Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“You’ll be here next year. Blakely loves school, and that’s because of you. I know for a fact you would never play favoritism because you’re close with all of us. I can guarantee that there are several other little minds you’re shaping in that classroom, and their families and the school board have taken notice.”
“That’s kind of you to say. I love my students, and I love what I do. I hope that shines through every single day.”
Reaching across the table, I take her hand in mine. “I promise you it does.”
She nods. “I’m still scared, you know? I want to be settled. I want to build a life, and if I’m being honest, I could see myself doing that here.”
Hope swells in my chest. “You’re already building a life here, gorgeous. You have friends who adore you. Students who sing your praises, and you have me.” I stare into her eyes, willing her to believe me.
“Here we go.” The waitress appears, killing the moment. She delivers our food and promises refills as she skips off.
“I know I’m being irrational. I know that stopping this”—she points from her chest to mine—“whatever this is between us is taking things too far, but I know me. I know how you make me feel, Rush. I know that as it stands at this very moment, my heart will be crushed if I have to leave this town.”
“Life is about taking chances. Taking risks. There are no guarantees.”
She nods. “I know that. Trust me, if anyone knows that, it’s me. I thought that I could just avoid you, and this would all go away.” She gives me a rueful smile.
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
“I’ve never had anyone to stand by me in my lifetime. The thought that I could have it is equally as terrifying as it is exciting. I know I have to open myself up in order for that to happen, and I just don’t know if I have it in me to do it. I don’t know if I can be that vulnerable. If I can trust that much.”
I think about what she’s saying. I understand her reasoning, and if I’d lived the life that she had, I’d probably feel that way as well. “I hate that for you, Crosby. I hate that you’ve never known what it’s like to have a solid support system behind you. I hate that you don’t wake up every damn day and smile because you know how loved you are. I hate it for you, but at the same time, it’s made you who you are. Kind, caring, compassionate. You know what it’s like to be without, and you never take anything for granted.” I pause, taking a long pull of my sweet tea.
“I don’t care if it’s tonight, next week, or six months from now. I’m still going to want you.” I stare directly into her eyes, willing her to believe me. To trust in me.
“I want to believe you.”
I can see the turmoil in her eyes. She wants me, and she wants us, but her past has her scared to death. “I won’t stop until you do.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t deserve that. You deserve better than someone who strings you along.”
“What I deserve is someone beautiful, kind, and loving. Someone who will stick by my side through the good times and the bad. Someone to come home to each night after a long day at work. Someone to share my life with. That’s what I deserve. That’s what we both deserve, and I’m going to give that to us.”
“You sure do make it hard for me to resist you.”
“Good.” I wink. “Now eat up. We have groceries to buy.”
She smiles, and we both dig into our food. I still have to find a way to broach the idea of her coming to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, but after the conversation we just had, I think I’ll be able to convince her.
“Now what?” I ask once we have all her groceries unpacked.
“I was just going to watch some TV before bed.”
“Lead the way,” I say, motioning with my arm toward the living room.
“You’re staying?”
“Are you kicking me out?”
She hesitates and then shakes her head. “No. I’m not kicking you out.”
When I nod toward the living room, she leads the way, and I take a seat directly next to her on the couch. “What are we watching?” Not that I really care. I doubt I’ll be paying too much attention, if any at all, with her sitting next to me.
“I wasn’t really set on anything in particular. Do you have anything in mind?”
“I’m easy.”
She scrolls through the channels and stops on an episode of The Voice. “Is this okay?”
“Sure.” I shrug. She settles back into the couch, and I reach out and put my arm around her, pulling her into my chest.