I’d take the daggers over the hurt look any day.
Stepping forward a little, she dropped her arms, and I slowly raised my hand to touch her arm, letting her see my action the whole way. She didn’t move away from me or jump when my palm made contact, so I considered that a plus on multiple accounts.
Maybe she was getting used to my touch and me, but also I might have just been able to repair the trust I had broken with my little white lie. I softly ran my hand down her arm until I found hers and I clasped her palm in mine.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I just wanted to protect you but didn’t want you to feel like you had to let me stay inside. I don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable.”
Her gaze softened.
Giving her a pleading look to forgive me, I said, “I promise, no more lies, even if I’m doing it for a good reason.”
She bit her lower lip, something she did a lot when emotions were getting to her.
“I promise,” I reiterated, needing her to hear it again and believe me.
Bringing our hands up between us, I gently placed them over my heart that was thumping like mad.
Releasing her lip, she replied, “I forgive you. Just don’t do it again.”
With our hands still clasped on my chest, I made a crossing motion over my left pec. “Cross my heart.”
She smiled and all seemed right in the world at that moment. I’d thought Stormi brightened my morning with her smile, and don’t get me wrong, she had, but if I woke up to River’s smile every day, I would be in heaven.
“Since you forgive me, does that mean you will still go out with me this weekend?”
River was shaking her head yes but something in her expression told me that she had reservations about it and I didn’t want her to feel that way.
“Sweetheart, if you’re not ready it’s okay.”
She released my hand and rubbed her palm down the side of her leg, nervously. That’s when I noticed for the first time she was still in her pajamas and had bare feet. I was about to point out we should get her in the house, but she spoke first.
“I want to go, I’m just nervous.”
Being alone with me on a date when she’d never experienced one before was probably very nerve racking. An idea formed so I put it out there.
“What if we did a group outing with your sister and even some of the others?”
Interest entered her eyes but then she blew out a breath in what seemed to be frustration. “You would be okay with that and not think I’m crazy that I can’t just go with you alone?”
“Of course I’d be okay with it. Honey, I’d never think you’re crazy; any time I can spend with you is a gift.”
Torturing her lower lip again, I wanted nothing more than to be able to kiss her, to soothe the spot where she’d practically drawn blood. I managed to refrain.
She studied me as if looking for the truth. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. I’ll set something up and see who can go on Saturday.”
After nodding her agreement, I said, “Now how about I get you in the house since you’re still in your jammies,”
River looked down at herself and then back up to me. “Crap.”
“What? Nobody is looking but me and I happen to think those blue pants with the cows all over them are pretty darn cute.”
She rolled her eyes, but then a blush covered her face. “The kids got them as a joke for me.”
I chuckled. They were cute and right above the cows it said, ‘Moody’.
“Permission to pick you up?”
