But what if something happens and I’m triggered?
Oh, why did I say yes to this stupid idea?
Because you’re desperate for the outdoors and you have someone you feel safe going with sitting in front of you asking…
Safe. Despite not knowing Finley for very long, I do feel safe with him. Though the idea of it seems irrational, I can’t deny the logical fact that it’s true.
But what does that mean?
Lucy’s words flitter back into my mind unbidden.
Sometimes love is unexplainable.
No. This isn’t love. Safety does not automatically equal love. But while this might not be love, maybe the same applies to friendships, too. Maybe some souls are simply meant to be acquainted and befriended.
Maybe, at the very least, I’m meant to be really good friends with Finley.
Grandma Netty clears her throat, pulling me from my mental sparring. “You two behave yourselves while camping.”
I look aghast, especially because of the thoughts I was just having, but Finley laughs. “Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll be a perfect gentleman towards your beloved granddaughter.”
Grandma Netty clicks her tongue. “I said behave. I didn’t say don’t ruffle her feathers up a bit. She needs it, right, Lorelei?”
My grandmother’s hazel eyes glisten with mischief, giving her a youthful glow to counter the wrinkles on her face. I swallow, heat brushing my face. “My feathers are just fine, thank you.”
Finley and my grandmother laugh as if they are in on some joke that I’m not privy to, so I decide it’s time to leave.
Mostly because the idea of Finley ruffling me up in any way does something funny to my nervous system. And by funny, I mean…desired.
“Wait! Lorelei,” Finley says as he trails after me to dump my plate into the trash can.
“Yes?” I ask, looking him in the eyes as I shove the paper plate down into the black bag.
He follows suit, not bothered by my challenging scowl. Which is good because I'm more agitated with myself than himat the moment. “Are you sure you’re okay going on a hike and camping trip this weekend with me? If it’s too much, tell me.”
“Let’s talk outside.” I walk out the backdoors and out under the overhang. The temperature has risen alongside the humidity, but I bask in the feel of spring. Finley stands beside me, close, but not touching me. He waits for me to speak.
“For some reason, I’m okay. In the name of honesty, I feel safe with you.” Okay, that’s enough confession. After puffing out a breath, I smirk. “You aren’t going to mind camping? Sleeping on the ground won’t be an issue forYour Highness?There will be spiders.”
I can’t imagine this prim and proper man who jumps on chairs when he sees spiders laying underneath the stars with bugs and birds singing around us.
He chuckles and places a hand on my shoulder.
I don’t fidget away, though I’m totally aware of every inch of skin where his fingers heat through my shirt. It’s uncomfortable…
But not in a bad way?
I tap my feet, trying to distract myself from the feeling.
“I’ll have you by my side to kill the creepy crawlies. What is there to be afraid of?”
I glare at him, which only causes him to laugh harder. He gently squeezes my shoulder before growing solemn. “I’m still vested in going at your pace, but don’t be surprised when my antics ramp up. I meant every word when I said I see my future with you and you alone.”
His declaration is one of war.
And suddenly, I find myself wanting to lose the battle for once in my life.
Chapter Seventeen
