Chapter 26
We finish up our meal and take our plates to the sink. I love these domestic moments between us, and now with both the offer for me to be here whenever I want and him asking me to officially be his girlfriend, I’m looking forward to more of them.
My pulse races at the memory of the river earlier today. The way I could feel his length harden beneath me. Gosh, I wanted him to kiss me. Stupid storm.
I smile when I think of him asking me to dance in the rain.
I’m falling for this man. My smile fades a bit as I subconsciously bring my hands to my abdomen.
Being West’s girlfriend is one thing, but to let him all the way in?
I swallow the lump in my throat, afraid I won’t be able to give him that.
Through the fabric of the shirt, I can feel the bumps of raised flesh and shudder.
No matter how long it’s been, I will never get used to the feel or sight of them.
I’m scarred and broken, and I don’t know how West will ever see past that.
“What’s going through that beautiful head of yours?
” he asks, coming up behind me and wrapping me in his arms. I stiffen at the contact, lost in the thoughts that were just swimming through my head, afraid that he can feel the raised flesh the same way I just had.
Wiggling free, I smile up at him apologetically.
“Nothing important,” I say, pulling my bottom lip into my mouth.
“I had a great time today,” he says.
“I did too.” I give him a real smile now.
“Hopefully the next time you’re here, the weather will be nice enough to sit outside.”
“That would be lovely,” I say, walking up to the glass doors looking outside. “Your patio is amazing. Have you always lived here?”
“I have. My parents actually live just down the road a bit more. It’s where I grew up.
Once we turn eighteen, we get to choose a piece of land to make our own.
Where my dock is used to be a small clearing you could see when you rode past by boat.
I always thought it was a perfect place for a dock, so when it came time to choose some land, I chose here.
Cleared it out and built my house. Took a few years to get it all done, but I completed it as soon as I turned twenty-one. ”
“Wow. You built this by yourself?” I ask, astonished.
He chuckles. “No. I had help from my dad, a couple friends that were contractors, and my brothers.”
“That’s still amazing.”
“Thanks. I’m proud of this place.”
“So, do your brothers and Wren live close by then?”
“They do. The house in the field right across from my driveway is Cade’s place. It was my grandparents’ house until they passed. Cade liked the view of the rolling hills and instead of everything sitting there or being sold, he took it.”
I remember seeing the big white farmhouse sitting back on the landscape of rolling hills. From the road, it looked like a beautiful place.
“And then Colter’s is the next driveway by mine. If we would have taken the boat down that way, we would have passed his dock. Hayes is the property at the very end. And Wren hasn’t chosen yet. Right now she’s in the guest cabin on my parents’ property.”
“It must be so nice having them all so close.” My heart aches from the loss of my family.
Crew would have been sixteen now, and he always said when he turned sixteen he was going to turn our guest house into a hangout for his friends.
I used to tease him and tell him he can’t because I was going to live there.
“It is. I’ll show you around my parents’ property tomorrow. You still able to join us for dinner?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good. I’ve never really asked. I know you mentioned your mom and brother briefly, but does your dad live close to Lavender Falls?”
“No,” I whisper with a shaky breath. “It’s just me.” I turn to face West so he understands what that means. His face goes soft, and he reaches out for me, pulling me into his big broad chest, and the walls I’ve held up for so long start to crumble. “I lost my family just before I turned eighteen.”
“I’m so sorry, baby. You have me and Sarah and everyone in town. I know it’s not the same, but it’s never just you, okay?” He kisses the top of my head and rubs my arms up and down for comfort. Fighting back tears that want to spill, I nod into his chest.
The clock chimes, and I realize it’s getting pretty late. “I should probably get home soon. Pumpkin is probably beside herself because of the storm and I didn’t leave anything out for dinner for her.”
West watches me for a beat before nodding. “Okay. Your clothes probably aren’t dry yet, so you can just wear mine home and I’ll give you your dress tomorrow.”
“Sure. That works,” I say, having forgotten that my dress is still soaking wet.
The drive home is quiet. West holds my hand the entire way, and I lay my head against the pane of the window, lost in thoughts. We pull into my drive, and West comes around, helping me out before walking me to the door.
“Thanks again for today,” I tell him.
“Anytime.” He steps closer, ghosting his hand down my arm, and feeling brave, I reach out and grab his jacket, tugging him close. His eyes meet mine, and the air around us evaporates.
“Jade?” He says my name in that husky voice, and I swallow down the nerves racing through my body.
“Hmm?”
“Tell me I can kiss you,” he demands breathlessly, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip.
I nod, eyes still on his.
“I’m going to need you to say it, beautiful,” he begs.
“Kiss me, West.”
The growl he lets out just before his lips crash to mine sends shocks to my core.
My lips part against his, and our tongues tangle feverishly.
He holds my face in both hands, and our kiss turns gentle.
I can’t get enough. We pull apart, and West rests his forehead against mine, our breaths panting, my lips tingling.
“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he pants.
My heart is beating frantically, and I can’t think of anything else other than how amazing his mouth felt on mine.
The sounds of Pumpkin scratching and meowing on the other side of the door break us from the spell, and we pull apart.
Turning to look at the door, the glint of something on the porch catches my eye.
Stepping towards it, I bend down and pick up a small piece of jewelry.
A silver locket. I hum, thinking about the forgotten ring I have in my pocket that I meant to give back to Sarah.
I twirl the locket around and see some initials engraved, and now I’m confused.
This one can’t be Sarah’s. The initials are RM.
“What’s that?” West asks, peeking over my shoulder.
“I’m not sure. It’s a necklace with initials on it, but I don’t know anyone by these initials.”
“RM. Not sure. Could it be an heirloom of Sarah’s or maybe Harper’s? Harper’s last name is Lenox, but I’m pretty sure her mom used to be a Mcintosh. Her first name was Roselyn.”
“Hmm. It could be Harper’s then,” I say, shoving it into the pocket of the sweats I’m wearing. “What is with everyone losing their jewelry here?” I shake my head.
“What do you mean?” West asks.
“Nothing. It’s just a few days ago I found a ring that I thought was Sarah’s. And now this.” I shrug.
“Strange,” West echoes my thoughts.
“Oh well,” I say, because there is nothing I can do but return their items. “Well, I should probably go in now before Pumpkin claws her way through my front door.” I laugh at my silly needy cat.
“Okay. Supper is usually around six, so can I pick you up about four-thirty tomorrow?” West asks.
“That sounds perfect. I’ll be ready.”
“Night, Jade.” He bends, giving me a quick kiss.
“Goodnight, West.”
For the first time in weeks, I fall asleep quickly and soundlessly with a smile on my face.