Left (Left 1)

“Phoenix was out before Thomas r

eturned to the station,” he says with a gentle smile.

“School tuckers them out, huh?”

“Yes, I can’t say I don’t enjoy the extra quiet time.”

I laugh. He moves closer. His leg brushes mine. I tense.

“I understand why you’re wary. But this is you and me. There’s nothing we can’t do together. If we decide to do this, nothing could stop us.”

“I wish I felt the same way.”

“So we what? Ignore it?”

“Yes,” I say.

He sighs. “It’s a patch job, and you know it. Tell me you haven’t wondered what we’d be like together.”

“Have you?” I ask turning the tables.

“Every damn night since I discovered how soft your lips are.” He traces my lips with his fingertip, and I shiver.

“Houston—.”

“I’m not going to push you.” He leans in pausing a millimeter from my lips. “Neither of us is ready for this. Not yet. But you should’ve talked to me about it not run.” His warm breath makes my lips tingle. I swallow, hard.

“No more disappearing?” he asks.

“No,” I whisper.

“Good. Next time I’ll chase your ass down.”

I know he means every word.

“We’re all right?” I ask breathlessly.

“We're all right.” He pulls back.

“I need to get out of here and pack. I've been working late every day to finish things up, so I don’t come back to a mess.” I scramble from the couch desperate to put space between us. My heart and my mind are waring. Part of me is bucking the thought of ignoring the attraction simmering between us.

“Now I think I’m the one who gets to say you work too hard.” He teases as he walks me to the door.

I flash him a smile as I slip out the front door.

“Leave the presents in your closet, and I’ll stop by tomorrow while they’re at school and wrap them.”

“They’ll be waiting for you. I managed to get us two houses. One for us and the kids and one for Mom and Dad. Braedon and Neve are going to meet up with us at Schlitterbahn.”

“So it’s Maloney mini family reunion, then?”

He laughs. “Pretty much.”

“Alright, I’ll get my mind ready and my stomach. You guys drink like fish.” I wink, and I’m out the door running on the fumes of courage and acting skills.

***

Houston