Page 249 of Worth the Trip

“I think I’m learning the difference between being careful and being afraid.”

“That sound right.”

“And loving you doesn’t feel like something I need to protect myself from.”

His eyes closed briefly.

“My love.”

“I mean it.”

“I know.”

He kissed me once.

Then again.

“Are you spending the night?”

“Thought we established extended residency.”

“At my house.”

“Yes.”

“You brought clothes?”

“In the truck.”

I leaned back. “You were already planning to stay.” The innocence he attempted deserved an award for poor execution. “You are shameless.”

“I prepared for favorable outcomes.”

“You let me invite you like this was my idea.”

“It was your idea.”

“You packed a bag.”

“Preparation doesn’t invalidate choice.” I stared. He kissed my nose. “You like me prepared.”

“I can’t stand you.”

“You love me.”

My smile betrayed me.

“I do.”

He exhaled.

“Damn, that sound good.”

“You’re gonna be unbearable.”

“Baby, I’m in love with a woman who made me custom ice cream, sang directly at me in front of half of Self Springs, asked me to stay, and voluntarily let me carry her through a parking lot. Humility facing serious structural obstacles.”

I laughed into his chest.