He met my gaze, his eyes searching mine. “Both. I don’t want to scare you.”
I made sure he could see the truth in my face, but I also didn’t want to push him too far.
“Maybe one day you’ll see I’m not easily terrified.”
It was as if time stood still as we stared at each other. I could sense him inching closer, but then a boom echoed around us, and fireworks exploded in the sky. There were bursts of color, all in various shapes and sizes.
“I must say, the fireworks of Magnolia Grove are quite impressive.”
Declan chuckled and it was such a nice sound. “Yes, they are. Every July Fourth, I would go to Elijah’s cabin on Otsego Lake. It was a tradition we kept for over ten years, ever since he bought the place. We’d grill hamburgers and hotdogs and go fishing. We thought it’d go on forever.”
“What happened to the cabin?” I asked.
Declan released a long sigh. “It’s mine now. Elijah left it to me. I just haven’t been able to go back there.”
I squeezed his hand. “I’m sure you will one day.”
He moved closer and shook his head. “No, I can’t.”
There was so much pain in his eyes that it broke my heart. The fireworks blasted in the sky, but I couldn’t focus on anything other than him. He leaned in close, his eyes boring into mine. When his lips touched mine, I melted against him. His hands clasped my face, and I brought mine up to his; I didn’t want to let go.
As the fireworks continued to light up the night sky, I felt a rush of emotions swirling inside me. The kiss only intensified those feelings, leaving me breathless and wanting more. His touch was electrifying, sending shivers down my spine as I lost myself in the warmth of his embrace. I knew right then and there that something was beginning between us, but I still had to break down his walls.
Declan pulled away first and pressed his forehead to mine. “I should go. But I want you to know I had a great night.”
His words sent trembles through my body. “Does that mean we’ll be spending more nights together?”
He smirked and tucked a sprig of my hair that had come loose from my ponytail behind my ear. “I’m sure we can make that happen.”
“Good. You can come over tomorrow night, and I’ll cook you dinner,” I suggested.
Declan leaned in and kissed me again. “I’ll be here.” He slid his feet out of the water and stood. “See you tomorrow.”
My heart began to race ninety miles an hour. All I could do was nod and watch him walk away. I was way past ready for tomorrow night.
Chapter 9
Declan
“Hey, sweetheart, it’s Mom. I’m just calling to check on you . . . again. I really wish you’d call me or your father back sometime. We’re really worried about you. All we want is to know that you’re okay.” She sniffled and cleared her throat, making listening to her message even harder. “I love you, Declan, and I miss you terribly. Please call me back. Even a simple text letting me know you’re well will suffice.” She sniffled again. “Hopefully, I’ll talk to you soon.”
I held the phone in my hand, my finger hovering above the call button. I hated myself for putting my mother through even more pain, especially after losing Elijah. After his funeral, I took off and never looked back. Basically, my parents lost both sons afew days apart. I blamed myself for Elijah’s death, and the last thing I wanted was to see that same blame in my parents’ eyes. That was something I wouldn’t be able to survive. So, instead of facing them, I left.
It killed me to cause them grief. One day I would see them again, but it wasn’t going to be anytime soon. I had to face my own demons first.
I let out a slow breath and started to text my mother to let her know I was okay, but another call came through. Even though I’d erased everyone from my past off my phone, I still remembered their numbers.
“Ian Chandler,” I said when I answered.
“Ah, so youdoremember me?”
I snorted. “How could I forget?”
Ian and I trained together in Quantico over a decade ago. I didn’t know then that he was privy to a secret government organization called the Circle of Justice, of which his father was one of the founding members. When I was asked to join them, I couldn’t say no. It wasn’t long before my brother joined, too.
“How are things going in Alabama?” Ian asked.
Huffing, I sat down on the couch. The morning sun had already started to spill in through the windows. “Are you stalking me now?”
