He shook his head. “No. One of us might feel off, or we’ll have something on our minds. Life gets in the way, but I think when you connect and really want the other person to enjoy what you’re doing, it’s great.”
“Well, I really enjoyed that. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I want to learn.”
He nodded. “I want to make sure you don’t feel pressured into a relationship with me. That was amazing. You’re amazing, and I want you, but you can still say no to me.”
“I don’t want to say no to you.”
He held her gaze, hoping she really meant that. “Still, we’re going to go slow. I have feelings for you, and I don’t want to overwhelm you. You’re new to this.”
Laughter spilled from her mouth. “I’m new to everything real. I don’t know most of what’s going on, but I do know I feel things for you. When I was gone, I kept thinking of you. I met other men, some of them single, but I had no desire to spend hours talking to them. This thing between us feels right. Henley talked about feelings and how to know. And I know that you are it.”
“I can mess up, and I can be a jerk. I want to try with you, but I’m not perfect.”
“Neither am I. And I think we can both grow together.”
He rested his forehead against hers, wondering how he’d found such a great woman out in the woods. He hadn’t even been looking, and he’d found her.
“Would it scare you off if I told you I was falling in love with you?”
She shook her head. “No, it wouldn’t. I’m falling in love with you, too.”
He sighed, happy that they were such a great fit together. He hoped Flora never changed her mind, because he wanted their relationship to last forever.
22
Flora was in the middle of reading a book about biology when she heard a knock at the door. Her head shot up, and she stared at the door. She wasn’t expecting anyone, but maybe it was one of her friends.
She pulled up the application on her phone that showed the camera at the doorbell. It wasn’t anyone she knew, so she pushed the button to talk. “Hello, can I help you?”
“Hi, is this Flora?”
She felt unsure but compelled to answer. “Um, yes.”
“I’m Daria from the California’s Department of Justice. I am investigating your case and wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh. Why?”
“We need information about the community you used to live in, and I wanted to talk to you face to face instead of calling you.”
“Um, can I call one of my friends to come over and sit with me?”
“Yes.”
Flora texted her group of friends, explaining what was going on. Andie replied first, stating that she had the day off and would head over.
Flora opened the door, allowing Daria in. “My friend Andie is on her way over. Would you like something to drink?”
“Water would be nice.”
“Sure.” After Flora got the glass of water, the doorbell rang. “That should be her.”
Flora opened the door, relieved to see Andie. After Daria introduced herself, Andie got really serious.
“You aren’t here to charge Flora with anything, right?”
“Goodness no. I’m impressed by how strong Flora is. She escaped a cult on her own.”
“Is my father in jail?” Flora hated how her voice shook.
