Page 18 of Forever my Love

By the time they walked out of the restaurant, he had convinced himself that Hailey was far better than he deserved.

She was smart, witty, kind, and made him laugh like no other person ever had.

“Thanks for tonight,” Hailey said as she leaned against her truck.

He moved slightly closer to her.

“All I did was enjoy your company,” he admitted truthfully.

“You make me feel fluttery when you stand so close,” she said softly.

He couldn’t help it, his smile grew when he heard that.

She pointed at him. “That makes it even worse.”

“What?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Your smile.”

He moved a little closer.

“How does it make you feel when I do this?” he laid his hand gently on her hip and heard her suck in a deep breath.

“Hot,” she whispered.

“And this?” He leaned in, just a breath from her lips.

Instead of answering, her eyes darted down to his lips, inviting him.

When he tasted her, a soft groan escaped her lips.

“You’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted,” he admitted, dipping his tongue in for another sample.

When he lifted his hand to cup her face, she tensed and jerked back, almost as if he’d slapped her instead of gently caressing her.

He took a giant step back.

“Sorry,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “I… I’d better go.”

He stopped her by taking her hand in his.

“I don’t ever want to make you afraid.” He lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Talk to me. Tell me where your lines are that I shouldn’t cross.”

She swallowed slowly, then nodded. “Goodnight.”

“Night.” He stood back to let her go. He watched her taillights disappear before getting into his truck and driving home.

Ali was waiting for him to let him out. As he stood on his deck, watching his dog sniff every bush in his yard, he wondered what it would take for Hailey to open up to him.

Almost half an hour after getting home, his phone rang. Seeing Tom’s number, he answered.

“Hey, what’s up?” he asked, knowing his friend never called him this late unless something was wrong.

“You might want to head on over here to Harper and Hailey’s cabin. Someone broke in⁠—”

“What?” he interrupted. “Are they okay?”

“They’re fine. Nick is here now. We’re checking the place out again, but I figured you’d want to know.”