Trevor simply shrugged. “Why not?”
“But, I’m...” Lexi looked down at herself. “I just got out of the hospital. I’m in yoga pants and an old t-shirt.”
“Which is perfect for what I have planned. As long as you’re feeling up to it.”
“I...um...yeah. I guess so.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Trevor reached down and swooped her gently into his arms.
Lexi let out a tiny squeal. “Trevor!” She grabbed the back of his neck for support. “What are you doing?”
“It’s a long walk down to the barn, angel. Don’t want you tiring out before the date even starts.”
Though she looked like she wanted to say something, Trevor was relieved when Lexi gave in and laid her head against his shoulder.God, I’ve missed having her in my arms.
After carefully making their way to the barn, Trevor sat Lexi down into the side-by-side Jake had sitting out, waiting for them. Not wanting to waste any time, he drove it out past the horses and into the wide, open land behind the structure.
He went slowly and did everything he could to miss any bumps or divots that might make the ride uncomfortable for Lexi. He couldn’t help but smile at her reaction when they crested one of the hills and she saw what was waiting for them.
Her face lit up like a little kid’s when she turned to him. “A picnic?”
“You like picnics?”
“Ilovethem! My mom and I used to go on picnics all the time when I was little.”
The nervous tension he’d had since leaving the hospital eased knowing he’d planned something she’d enjoy. He brought the side-by-side to a stop, and though it wasn’t a tall step like his truck, he still came around and took her good hand as she stepped down.
Standing in front of her, he kept hold of her hand as he spoke low. “I was hoping you’d like this.”
“I love it. Thank you.”
Taking a chance, Trevor leaned down and kissed her on the lips. Her bruises and cuts were already healing nicely, but he still kept the kiss gentle for fear of hurting her.
After the kiss ended, he guided them to the area Jake had set up for them. There was a large blanket resting on the grass. In the center was a bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne, two champagne flutes, a vase with some freshly cut wildflowers, and a covered platter. Next to the bucket was a cork screw.
Jake had remembered everything.
He helped her sit before lowering himself beside her. “You doing okay? I brought your pain meds with us, just in case you needed them.”
“I’m good.” She shook her head. “I took some ibuprofen before we left the hospital. And I don’t want anything stronger.” She eyed the bottle of champagne. “Especially if I get to have a glass of that.”
Trevor smiled as he reached for the bottle. After popping the cork and pouring them each a glass, he lifted the cover off the platter. It was filled with an assortment of fruit and chocolates.
“Wow. I can’t believe you did all this.”
“Well, like I said, I had some help. I’d actually planned an entire day, but—” Trevor cut himself off abruptly when he realized what he’d been about to say.
“It’s okay to talk about it, Trevor.” Lexi rested her casted hand on his jean-covered thigh. “Actually, I think we need to.”
She was right. Swallowing hard, he set his glass down. “I’m so sorry, Lex,” he whispered. He glanced up at her big, beautiful eyes. “I never meant for my world to come crashing into yours. Knowing he hurt you because of me...” His damn voice cracked, and he lowered his gaze, the guilt making it impossible to keep looking her in the eye.
Setting her own glass down, Lexi eased herself to her knees and scooted in front of him. Taking his hands into hers as best she could, she said, “Look at me, Trevor.”
Knowing he could never deny her anything, Trevor did as she asked. He was stunned when he saw no anger or resentment there. Only love.
“I know you blame yourself for what happened, but you need to know that Idon’t.This wasn’t your fault. It was horrible, and I’m sure I’ll have nightmares for months, but not because of you. When I dream about you, I’ll be dreaming about how relieved I was when I saw you come through that door. I’ll dream about the way you were willing to give yourself over to that monster, just to save me. And...” She licked her lips nervously. “I’ll dream about the way it felt to hear you say you love me. Even if”—she paused, before taking a deep breath and lifting her chin—“even if you didn’t really mean it.”
Didn’t really...“Of course I meant it, angel.”
