Chapter16
Ford
Iwanted to get closer to Natasha tonight, but she fell asleep while we were watching the movie.I didn't have any intentions of sleeping on her couch again.So I turned off the movie and carried her to bed.
I stripped down to my briefs and got into bed next to her.I was fairly sure my plan to ease into her life was working.She seemed to be enjoying my company, and every once in a while, I got the feeling that she was falling for me again.Maybe it was the way she looked at me.
She seemed to be stuck on that vintage-car ornament before I took it from her and hung it on her tree.Every time she saw it, she'd think of me.
I'd hoped that we could have a lazy morning in bed, but when I woke, sunlight was already streaming through the windows, and the smell of bacon drifted from the kitchen.She must have been making breakfast.
As much as I wanted to lounge in bed, I wanted to see her more.So I forced myself to get up and pull on jeans.I didn't bother with buttoning them, or throwing on a shirt.I ducked into her bathroom to brush my teeth, finding a spare brush in one of the drawers.
I wandered into the kitchen where she was already plating scrambled eggs with bacon.
She smiled."I hope you're hungry."
I rubbed my bare stomach."Starved."
Her gaze followed the motion.
I approached, pulling her against me.She held the pot so that neither of us would get burned, and I kissed her.This was how I imagined being with her during those long nights deployed.I thought about coming home to her again.
At the time, the image had seemed like a pipe dream, but now it was closer to reality.I just wasn't sure I could break through her walls.
I pulled back so that she could finish plating the eggs.
"Would you like coffee?"
I grabbed a plate and sat at the island so I could watch her."I'd love some."
She poured coffee into two mugs.
"What are your plans for the day, besides helping me decorate my tree?"
"I'll check a few emails and make sure everything's okay downstairs.But otherwise, it's my day off."
"I'm going to work on my bathroom for a bit.Then we can put the tree up.Why don't you plan on coming over in the afternoon?"I'd see if I had anything to make for dinner and treat her to a nice evening at my home.I wished more of it was renovated, but my house was a work in progress.which was similar to my life.
She already knew that about me, and I didn't need to impress her as much as get her to trust me again.I needed to make amends for my mistakes.
"That sounds good."
We ate, talking about the workings of the inn and how she felt like she was immersed in life here.
We finished our food.Our empty plates sat on the counter, but neither of us made a move to clean up.
I stood, turning her stool so that her knees bracketed my legs.Then I cupped her face and kissed her.
When I pulled back slightly, she asked "What was that for?"
"I want to go back to bed."
She searched my gaze and then said, "Yeah, okay."
I tugged her hand so that she stood, and then I led the way down the hall to her bedroom.This was what I wanted last night.I wanted one more chance to make her mine.
My heart was thumping, and I wasn't sure where to start.The sun was bright, and there was no rush.
