The Bet (The Bet 1)

Travis told his heart to stop clenching in his chest every time she hinted toward staying. “In Portland?”

“The restaurant.” She shrugged. “It’s as if I never left.”

“They would be proud of you, Kacey.” He reached across the table and grasped her hand. “I know I am.”

Kacey shook her head. “What would they be proud of? The girl who hasn’t finished college? Who lives on her own and has one sad goldfish as a pet?”

“No.” Travis went to kneel next to her. “They’d be proud of your spirit, proud of the woman you’ve become. You’re strong, you’re brilliant, not to mention beautiful.”

Kacey’s head snapped up. “Do you really think I’m beautiful?”

“No. I think you’re breathtaking.”

Kacey flushed.

“I think you’re life-altering.”

She tried to pull away.

“I think you’re uniquely, wonderfully… you.”

Her lips trembled.

“I think I’m going to kiss you.”

“I think I want you to,” Kacey whispered as his lips descended toward hers. She tasted like bittersweet chocolate and wine. His hands moved to touch her skin then glided over her cheeks and dipped into her hair.

“Thank you…” Her voice was husky. “For saying that.” She pulled away and sniffed as her eyes began to water. “The last person who told me I was beautiful was my mother.”

“That,” he said as he kissed her nose. “Is a shame. You should be told you’re beautiful every day. Because every day it’s true, and every time I see you, you grow in your beauty. Just because people don’t say the words, doesn’t mean it’s any less true, Kace.”

She bit her lip and looked down. He kissed her forehead and reached for the chocolate. “Chocolate makes everything better.”

“Where have you been all my life?” she said, watery-eyed.

“Home,” Travis answered a note of seriousness in his voice. “I’ve been home, waiting for you.”

****

They drove home in silence. A light rain pattered across the windshield. Travis wasn’t sure what had shifted between them, but something had changed. Maybe he had been too vulnerable with her, his emotions felt raw, but then again, Kacey’s probably did as well.

It was dark by the time the truck pulled back into the driveway. They had spent at least three hours talking and sharing childhood memories. Several times Travis had wanted to drown himself in the river. After all, most of their childhood memories were of him stalking her or being hateful, and Kacey crying.

But they’d still had fun.

He didn’t remember ever spending so much time with a girl and wanting the day to never end.

Not to mention the night.

He turned the truck off and ran to the other side to open Kacey’s door.

“Tired?” his voice cracked.

“You’d think after all that wine and chocolate I would be.” Kacey hopped out and gave him a shrug. “You up for a movie?”

I’m up for anything. “Whatever you want.”

“Great.” She bounced to the door and turned around. “But it’s my choice.”