Blinded by Beauty (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 8)

“Great show tonight.” Emmett turned to Chance. “You and Jaris take care of her, and call me if you need anything.”

“We have your number. We will call you at the first sign of anything out of the ordinary.”

“Good deal.” Emmett got back into his truck and drove off.

Jaris headed to her house from across the street. “The sheriff has done an incredible job securing the area. We shouldn’t have any issues tonight.”

Finally. Alone with Jaris and Chance.

She placed the key in the deadbolt and unlocked the door. “Have a seat, guys. I could use a glass of wine. Would you two like anything?”

“You’ve been on your injured leg too long,” Jaris said. “You sit and Chance and I can get the drinks and something to eat. I bet you’re hungry?”

“Not really.” Food was the last thing on her mind.

“Sweetheart, you sure? You haven’t eaten all day.” Chance’s tone sent a shiver up and down her spine. Like always, it was filled with a deep, abiding kindness, but there was a hint of sadness she detected that caused her to choke up.

“You and Jaris haven’t eaten either.”

“How about we start with some cheese and crackers? Or would you rather Jaris cook something?”

“Cheese and crackers will be fine. Thank you both.”

They walked into her kitchen and she sat down on her sofa. Her heart was racing. She’d been waiting for what seemed like forever, though it had only been since last night, to tell Jaris how she really felt about him. How do I tell him? How will he react? She’d already experienced Chance’s reaction to her truth. Not good, though she hadn’t given up hope yet.

She brought out her cell and sent a text to her mother. “Getting cold feet, Mom. Alone with them now. What do I do?”

Waiting for her mother’s response, she listened to Jaris and Chance preparing their light meal.

Her cell beeped.

She read her mother’s words and felt better.

“Dreams are never reached unless you do everything you can to reach them, honey. I say, ‘Go for it.’ Love, Mom.”

Bolstered by her mother’s text, she smiled and put her phone back in her purse.

The guys returned with the food and drink.

She took the glass of wine Jaris held out for her.

Chance placed the tray on the coffee table.

She scooted to the center of her couch. “Guys, sit down with me.” They squeezed next to her. It felt so good being between them. “I have something I’ve been wanting to say all day.”

Jaris placed his glass on the table and turned to her. “I have something I need to say, too.”

“Please, Jaris. Let me go first.” Even though she was determined to follow through with this, she began to tremble.

He grabbed her hand. “Sure.”

“It’s just that…well, I need to tell you…” She took a deep breath and blurted, “Oh, damn it. I am in love with you, Jaris.”

“Oh my God, Kaylyn. That’s what I wanted to tell you. I’m in love with you, too.”

Happy tears welled up in her eyes. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Feeling him deepen the kiss, tingles spread all over her body.