Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Celeste
“Come home with me,” Percy commanded, as we slipped our clothes back on.
My body hummed with the dirty things we did on the roof of my car. I wouldn’t be able to look at my car the same way ever again.
“I want you in my bed. Every night, Celeste.”
I searched his eyes for answers I couldn’t seem to find. How was this possible? It was happening so fast and panic rushed through me. How could I possibly fit him in my life?
But it would be nice not to sleep on my sister’s couch for a night.
And wasn’t life supposed to flip upside down after meeting your person? If it felt right, you plowed forward and hoped for the best, strived for the best, and put in the work.
“Percy…I…” I hesitated.
“I’m sorry. I scared you. I’m moving too fast.” Percy took a step back.
“Fuck,” he muttered and ran a hand through his hair.
“I don’t want to screw this up. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before and I don’t know what to say or how to go about this.
” He threw his hands up in the air and paced the floor in front of me.
His face wore a lost expression, and it hurt seeing him that way.
I stepped out in front of him, causing him to falter and stop before me. I placed my hands over his. “Percy, look at me.”
He slowly dragged his eyes upwards and when they landed on me, he looked so sad like a little boy who lost his teddy bear and my heart throbbed for him. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let go.
“I’m not going anywhere. I feel the same way you do. But I’m scared.” I confessed, putting my whole self out there and hoping he didn’t stomp all over it.
Percy clasped onto my fingers with his and intertwined them. “I’m scared, too.” He leaned forward and kissed me gently before pressing his forehead against mine. “Let’s be scared together.”
“Okay. But there are some things you should know first. Nothing bad. I just want to be honest with you.”
“You can tell me anything.” His green eyes glowed, warm and trusting.
“Right now, I’m living at my sister’s place. I couldn’t afford rent anymore. I help her out in exchange for rent but I’m saving and hope to buy a cabin soon.”
“Well now, maybe you won’t have to. I bought a cabin not too long ago. You’re welcome to stay with me.”
“Percy…I couldn’t ask that of you…”
“You’re not. I’m asking you.”
“How about we start with dinner? Maybe a sleepover?” I smiled.
“Sure. A sleepover for the rest of our lives.” He grinned.
I laughed. “Let’s start with tonight. Text me your address. I want to stop and grab a few things, let me sister know where I’m going. God, I sound like a little kid.”
Percy threw his head back in laughter and scratched at his beard. “It’s cute. You’re cute.” He opened his arms and embraced me, holding me tight against him. He made me feel so warm and loved, like a cocoon of love.
“My sister is going to think I’m crazy.”
“Hasn’t she heard how small-town love works? It happens fast. Lives changed in the span of a few days. Maybe it’s the fresh mountain air, or maybe it’s the cozy seclusion, or maybe the rumors are true about Appleridge mountain.”
I crinkled my eyes, unable to hold back my laughter. “Don’t tell me you believe that love bug stuff.”
“Well, is it not true? Are we not proof?”
“Slow down there, mountain man. Take it easy. Though I must say my sister fell hard and fast. Sadly, it didn’t last. But he cheated on her, emptied their savings and left. Asshole.”
“He sounds like he needs an ass whooping.”
“Believe me, he does. Too bad we have no idea where he’s hiding.”
“What a piece of work. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Mmm. Can you kiss me now?”
Percy nodded, dipped his head low, and kissed me, hard and deep. “I can’t wait to have you in my bed.”
“Let’s go, then. I’m ready for round two.
” I smiled against his lips and kissed him, slipping my tongue inside only to back away quickly, wanting to leave him wanting more.
I detangled myself from his arms and walked over to the work bench.
Picking up my phone, I opened the text app. “What’s your number? I’ll text you.”
Percy rattled off his phone number, and then his expression morphed into one of anxiousness. “Shit. Are you okay with dogs?”
“Yes. Why? Do you have one?” Excitement spiked through me. I loved animals.
“Yes. I’m sorry, I should’ve told you sooner. But he’s a sweetheart. A boxer named Peanut.”
“I love dogs. I’ve always wanted my own. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Percy took me in his arms once more. “How are you so perfect?”
“Perfect for you, my handsome man.”
“I can’t even let you go long enough to meet you at my place. How about I take you in my truck? I’ll bring you in tomorrow.”
“I guess my car will be fine here.”
“If not, you can follow me? Or I’ll follow you to your sister’s house while you grab your bag?”
“You’re too much. Okay, you follow me to my sister’s. I’ll leave my car there and you can bring me back in the morning?”
“Works for me.” Percy held on tight, burying his face in my neck.
“In order for this to work, you need to actually let go.” I giggled.
“Right. But I don’t want to.” Percy kissed me once more, and we locked up the garage together, ready to start our life together.