Page 17 of Worthy of Sunsets and Second Chances

Eli’s baby.

He has a baby . . . with another woman. The reality of that, in my hands, is so hard. A truth I can’t run and hide from.

I love babies and children, always have, but it’s also always been complicated. This is different. I am usually really good at holding my feelings in separate places when it comes to this. My personal situation doesn’t mix when I’m with my friends’ kids or other babies I see. But this? This is as personal as it gets.

Rocking gently, I stroke the back of Wren’s soft hand. Lost in memories and my own feelings, I forgot that Eli was even standing there watching me.

“Kendra? Are you two good?”

“Yup,” I manage to whisper, not looking at him.

“Alright, I’m just gonna hop in the shower then. Thanks.” Eli bends down and kisses the top of Wren’s head again. I try and fail to not inhale the heady scent of his sweat mixed with the sandalwood soap he’s always used.

15

Kendra

NINETEEN YEARS OLD

I’m in love with him.

I don’t know how I’m supposed to leave after this summer and not be with him. He goes back to finish his degree, and I am going to finish school to become a hairdresser. I want to maybe even open my own salon one day. But the thought of being away from Eli makes me feel sick to my stomach.

After he kissed me for the first time in his truck, we’ve been even more inseparable. Sneaking around, making out in hidden corners of the library during the day on his breaks or mine, has been a thrill. He touches me and my whole body lights up. I want more. I want to give him everything. That terrifies me and excites me all at the same time. What if I am not good enough? I know he’s been with other people, but thinking about it makes me want to tear my perfect hair out, and we all know that’s not going to happen.

“Ready, sweetheart?” Eli comes up behind me, possessively slipping a large hand around my waist.

“Yes!” I breathe out, leaning back against him, taking in a lungful of his sandalwood soap. “Let’s go to someplace quiet.”

“I know the perfect spot.” Eli grins, leading me to his truck.

Eagle Point is stunning. We have an incredible view of the entire town of Fox Grove as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. Eli picked us up a pizza on the way here and we are laughing, talking, and enjoying each other laid out on a thick blue-and-white-striped blanket in the bed of his truck.

“This is the best night. I love watching the sunset with you.” I hum, snuggling into his side.

“Mm-hmm,” Eli rumbles in agreement, his strong hands running soothing patterns in my hair.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You can ask me anything, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of my head.

“Why haven’t you tried to have sex with me?” I feel his body tense under me at the question.

Eli shifts us so we are sitting up, face-to-face. “I don’t want to rush things with you, push you. Make you feel like I expect that from you. You are more than that to me, Kendra, can’t you tell?”

“I do, but I . . . I also know that I want you. And I just don’t know if you want me too, at least in that way. Honestly, I have no experience to compare it to.” My admission makes me feel like I just stripped myself naked in front of him.

I can hear Eli audibly swallow before his hands cup my face, forcing my eyes back to his. “You mean to tell me you want to give me everything? Be your first?”

My first and last if I have anything to say about it.

“Yes. I have never been more sure.” I keep my gaze on him, locked on his stormy eyes so he knows my confidence is unwavering. “I want you, Eli. I need it to be you.”

Lust turns the storm in his eyes into a full-force hurricane, unable to be held back any longer. Our mouths crash against each other in passionate waves that pull us deeper into an embrace I don’t think I will ever escape. His hands are everywhere, hot and strong, branding me, stripping me bare of my sundress in seconds. I’m left in a matching lace set of bright pink that complements the highlights in my hair.

“Holy shit, you are perfection,” Eli says, his eyes sweeping over every exposed inch.

“Your turn,” I demand, and he quickly pulls off his shirt. Unbuckling his belt, drawing down his zipper seductively, he shifts to take off his jeans and boxers, kicking off his boots and socks along the way. I have never actually seen a man undress, but I think Eli might have just set a new record.