I was so scared to believe; I was too hesitant to fall. But now, whether it is due to growing maturity or a fate I cannot see, I find myself ready to close my eyes and tip over the ledge.
It is no longer so terrifying when I know he will be there to catch me.
“Good evening, little angel.”
I jolt in my chair, my previously dissociated gaze snapping up to meet Rowan’s where he stands in front of my desk.
“Hey! When did you come in?”I ask him.
“A minute or two ago.” He grins. “Are you ready?”
Friday nights are date nights, and last week he was too busy to go out. So to say I’m excited is an understatement.
“Yep!” I begin to pack my work bag, essentially vibrating with excitement as I try not to distract myself by staring at him.
Rowan looks as amazing as ever.
With his silky black curls winding around the base of his neck and over his forehead, his full dark brows, and his vibrant green eyes. Plump, pink lips are pulled into that seductive grin as he watches me with an intensity I can barely breathe around.
He’s wearing a brown and white flannel with a black shirt underneath and blue jeans, and he smells as sweet as he always does.
My flower.
Every once in a while, when I’m feeling sentimental enough to refer to him in such a way in my mind, I remember that dream—vision—that I had at the festival.
Bluebird. I think… I think that is what I used to call him. In fact, I am almost sure of it. But the one time I said it outside of sex, he looked incredibly confused, so I kept it to myself.
And it’s kind of nice—having this one thing.
Rowan knows more versions of me than even I do, and that is kind of disorienting and saddening sometimes. The fact that there is someone in this world who knows me better than myself.
So I kind of like keepinglittle bluebirda secret. I know something about him, a piece of himself that he is oblivious to.
“Rowan!” John’s pleased voice rings out, and he marches from his office before pulling Rowan into a bear hug. “How are ya, son?”
“Hey, John,” Rowan laughs, returning his affection. “I’m great. Just here to steal your best employee for a date.”
“Hisonlyemployee,” I add, rolling my eyes.
John waves me off.“Hush now, Eli. Rowan, have you been to the gym? Your arms are gettin’ bigger, yeah?”
JohnlovesRowan. They’ve interacted more than they’ve needed to since Rowan and I have started seeing each other exclusively, and I think John was counting down the days until they had this kind of relationship.
Rowan blushes, but he flexes his arms anyway.“Glad you noticed, John. Yes, I have.”
“Oh, very nice!” John laughs. “Look! Elijah is blushin’!”
“I swear to god,” I mumble.
“Come on, baby.” Rowan grabs my bag and waves goodbye to John, effectively saving me from my embarrassment.
“Have fun, kids!”
As we leave theFort Myers Post,Rowan places a large hand on the small of my back and guides me toward his truck.
“Where are we heading?” I ask as we cross the grass in the middle of the town square.
“I was thinking we could go back to the karaoke bar. I had that dream again last night—the one where you’re singing?—and I feel like if I don’t hear you again soon I’ll die.”
