“I’m not used to that,” she confessed, her hands curling around his bicep as she snuggled closer into his side for warmth.
“Used to what?”
“Used to having someone who wants to take care of me. Take care of meandmy daughter.”
“I want to, Sarah.” He brought his hand over hers. “If you’ll let me.”
CHAPTER 15
What did that mean?
Was Lance Major finally asking her out?
Sarah’s heart thrummed rapidly, changing the cadence of her breathing into something unsteady.
“What are you saying?” She slipped her arm from his to turn to face him in the patch of snow in her parents’ front yard.
“I’m trying to tell you that I’m interested in you, Sarah. I have been for a really long time, actually. A year ago, I thought we’d started something, but I wasn’t clear about my intentions then, and it caused me to miss out on an entire year of your life, as well as Laney’s.” Sliding his hands into the pockets of his fleece-lined jacket, he shrugged his big shoulders. “I don’t want to go another year without you by my side. So, I guess I’m asking you to be my girlfriend. Officially, this time.”
Sarah faltered, taking a small step back. “Lance, I’m not sure you know exactly what that involves. I have a child. Dating me isn’t going to be what you’re used to with other women.”
“I fully understand what it involves. It’s mountains of kid-friendly food, changing plans last minute because someone is under the weather, and getting to be a part of the life of the most incredible woman I’ve ever known.”
Try as she might, Sarah just couldn’t understand how any of this would be even remotely appealing to Lance. “We’re boring. Seriously, my day to day is so different from what you’re used to.”
“Just because I own an adventure sports shop doesn’t mean my life needs to be one constant adrenaline rush.” He stepped forward to close the gap she’d created when she’d stumbled back from the impact of his confession. “If I can be completely candid, my heart has never raced as fast on the slopes as it does when I’m around you.”
A little gasp slipped between her lips. “Oh.”
“I’m serious, Sarah. I want you to be my adventure.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I’ll understand if you don’t feel the same. It’s a lot, I get it.” Insecurity overtook the hopeful look on his face. Sarah couldn’t let that happen.
With one big stride toward him, she lifted onto her toes and pressed her lips to Lance’s.
It was his turn to stumble back.
Briefly, he paused, stunned by her bold gesture. But then his mouth answered hers, giving her the sweetest, longest-time-coming kiss. It was like sipping hot chocolate in the snow, the way he warmed every part of her as his lips gently moved in rhythm with hers. A little groan rumbled his chest, and he pulled her in closer, moving his arms around her waist like he had all of those years ago when they’d danced in the high school gym.
She’d wanted him to kiss her then, too. But they were kids, and she had a hunch it would have been clumsy and uncoordinated.
Nothing about this kiss was.
Lance lifted a hand to the back of Sarah’s head, threading his fingers in her long strands of honey-colored hair.
“Sarah,” he murmured against her cheek. He kissed her there, a sweet, small kiss, and then placed another along her jaw before pulling back to look dreamily into her eyes. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes.” She laughed. “It’s a yes.”
She didn’t know what it would look like, being in a relationship with Lance. But the details weren’t important. They would work things out.
He brought his mouth to hers once more, the scruff along his jaw rubbing against her chin. It had been so long since she’d been kissed that she’d almost forgotten how wonderful it could be. The anticipation, the tenderness. The thrill and the emotion. And in a way, it was so much better because it was Lance that she was kissing. She felt safe. Protected. Wanted and even cherished.
The only thing to finally break them apart was an energetic pup pushing his way between the two to get in on the cuddling.
“I think someone’s jealous,” Sarah said, looking down at the insistent puppy.
