Jessi comes into view and leans her shoulder against the doorframe of my work room. She doesn’t even blink at the mess around me. She’s seen it all before and in much worse states than it is right now.
My sister arches an eyebrow, and I feel my face heat. I haven’t updated her on what happened or how Rhodes saved me from myself. It’s not like I was hiding it; I simply didn’t call her right away. I think part of the reason is it hasn’t entirely felt real.
Even though I hope it is.
“I’d love to see you tonight,” my voice is soft and I swear I hear him let out a sigh filled with contentment on the other side of the phone.
“Can I pick you up and bring you to my place? As much as I’d love to take you out, I kind of want you all to myself right now.” His voice turns bashful, “Is that okay?”
I make a sound of agreement, not entirely trusting my voice. The thought of being alone with him, of being at his place has me swallowing hard. My voice is soft as I offer, “How about I come to you?”
“I guess,” he grumbles in a way which makes me giggle.
And just like that, I forget about Jessi standing there and watching me.
“I need to head to the grocery store and pick up something to cook. Is there anything you hate, or do you have any allergies?”
I fucking melt at the concern and curiosity in his voice. This man.
Oh, how I want him to be mine. Maybe he already is? I’m just not sure, but I know I need to find out and I’m going to.
“No,” I shake my head even though he can’t see me, “no allergies and I’m not picky.” I can’t hide the earnestness and awe in my voice as I ask, “You cook?”
Rhodes chuckles. “I’m not some five star chef or anything, but I can get by. I might have even perfected a few dishes throughout the years. A man’s gotta eat,” the boyishness and pride in his voice have me grinning from ear to ear.
“I’m intrigued to find out what’s on the menu tonight.”
I don’t mean it flirtatiously. I don’t even realize the double entendre in my words. Not until he lets out a low groan which sounds pained and makes me blush.
“You’ll be on the menu if you’re not careful,” he grumbles and my stomach clenches with desire.
The phantom sensation of his hands on my body from the other night has not fully faded and only becomes more pronounced the longer I talk to him. I want him to touch me like that again. I’m pulled out of the fantasy, the memory, when he clears his throat.
“Pack a bag because I slept like shit last night and I know it’s because you weren’t in my arms,” his voice is husky and my body lights up because of it.
“I think I can pack a bag.”
He lets out a low hum before adding, “Good. I’ll text you my address. Let me know when you’re on the way and I’ll be waiting for you. Come over whenever you want, but don’t make me wait too long. I’ve been craving you,” desire drips from every word and sends a shiver up my spine.
“Okay,” I whisper. “I’ll see you later.”
“See you soon, Sweetheart,” he counters before hanging up.
For a moment I just sit there and look at my phone while his words echo around me. His assurance, the way he sounds so sure of whatever this is forming between us, wraps around me. I can’t ignore it and I don’t want to.
It’s terrifying, but I want this. I want it with him. Desperately.
“You like him,” Jessi’s voice has me startling even though I knew she was standing right there. I just forgot for a moment, blinded by the way Rhodes makes me feel.
I look at my sister and am reminded, again, of how different we are. Opposites in so many ways. Her red hair, my dark hair. Her blue eyes, my brown eyes. Her ability to slide into the shadows to protect herself, my need to stand in front of her to try and prevent anything bad from touching her.
But I couldn’t protect her from everything. I couldn’t stop Dad and his expectations. I couldn’t save her from his judgement or the disappointment I’m not even sure he truly feels.
And even though I’m excited about the prospect of what Rhodes coming into my life means, part of me is worried about what moving forward with my life means for Jessi. I’ve always been here as a buffer. And I’m not naïve enough to believe that if this goes where my heart is begging me to let it go with him, Dogwood Ridge will continue to be my home.
Will I still be able to shield her? Is it even right for me to keep doing it? What happens when I’m not there to protect her and Dad does something stupid, hurtful, or ridiculous?
My sister’s eyes soften as she looks at me and I wonder, just for a moment, if she knows what I’m thinking. She steps into the room fully and gives me a smile filled with understanding. But there’s something else there too—hope.
