“Look,” he pushes his chair back but leans forward, directing his gaze at me. “I get it now; that kiss was too impulsive. I got caught up in the moment, but I want to get to know you more.”
I inhale sharply and adrenaline surges through my veins. My heart pounds in my chest. Memories flash through my brain. All the years I begged Chase to want me and to want to fight for us and realizing he never cared about anything but himself. And now, here’s a man who’s intentional with his words, willing to fight for something. Neither one of us even knows what it is and all I’ve done is push him away.
The truth of the matter is, the kiss wasn’t wrong. It didn’t bother me in the way he thinks. It bothered me because it awakened a feeling for him that I was unwilling to feel. I was unwilling to feel it because I didn’t think it was genuine.
But now…
I can, maybe, possibly, be swayed to think differently.
Neither one of us speaks as our eyes lock, dialing into one another, and it’s like we are meeting in a new dimension. After a beat of the loudest silence ever, he slides his hand across the table and places it on top of mine. I melt into the table. I wouldn’t be able to curl my fingers into his if I tried, because my palm is nothing but goo.
With a gentle squeeze of my hand, he enacts some magnetic force that pulls me to him, and in unison, we move closer together.
It’s slow.
Intentional.
The opposite of last time.
I tip up my chin, watching him watch me. His attention is unwavering as we pause, mere inches from each other. I studyhis expression, drinking in the warmth that permeates from his skin. His finger finds my chin, and with the faintest touch, tips it a little more. In the lowest speed setting, he brushes his bottom lip against mine, and goosebumps spiral up my spine.
Giggles erupt behind us.
Jackson presses a smile into our kiss before we break away, turning to peer at our audience hovering in Bella’s doorway.
“Shows over.” Jackson stands up, waves Rigsby forward. “We really do need to get you back home.” He takes a step toward the door and gives me a playful side-eye. “I’m going to text you when I get home. If that’s okay.”
I look at Bella, who’s still peeking out from behind her door. Her face is glowing in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. When I glance back at Jackson, his eyes reflect the same glow back at me. I don’t feel anything other than peace. This time it’s perfect.
The fear I felt before is gone.
“Sure.” My lips pull into a genuine smile. The tug is so strong I have to force myself to keep it modest. “I look forward to it.”
Rigsby tugs at Jackson’s sleeve, pulling him closer to the door, and I lift my hand in a silent wave, my eyes lingering on Rigsby’s hold on that sweatshirt.
It’s a nice sweatshirt.
I have a feeling I’m going to be borrowing that very soon.
eighteen
Kaci
Taking a deep breath, I hold it as I stand in the gymnasium doorway, scanning the hordes of people.Where is he?
Chase said he’d be here, stressing he was leaving band practice early,like he had to let me know what a bother this was to him. I’ll believe him when I see him.
I came prepared with a purse full of clean tissues and money for all the games, but in a perfect world, he shows up for Bella.
“Do you see Dad?” Bella stands on the tips of her toes, straining her neck. Her pupils are dilated, and quick breathes rush in and out of her mouth.
“Well…” At this point, I’m checking all the faces. Those with hats, and others with bald heads, even though Chase has a full head of air. We don’t need another huge disappointment this week. This is Bella’s school festival, the most popular family night. All the kids come with their parents. As much as I despise Chase, I’m willing to put our co-parenting to the test for Bella. That is…if he shows up. I release my breath slowly and turntoward her. “He might be running a little late. He did say he had something to do. Why don’t we try a round at the candy wheel while we wait?”
Her smile—which had been so full—deflates like a popped balloon. “I’d rather wait here, so he can find me.”
Nervous bubbles fizzle through my stomach, and I glance over my other shoulder. It’s times like these I have the hardest time biting my tongue. We could have a lovely time, just the two of us. Instead, I’m standing here, holding onto the hope that he won’t ruin our entire night. “Kaci,” a strong baritone voice calls from behind me. Bella and I pivot at the same time, but she beats me to the hello.
“Rigsby!”
