“I’ve been fixing it up since the summer. You just haven’t been by to see it. It’s something I was working on in my free time.” More to increase the property value should I need to move, but now that I’m not, I’ll have to figure out what to do with that big empty space.
“Between managing a bar and being an audio narrator, you mean?”
“I think of myself more as a voice actor. I’ve done a few commercials too.”
The hopeful look in her eye makes me regret saying anything.
“Please tell me it was for something embarrassing. A fungus cream?”
“You’re a little too close for comfort,” I grumble and roll my eyes when she starts laughing.
More nosy faces peek out their windows at us as we drive down my street. This big beast doesn’t have a stealth mode, so we hold our breath as we pass Des’s place, hoping that Maya isn’t outside on his deck reading as she is most nights. But he must have gotten our warning text as his windows are pitch-black. Another crisis avoided.
The stress of the trip melts away as I pull into my gravel driveway. My family’s farmhouse is highlighted in moonlight, appearing almost gray in the moonbeams instead of its usual deep red.
“Huh? How did your truck get here?” Reese asks, tapping on her window.
“Des volunteered to grab it for me. Speaking of which, you better make sure Des owes you big time after this. Thisovernight bus trip turned into an extended long weekend. A mental note for the next time we buy an RV—maybe to not buy one so old.”
“The next time, eh?” She glares at me from the corner of her eye.
“It wasn’t that bad. I can see it being good for growing families.”
“Words I’d never expect you to admit. You used to go on and on about real camping and being one with nature. Now me? This is my level of camping. A soft bed? Check. A full bathroom? Check again. Air conditioning and heat? Double check. A place to plug in a coffee maker? Mega check.”
With a grin, she hops from the vehicle to unlatch the oversized barn door, shivering in the cooler Colorado temps. Her mouth drops open at the newly refurbished space. While it’s still a work in progress, it’s better than the peeling, rotting wood that was here before. Most of the beams have been replaced and the salvageable ones were sanded and restored. I’m almost worried if Gladys Monroe or anyone else from the historical society finds out, they’ll come slap a plaque on it since it dates back to the early 1900s. I’m not sure what was stored here before, tractors or horse carriages, but the tall arched doors and high ceilings make it easy for me to pull inside and out of sight.
Reese holds up her hand, signaling me to stop when I’m positioned properly.
“This spot is good. You should have room to open the slide-outs.”
I lean out the window. “I ran electricity out here too. Over there on the wall is a light switch.”
Surprised, she flicks the switch, illuminating the open space. “This place is huge. Maybe Des should have gotten a bigger camper.”
“I’m not sure I could have managed one larger than thisfor my first trip. Baby steps.” I laugh. “Feel free to keep it parked here as long as you need to. It’ll be away from prying eyes and protected from the elements. But we do need to fix the window seals the first chance we get.”
“Agreed. But not tonight. I can probably stop by after work, depending on how backed up we are.”
“Need me to give you a ride?”
“Aren’t you working at the bar?”
“Yeah, but it’s Wednesday.” I shrug and cut the engine, tossing her the keys. “I usually prep things for the weekend rush. Dede can manage things for fifteen minutes... at least, I hope she can. Not looking forward to seeing what state the bar devolved into while I was gone.”
She rests her crossed arms against the window ledge, smiling up at me.
“Well, thanks. I appreciate the ride if you are able. Des and I still share Granny’s old Buick. It’s usually not a big deal in the summer since he has his motorcycle. But this week, his bike is in the shop for maintenance.”
I cup the back of her neck, tilting her head up. “So you know, if you ever need me, just call. I won’t leave you stranded.”
Her mouth parts in surprise. She pauses for a moment before grabbing me by the front of my shirt until our lips crash together. It’s been too long since our last kiss, and I nearly groan at the instant spark upon contact. The door is a frustrating barrier between us, and I lean almost half outside the window, desperate to get as close as I can. Her smell, her touch, her taste, it all overtakes my thoughts.My Reese. My love.
I nearly kick myself for being blind all those years. The woman of my dreams has been working across the street from me this whole time. Why didn’t I pursue her sooner? Years ofmemories and kisses I’ve missed. I have to make up for lost time.
Trembling, she pulls away, leaving me wanting more—a life with her.
“What was that for?” I ask. “Not that I mind. You’re free to kiss me whenever you want. You’ll have no complaints from me.”
