom,” I said, pointing to the other end of the hallway.
“Then that is the one I pick.” I moved out of her way, and she walked down the small hall and opened the door of the bedroom, looking in briefly. “It’s perfect.”
“I’ll bring up your overnight bag. Is that all you need?”
She nodded. I ran to do her bidding. Lakey followed me down the stairs, then back up, excited about whatever was happening. Julianna took the bag from my hands at the threshold of her room.
“I put your snack box in the kitchen. I’m pretty low on food. There’s some bottled water down there in the fridge. Would you like me to get one for you? I mean, the spring water from the tap is pretty good, and there’s a filter, of course, but, you know.”
My cheeks heated. I was never flustered, but the impromptu situation had me out of my element. She shook her head, trying to hide her snicker behind her hand. “No, I’m okay. But if I need one later…? ”
“Be my guest. You’re welcome to anything I have,” I said, gesturing to the stairs.
She held the doorknob. “Thank you for taking me in. Although it was absolutely under duress.” Her tired eyes crinkled with a smile. I wondered if she was thinking about when she said those words to me about Whit the night of the wreck.
“I hope it’s the best kidnapping you’ve ever had,” I replied cheekily.
She dipped her head and giggled, and my heart soared.
Even though I knew it was dangerous, I couldn’t help but think, “How does she feel about me, really?”
But Whit’s words echoed in my head as I headed back downstairs.
“Don’t even think about it, Bram.”