I lean closer to him again, hoping he’ll kiss me once more, and he doesn’t disappoint.
“Yes.” I say into his mouth. “I want to come over.”
* * *
I cuddle up next to Brayden on the drive to his ranch. He takes his time on the empty back road, barely going above twenty-five.
“I just want to go slow right now.” He kisses my head. “We’ve got all night.”
And it feels like we’ve waited forever.
* * *
Brayden’s already out of the truck and heading for my side as I grab my purse and open the door. He reaches out and puts his arms around me as I step out. I feel his muscles ripple through his dress shirt, and my anxiety fades as I realize just how much I want to be close to him.
He kisses my neck as he leans me back against the side of the truck. The stars are so bright, and the sky behind them is so dark. Out here on the ranch that Brayden’s going to buy one day, there isn’t a sound other than the wind.
I close my eyes as Brayden covers my mouth with his own until I get dizzy. When a few raindrops fall on our heads, Brayden picks me up in his arms and carries me up to the front porch before it really begins to pour.
“I heard there’s going to be thunderstorms tonight.” He puts me down to unlock the door and leads me inside.
I need to pee as soon as we close the door.
While I’m washing up, my phone buzzes. I check the text from Sophia letting me know she’ll see me tomorrow, and my finger accidentally hits the news feed.
And I freeze.
“Former Mountainview resident arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. Noah Tate attempted to rob a convenience store last night. He threatened the clerk, stole…”
I shove my phone back into my purse.
Instantly, memories flood my brain of Noah’s hands on me. Wrestling me for control of my body. Fighting me for something that was never his to take. Demanding that I give him my innocence.
The fact that I was able to fend him off still amazes me sometimes. It was like I tapped into a strength inside me I didn’t know I had, and God gave me the ability to defend myself.
I know not every woman is that lucky.
And I know how much worse it could have been.
But the fear that night instilled in me is back in my mind, and as I leave Brayden’s bathroom, I feel the need to be alone.
I make my way to the open doorway of the porch. Brayden’s gaze is focused out the window, and he doesn’t see me yet. His tie hangs loose around his neck. His hands are in his pants pockets and his jaw’s relaxed. He’s waiting for me. Two glasses of wine sit on the coffee table by the couch, and two red candles burn by the window.
He turns then and notices me. He picks up a glass of wine and offers it to me. “Come on in, Lei. Why are you standing in the doorway? Do you want me to start a fire?”
I still have my purse in my hands, and I shake my head.
“What?” Brayden catches the look on my face. “What’s changed?”
“I saw something.” I walk closer and show him the feed on my phone screen.
Brayden reads it in silence. I turn my gaze to the full-length windows leading into his private backyard. I remember every second of the first time I came here. I remember every moment of how Brayden opened up his heart and let me in.
“I think I just need a little air,” I say as I turn and head down the hall.
Brayden reaches me just as I open the front door. He puts his arm around my waist and gently turns me around.
His face is filled with concern. He keeps his arms around me, and I lean my head against his chest. I can hear his racing heart, and I hold onto him tightly.
