25. Chapter 25
Nick
The ride to Mom’s house is anything but quiet as Lydia chatters away about anything and everything—how she started her day with three cups of coffee while straightening up around the house before work, how the bookstore had been slow but steady and they’d received a new series she can’t wait to get her hands on, and how she found time to do a little shopping.
I know my girl gets chatty when she’s anxious, but this is another level.
I reach across the console and take her small hand in mine.
“Lydi, breathe. Slow down,” I say lightly.
I don’t want to sound teasing or condescending.
Hell, I want to hear all about her day, but the way she’s talking so fast and nonstop tells me her nerves are in overdrive.
“Dinner is going to be great. I promise. My family is very laid-back. It’ll be busy and loud, but I promise, there’s nothing to worry about.” I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile, and she tightens her grip on my hand.
It isn’t lost on me how easily we’ve slipped into being this comfortable with each other, both emotionally and physically. It feels natural to sit here with Lydia, holding her hand, talking about her day. Like it’s always been this way.
“I just want to make a good impression. I don’t have a lot of experience with families.
I haven’t seen my own since I moved out, and Simon’s family hated me.
They were wealthy and pretentious, and once I overheard his mother on the phone with a friend call me ‘trailer trash.’ She couldn’t understand what her sweet boy saw in me.
She tried to talk him out of the wedding at the wedding! I should’ve taken the hint and run.”
She glances down at our hands, like she’s just noticing they’re linked, and the sweetest smile spreads across her face. I have the hardest time keeping my eyes on the road. They keep drifting back to her. I just want to look at her. When I’m looking at her, everything in my head goes quiet.
She takes a deep breath. “How was your day? Sorry, I kind of took over the conversation.”
“Lydia, don’t apologize. I love hearing about your day.
Mine was alright. I actually got out of the office and got my hands greasy for a bit, so that was good.
I don’t love staring at a computer screen or paperwork for hours.
” It hits me then that Lydia and I have barely talked about how I took over my dad’s business after he passed.
It’s easy to forget we haven’t known each other long, haven’t shared everything yet.
I’m not great at sharing, but if she wants to know something, I’ll tell her.
I already know I won’t keep anything from her.
I don’t want to. I want her to know every part of me—what I want out of life, and how I want a family filling my house.
I wonder if she wants kids. Maybe her rough childhood makes her not want children of her own.
I want to ask but figure it’s too soon. I don’t want to scare her.
We have time.
“That’s cool, what did you get to work on?” she asks, seeming genuinely interested.
For the rest of the drive to my mom’s house, we make small talk about the shop.
We talk about a couple of the guys who will be there tonight, and how they are like family.
I think about warning her about the teasing she might get, but I have a feeling Lydia can throw it right back.
The girl is spunky, and I love it. With her history, it would be easy for her to be shy and timid, but she’s anything but.
She’s outgoing, witty, and honest. I think back to how she said she wanted to fuck me in her kitchen.
My cock comes to attention at the thought, and I have to switch gears quickly.
My mom’s driveway is coming up, and I really don’t want to show up to her birthday party with the raging hard-on that’s threatening to make an appearance.
I park the truck and turn to her.
“Do I look okay?” she asks quietly as we pull in front of the house. It looks like everyone else is already here.
I squeeze her hand and tilt her chin up with the other, making sure I can see her eyes.
“You look beautiful, baby. I mean that. If I wasn’t positive at least five people were spying through the windows, I would absolutely show you just how devastatingly beautiful you are.
” She glances up at the house, and I see curtains shift in two windows. Damn nosy family.
I didn’t mean to let “baby” slip yet, but I don’t regret it.
It all feels right. Not too early. Not rushed. Just…right.
I can tell by her expression she caught it, and I think she likes it. Her cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink. I want to brush my fingers over them and feel the warmth.
So I do.
Her skin is warm to the touch, so soft. Her eyes flutter shut as I brush my knuckles over the apples of her cheeks, then tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She grins up at me with a breathless “thank you” on her lips.
Before I say fuck it and give everyone inside a free show, I hop out and hurry around to open her door.
I take her hand to help her out, then reach into the backseat for Mom’s book basket. I really am excited to give it to her. I know she’s going to love it.
Before heading to the front door, I pause. Lydia is nervous but excited, fingers fiddling with her purse strap.
“Ready?” I ask softly, offering a reassuring smile.
She nods, and I can see a mix of determination and hope flicker in her eyes. Together, we step into the cool evening, the porch light casting a golden glow over her hair as we head toward the house. I notice her roll her shoulders back and take a steady breath.
On the porch, I tap lightly on the screen door and open it. I motion for Lydia to go in, letting my hand brush down her back as she passes.
The familiar sounds of laughter and clinking dishes drift from inside, making the moment feel even more real. Lydia pauses for a heartbeat at the door, shooting me a quick glance that says everything. She’s ready to face whatever comes next, as long as we do it together.