Not just from his past. From everything.
At 5’10”, she was taller than most women he had dated. At one point, he would have sworn he had a type—petite blondes, the kind who looked like they walked out of a magazine ad. Then his type became anyone in the moment…although they were usually blondes also.
Yet his Lizzy’s hair was so dark it was nearly black, her skin a golden brown inherited from her Native American mother.
She had once told him that between her height, eye color, and skin tone, people were constantly confused about her ethnicity.
Bryce had always been with women who looked like Playboy Bunnies—and come to think of it, a few of them actually had been.
Yet even though Beth lacked the two biggest assets needed to be a Bunny, he found her infinitely more attractive than any woman in his past.
A wave of gratitude washed over him.
Not only did Beth look nothing like the women of his past, she acted nothing like them. For that he sent up a silent, heartfelt prayer of thanks.
Not just for Beth’s outward differences, but for the one that mattered more.
Her heart.
Then, just as quietly, Bryce prayed about the conversation they still needed to have.
Prayed he would be a husband worthy of her.
The first thing Beth saw when her eyes fluttered open was Bryce. At some point, he had moved to a lounge chair near hers.
It wasn’t fair—he looked so effortlessly attractive, sitting there in an old sweatshirt and sweatpants, in need of a shave.
Beth was very self-conscious about her appearance, especially when it came to what Bryce thought of her.
She knew that if she focused too much on how attractive he was, her heart would start leading instead of her head. And that felt dangerous. Still… it was so hard not to get swept up in the physical attraction. Especially with the way he flirted.
Soon, they would finish the conversation from last night, and then? Then she thought she would be more receptive to her husband’s touch.
Bryce’s husky morning voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“Morning.”
Beth swallowed hard. “Mmmhmm. Good morning. Thanks for the coffee—it was good.”
“You’re welcome.” Bryce stretched, his voice still thick with sleep. “You look like you could use another cup.”
Beth nodded. “Yes, that sounds good.” She started to stand.
Bryce stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. “Don’t get up. I’ll bring it out.”
“That’s okay.” She gripped the blanket tighter around her. “I’m afraid if I don’t go inside soon, I’ll turn into a popsicle. I’mpretty cold, even under here.”
Bryce smirked, leaning slightly toward her.
“If you ever need help warming up under there, keep me in mind.”
Beth’s eyes widened as her cheeks flamed red at his unexpected comment.
Before she could form a response, Bryce leaned in and pressed a quick, teasing kiss to her burning cheek.
Pulling back, he grinned. “Looks like your face warmed up just fine.”
Beth let out an exasperated noise and hurried past him toward the door, wrapping the blanket even tighter around herself. Bryce chuckled, watching her retreat.
