The rustling got louder, and Jameson tightened his arm around me. I tried to look, but I couldn’t see much from our hiding spot behind the car. I wanted to ask what we should do if the bear came close, but I was afraid to speak. Afraid to move.
Something bumped on the metal roof of the car. Instinctively, I huddled closer to Jameson. But the noise wasn’t loud, like the sound of something heavy. It was more of a click.
“I’ll take a look,” he whispered, loosening his grip on my waist, and we both rose slowly.
I peeked over the top of the car and let out a breath that was half-sigh, half-laugh. A fat squirrel sat on the roof, staring at us with beady black eyes.
“Well, shit.” Jameson let go of me, and we both extricated ourselves from the bushes. “Jesus. A squirrel?”
I laughed and brushed some of the dirt off my legs. “It’s okay. Better safe than sorry?”
He shook his head and gave the squirrel the side-eye. “Thanks for that, little buddy.”
The squirrel scampered off, climbing a nearby tree, and disappeared from sight.
Jameson rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. Guess that was a false alarm.”
He looked so cute, acting all bashful, I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s really fine. Are we going to bring any of this back today, or do you need to come back?”
“I’d like to get what we can.” He seemed to relax at the change of subject. “Barring any more interruptions by forest creatures.”
He unfastened one of the fenders and the front bumper. I helped him detach the side mirror, but we couldn’t get to the other side. He took some smaller pieces of the car that he could get without too much trouble. Then we brought everything down to the trailer.
“This’ll do for now,” he said, stepping back to look at his haul.
“That was fun,” I said. “Like treasure hunting.”
“Exactly,” he said with a smile.
We donned our helmets and got back on the four-wheeler. I scooted as close to him as I could and wrapped my arms around his waist. God, he felt so good. I let my hands splay across his abs. Pressed my thighs against the backs of his. Just so I could feel him while I had the chance.
All too soon, we were back at his barn, and he pulled to a stop. I got up and took off my helmet, then shook out my hair.
When I looked up, Jameson was watching me, but he quickly glanced away.
I was feeling so many things, it was hard to keep track. I’d had such a great afternoon. But I always had a great time when I was with him. And now, unencumbered by a bad relationship, it was more difficult than ever to keep my emotions contained. He took my helmet and I wanted to launch myself at him. Throw my arms around his neck and kiss him. Take the chance.
He put the helmet down and paused, his eyes on my face. For the briefest moment, I thought maybe he wanted to do the same. Maybe he wanted me, too. Was he wrestling with the same emotions as me? Desperate for more, but afraid of messing up a good thing? Afraid it would be a mistake?
Please, Jameson. Do it. Step forward and meet me halfway. Then kiss me. Kiss me and tell me to stay.
But he rubbed the back of his neck and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I can get all this into the shop.”
“Oh, right,” I said, trying not to let the disappointment show on my face. “Are you sure you don’t want help?”
“Nah,” he said. “Hope you had a nice time, though.”
“I did. Thanks for saving me from the squirrel.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Anytime.”
We stared at each other for a moment, and there it was again. That glimmer in his eyes. But just as soon as I thought I’d seen it, it was gone.
“I should let you get back to work then,” I said. “Bye, Jameson.”
“Bye, Leah Mae.”
He smiled—that adorable shy smile I loved so much—and watched me go.
17
LEAH MAE
“Daddy,” I said as I got out of my car. “Look at you.”
He smiled at me from his rocking chair on the front porch. “Hi there, sunshine.”
“You look so much better today,” I said.
His skin was a healthy color, his lips no longer waxy and bluish. He rocked back and forth, resting his hands on his belly.