“Maybe from now on we can both try new recipes that fool us into thinkin’ we’re better than we are.” I watch her closely as she tugs her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I’d like that,” she replies.
I shoot her a smirk. “Look at me go. I don’t even get nervous about askin’ you out anymore,” I joke.
She stares at me and despite the same soft warm look she’s had all night, there’s also something in her gaze that gives me pause.
Is this about the Call? Has she read Isla’s book and has questions?
Since the whole plan for tonight was to wine and dine her before telling her about the mountain’s Call, I’m just about to ask her what’s wrong when the timer goes off. By then, the moment has passed.
“What’s next?” she asks as I grab my glass and come to a stop in front of her.
“Now, we sit down and eat.”
After devouring the meal and doing the washing up, I lead her over to the couch after topping up her wine. Once she’s comfortable, I take the opposite end and pull her bare feet into my lap.
“What are you—“ She doesn’t finish her question because when I slowly circle my thumbs against the arch of her foot, her eyes flutter closed with a soft moan that surges straight through me. “How did you know they were sore?”
“I’ve seen the heels you wear around the hospital, gorgeous, but the giveaway was when you moved to the kitchen earlier like you’d been walkin’ on hot coals.”
Her lips twitch the moment my hands still mid-arch. “What you’re saying is that you still watch me?”
“It’s hard not to. It’s still one of my favorite things to do.”
She sighs. “That might be one of the sweetest things someone’s ever said to me.”
“If that’s true, it’s a crime.” I say, resuming my foot rub.
“I already told you I haven’t given myself time for anything except my career.”
“Yeah, and that’s another crime. Though, I’m not mad about that one since it means I get to be here with you right now,” I say quietly.
Blair rests her head against the couch cushion so she’s looking my way. “Do you ever think how crazy it is that it wasmewho booked this cabin andyoujust happen to be here too?”I would if I didn’t know why you’re here,I think to myself. “Like it’s such an uncanny coincidence.”
“A good one I hope.”
Her answering smile is one of my favorites, a slow growing heartfelt one that makes my heart flip. “Yeah, of course. Still, what are the chances?”
“Hmm,” I say, hoping she can’t see how my mind is racing right now. I really wish I knew if she’d read the book Isla gave her. Or has someoneelselet it slip? Is she testing me to see if I’ll tell her?Ugh. Is the Call supposed to make you crazy? Because I sure am feeling that way right now.
She pushes herself up so her legs are draped over my lap and her body is close to mine. “Hey, what’s wrong? You just went tense.”
This is it, the moment of truth.
Since the ranch is going to be full of our family and friends tomorrow for Saturday’s wedding, many of whom have already experienced the Call, I’d already decided that I needed to tell her before someone else could. The worst thing that could happen would be for Blair to find out about the prophesy from anyone else.
“I have somethin’ to tell you, and I don’t know how to do it,” I say, scrubbing my face and meeting her eyes, “or how you’ll take it.”
“Considerin’ you’re the poster child for open and honest communication, I’m a little worried thatyou’reworried about telling me.” She places a hand over my heart, and it instantlystarts pounding against her palm.Thump. Thump. Thump.It feels like it wants to jump out of my chest. “Whatever it is, Sutton, I promise everything will be fine. I hope you know you can tell me anything.”
I huff out a breath. “I don’t even know where to begin.”
She smiles. “At the start usually helps.”
I gently grab her hands and cover them with mine before placing them between us on her lap. “You said it’s a coincidence that you ended up where I was.”
Her brows furrow. “Yeah…”
