Love At First Sight (Southern Bride 1)

“Thank you!” Chloe called out as I walked over to the table and set the other bag down.

“It smells like heaven. What did you order?” Chloe asked as she pulled out plastic plates and silverware, followed by a loaf of the most amazing smelling garlic bread.

“Your favorite. Chicken parmesan.”

She closed her eyes and let out a moan that went straight to my dick. I attempted to ignore how much he liked that sound coming from her. “I almost lost control there for a second.”

She helped me take out all the food. “What was that all about anyway?”

I shrugged. “You walked out of the bathroom and took my breath away. I wanted you again.”

She chewed on her lip and a slight blush colored her cheeks.

I reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You look adorable as fuck in my old T-shirt with your hair up in a ponytail. I can’t believe how lucky I am, and a part of me is really hoping like hell this isn’t another dream.”

“It’s not a dream. I already pinched myself a few times in the bathroom.”

We both laughed.

“Has Alyssa been trying to call?”

“Don’t know. My phone is in my purse. I haven’t even taken it out.”

“Mike texted. He asked if we’ve, and I quote, ‘done it’ yet.”

Chloe rolled her eyes and took a bite of bread. I handed her the salad. “What did you say?”

“I told him we weren’t in grade school. Then you walked out, and I completely forgot about everything else but you.”

The corners of her mouth rose. “You are a charmer, Mr. Myers.”

“I try.”

“This is all so delicious. I was thinking we might have to have beer and pretzels for dinner since we only bought lunch stuff and snacks.”

“Nope. I’ve got dinner for tonight and tomorrow night planned out. I figured we wouldn’t want to leave, so I’m having tomorrow night’s meal delivered, too.”

She gave me a sweet grin. “I think this is my new favorite way to camp.”

“Mine too,” I agreed with a slight chuckle.

Dinner was filled with the two of us talking about our lives. Chloe told me about how excited she was to be working with her dad. I told her about a project I was working with Jonathon on an old historical building in Johnson City.

Chloe talked about Patches. She missed him and that broke my heart. When she was about to get upset, she immediately changed the subject. “So, are you excited about the farmhouse?”

I paused for a moment, wondering if I should tell her what I did. Without her permission. “Um yeah, I am,” I replied. “Are you?”

With a tilt of her head, she pulled in a deep breath and exhaled. “Rip, you’re keeping something from me. Tell me what it is.”

My eyes lifted to meet hers. “It’s supposed to be a surprise, but I’m starting to wonder if I should give you a heads up. Your daddy warned me about you Parker women.”

Her jaw dropped in shock before she giggled and threw a napkin at me.

I quickly batted it away but met her intense stare.

“I, um, you see… I told the title company your name was to be listed as one of the owners.”

She kept staring at me. Not saying a word.

“I did, after all, promise you that I would buy you the house. I’m just hoping you’ll want to share it with me.”

Chloe swallowed hard, stood, then quickly walked to the railing that overlooked the dark countryside.

“Chloe? Are you angry with me?” I asked. The glow from the tent’s inner lights lit her up.

She turned to face me, a look of disbelief on her face. “Angry? How could I be angry with you for doing something so…so sweet.” Her voice cracked, and I knew she was trying not to cry.

“I planned on doing it the moment I found out it was for sale. That house is yours.”

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around her body. My heart dropped to the floor.

“No, Rip. That house is ours. The place where I want to build our future. I’m just…”

I placed my hand on the side of her face. “You’re what, princess?”

Her eyes lifted to meet mine. “I’m so happy. I never dreamed I could ever be this happy. You’re making all my dreams come true, and I haven’t done anything to deserve any of this.”

My stomach lurched at her words. “What do you mean?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I told another man I would marry him while you were planning on buying me a house. You didn’t give up on us, and for a time I did give up. I don’t deserve—”

I pressed my finger to her lips. “Chloe, look at me.”

Her blue eyes sparkled from the flickering candles as she gazed up at me.

“Look deep, because you’ll see right into my heart and know that you mean the world to me. Don’t you see it?”