That was the key. Making her feel seen. Understood. Special.
When we pulled up to the gallery, she hesitated before getting out.
"Thanks again for the ride. And the coffee."
"It's nothing."
"It's not nothing to me." She reached over, squeezed my hand. "I'll text you when I'm done? If you're still offering rides."
"I'm offering."
Her smile widened and we exchanged phone numbers. "Okay. I'll see you later then."
She climbed out, and I watched her walk to the gallery entrance. Watched the way her hips moved. The way she glanced back once before disappearing inside.
I leaned my head back against the headrest, trying to resist the urge to pull my dick out. The rational part of my brain told me to drive, take my ass home and jack off there. But the irrational part dared me to pull myself out…
Easing my hand down, I palmed myself but finally I drove away and headed back up the mountain.
The second I walked across the threshold, my phone buzzed again. A text from Lena.
Thanks again for this morning. You made my day :)
I stared at that little smiley face.
So innocent.
So naive.
My thumbs eased over the digital keyboard typing a reply.
Anytime. I mean that.
And I did.
I'd be there every morning if that's what it took.
Every evening.
Every moment in between.
Until she couldn't imagine her life without me in it.
Until the thought of leaving made her chest tighten with panic.
Until she realized that everything she needed, everything she'd ever need, was right here.
With me.
Chapter 8
Lena
Something I’d noticed about the Blue Ridge Mountains was that a storm could pop up out of nowhere and you’d be at its mercy. Staring up at the sky from inside of the gallery, I became wary and ready to be in my warm pajamas eating some of the soup I’d made the night before.
In the distance, lightning crackled and the lights inside of the gallery flickered. The place was empty, no one was in here buying or looking at anything.
With a sigh, I sat back down at my desk and pulled out my cellphone.
