Once I’m in the car and heading down the road, I contemplate too long on whether to listen to the1989album by Taylor Swift, an audiobook, or a podcast, so I end up driving in silence, whispering small prayers as I turn down his short driveway.
I wish it were longer…
His massive black truck is in the driveway alongside his shiny black motorcycle, so he must be home unless he’s off with someone else. I eye the pink leather jacket and helmet in the back of my car, and then I say a prayer that I’ll get the chance to wear them again.
Taking a deep breath, I turn off my car and get out. I wore my sneakers today, so I don’t make a sound as I walk down the cobblestone path to his front door. I stare at the mahogany door, feeling like I may come unhinged at any moment the longer I wait. My hand is raised, and I’m ready to knock.
If only I can make myself move…
Closing my eyes and inhaling through my nose, I grumble to myself, “Just do it—”
“Lucy May.”
My name is spoken in a rough but feminine voice that belongs to myself, but the sound is mingled with a masculine voice. One full of shock.
I peek through one eye, seeing the most handsome man I’ve ever met standing in front of me in joggers and a t-shirt, his blond hair unkempt and blue eyes dazzling.
He laughs, and I realize I’m standing there with my fist raised and one eye opened.Nothow I was planning for things to go…
Popping my other eye open and dropping my hand, my body begins to buzz as I bask in his bearing; he’s the confident man I’ve come to know, but now there’s a certain humility to him that didn’t exist before. The confidence is in the strong set of his shoulders that promises to protect and guard me. The humility isin the softness of his expression that vows to love me despite his struggle to feel worthy of it.
Or maybe Romance Writer Brain is still turned on from finishing that first draft earlier and I need to knock it off.
I also should say something…
“Hi.” I recall his first word to me after dancing at Lorelei’s wedding reception.
A flashing smile crosses his face. “Hi, Lucy May.”
My insides melt a little under his gaze, and I have to shake my head to clear the thoughts. I’m here for a reason, and it’s not to swoon over this man. “So, I’ve been thinking, and I’d like to see us start over. Try again. Have a second chance or whatever.” I shrug, trying to play it off casually because the fear of rejection is still as present as the stories I write in my mind.
His smile somehow widens, however, and it’s not his cocky one that denotes a snarky, flirty line. It’s genuine. And beautiful. And all for me.
“Yeah?” Stone questions, surprise in his voice. “I’m not dreaming, right? You’re really here?” He reaches out his hand, taking strands of my hair between his fingers. I grab his hand and weave our fingers together.
Stone kisses my hand. “I still don’t feel worthy of you, Lucy May. But I pledge to love you. Even when I’m afraid, I’ll love you.” He kisses my forehead. “Even when I stumble, I’ll love you.” He kisses my cheek. “Even when I don’t see my next step, I know it’ll always include loving you.”
Not able to stand it anymore, I blurt through my tears, “I love you so much.” And then I release his hand, snake mine behind hisneck, and drag his lips to mine. This kiss is drenched in passion, but there’s something different in the way he lightly holds me, as if he may break me if he’s not careful. His lips move softly against mine, cherishing every second they dance together. He laughs against my lips, and we stand there smiling into each other’s souls.
“I didn’t know allowing myself to love you would feel so good,” he says, taking a step back. “I really should have surrendered to this sooner.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my cocky, playboy former boss?”
He cocks his head, shaggy blond hair falling to the side. His smile turns saucy as his voice lowers. “Oh, don’t worry, Little Lion. I’m still my charming self.” He runs his hand down the side of my cheek. “It’s just all for you, now and evermore.”
Stone drops his hand and clenches it into a fist. He rocks his jaw, his expression changing from flirty to full of desire. Stormy gray-blue eyes and all. “And maybe not until I put a ring on your finger. The temptation of you hasn’t changed.”
I gulp, a swarm of hot desire mixed with guilt swirling in my stomach. I look him over, wishing I could glue myself to him. “The temptation of you hasn’t changed either, Onyx.”
“We should set physical boundaries to help us if we’re going to start over,” he says, running a hand through his hair. “Like not being here at my place—or yours—alone.”
I glance behind him at his open door and hurriedly nod, visions already filling my mind. But I will fight against them because Stone is worth more than my sexual desires. He’s worth my honest love. “Agreed. Or not being alone anywhere, really.” I can’t help the heatthat rises to my face. I wish I was the woman who could remain tame in a vehicle alone with him out in the middle of nowhere, but that’s not me. And since I know I’m nothing more than a feral animal sometimes, it’s best to stay out of those scenarios.
Suddenly, Stone smiles. “How about a bike ride to Books and Beans for dinner? Do you happen to have your jacket and helmet? If not, we can take separate vehicles. Or if you’re comfortable with a short drive alone, we can ride together in my truck.”
His rambling is adorable, and pride swells within me. He’s going to meet me halfway in this. He’s going to take each step carefully like I am. The fear that something will go wrong and I’ll mess up again is still present, but it’s dimmed after this encounter with him. Something has changed in him, and I know I’ve changed.
And I can’t wait to explore our transformed sides together.
