“Many visits to physical therapists over the years. They teach you little tricks to strengthen and stretch your muscles.”
Her muscle smooths fast, indicating it is not an old knot, which only further affirms my diagnosis that it’s from how she slept.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” she says, and a hint of amusement braids into her tone. I can’t help but smirk. Even though we aren’t officially a couple, it feels just right sitting here with her. “Sorry, I didn't get you a present, but I honestly didn’t think we’d be . . . you know.”
“It’s okay.” I speak over her shoulder. “Then I can’t get in trouble because I didn’t get you anything either.”
“I can make breakfast,” she quips. “Like, I know how to make some pretty amazing pancakes.”
I’ve never had that feeling that something so simple could be so perfect, but everything about the gesture hits me in the heart. “Breakfast would be the perfect present.” I drop my hands fromher shoulder and wait for her to stand. As soon as she’s to her feet, I place my hand on her hip. “But first, how about a proper good morning, Valentine’s Day kiss.”
“A Valentine’s Day kiss?” She gives me her mischievous grin and easily slips right into my arms. “Is there anything different about a morning, Valentine’s Day kiss?”
“It’s just a rule,” I tease, hoping she falls for it. She tips her head back and rises to the tips of her toes. Even though adrenaline rapidly fires through my veins, fueling my heart to drum against my chest wall, it honestly feels like the most natural expression for me to pull her in close to me, and seal my lips to hers. Our lips blend together perfectly, and her hand slides up around the back of my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps over the skin she touched.
I could seriously do this all day.
It’s a perfectly valid option.
Since it’s Valentine’s Day and all.
I mean, I might need a water break after a couple of hours, but I’m pretty sure this is why Valentine’s Day was invented—
Jolting away from me, her hand flies to her neck, and her lips bend into a wince. “Sorry,” she hisses. “Serious shoulder cramp.” Her shoulders bounce on the word cramp as she lets out a defeated chuckle.
“I think I need to rub it more.” I match her earlier mischievous grin.
“We don’t have anything else to do today.” She tips her head to the side, tacking on, “Well, except drive home, but there’s no rush.” A conspiratorial gleam sparkles out of the corner of her eye. “But let me make breakfast first.”
I will never be a guy who turns down food, and I quickly nod. Almost on cue, Axl and Sophie emerge from the hall, and Axl chimes in, “Did someone say breakfast?”
“I did,” Paisley replies. “I offered to make pancakes.”
“Oh, I’ll help.” Sophie pivots toward the kitchen. “We have to make them into hearts.” She tosses a look back at Axl. “You’ll eat pancakes, won’t you?”
“As long as they aren’t skibiddi.”
“Stop.” Her hands fly over her ears, but everyone laughs as she mumbles under her breath, “You are no longer allowed to hang out with my brother. He is brainwashing you.”
“That’s cap.” He upnods, with a teasing grin on his face.
Sophie shakes her head while the smile she wears is stretched wide across her face. “Just for that, I’m making you Ohio pancakes,” she teases back, and everyone cracks up.
Paisley flashes me the sweetest smile, and it does everything to refuel my own smile. It's like my smile is dependent on hers. I can’t help but feel that’s the way it’s supposed to be. It’s not lost on me that I haven’t had any anxiety meds for two days, but I’ve never felt more secure in my decision to allow her to slide into my heart.
After all, that’s what this day is for.
ten
Paisley
It’s Monday, the day after we returned from skiing. Not only is it the last day of my assignment here in Mapleton, but it’s also the day my magazine spread goes live. I only showed up to my little corner office to clean and turn in my key.
Okay, and to see Noah.
My bags are packed, and I’m about to head back to New York. My heart is squeezed so tightly for so many reasons—the biggest one being Noah.
I knew better than to catch feelings for someone while I was here. Long distance situationships are impossible. Add in the fact that he’s a high-profile athlete and travels all the time. I refuse to even think about the family conflict because whenever I try, the breath wrings out of my chest. How did I miss the family relation with Noah and Bill?
