This felt like such a low-key date, and Lark really liked that. “I don’t care,” she said with a sigh, and she sank onto the chaise. “Oh, this couch is nicer than the one at my parents’ house.”
Cash chuckled and shook his head. “It is not. It’s kind of hard.”
“That’s just because you have a baby back,” Lark teased. “You like everything pillow-soft.”
He turned toward her, then faced the TV again, pulling it away from the wall and tilting it toward them. Then he pulled the blinds closed, so they wouldn’t be looking directly into the setting sun as they watched their movies.
He brought over the snacks, and sure enough, went into the kitchen to get his root beer and a bottle of water for her. “Can I sit by you, Lark, my love?” he asked.
Lark looked up at him with a smile on her face. “Yeah, I’ve been saving this spot for you.”
“You want to switch? I’ll sit in the corner and you can lay back against me.”
Lark did want that, and so she scooted off the couch and let Cash take the corner and stretch out his long legs on the chaise. Then she squeezed herself onto it with him, easily laying back against his chest as he draped one arm lazily over her shoulder.
“Oh yeah, I like this,” he said. “I’m gonna get a great nap this afternoon.”
She giggled. “Do you need a nap? What time did you get up?”
“Nine-thirty,” he said. “But there’s a trainer out here at Silver Sage, and he put me on a new weight-lifting regimen, and it iskillingme.”
“Oh, is he?” Lark teased. “What? Your stunning muscles can’t handle a little more weight?”
He laughed, and she loved the rumble of it through her body too. “My legs aresosore.”
Lark grinned. “Mm.” She let him flip through a couple of movies before they settled on one. She didn’t care much what they watched, because she was also planning on taking a nap.
He got the movie started, and then sighed as he lay back again. “Yeah, this is real nice,” he said. “Lazy afternoon. Something great to drink. The beautiful woman I love in my arms.”
Lark nearly jumped out of her skin, and she sat up and twisted toward Cash all in the same motion. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
Cash’s eyes widened, and his face turned a deep, ruddy red. “Well, it’s not like it’s a secret, is it?”
“If it’s not a secret, say it again.”
A hint of defiance came into his eyes, and then he lifted his chin and looked her straight in the face. “I know it’s fast and it’s really new, but I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you. There. I said it.”
Lark opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out.
“I don’t want you to say it back unless you mean it,” he said. “And it’s fine. Even if you don’t love me yet, I’m pretty sure that’s where we’re headed. Am I wrong?”
Lark shook her head, because no, he was not wrong.
“Why are you so stunned?” He chuckled. “Lay back down.”
She did, turning this time to wrap her arms around his chest. She faced away from the TV now, but she didn’t care. She let hiswords flow through her and paint a warm, beautiful picture of their life together.
The woman I love.
“I’ve never had anyone tell me they love me,” Lark said.
“Do you believe me?” Cash asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Great,” he said. “We don’t need to make it a big deal unless you want me to.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s just new for me.”
