Page 82 of Hope After Loss

And I let him.

The ride home is quiet. Neither of us feels the need to fill the silence.

I lay my head against the back of the seat and watch him as he drives.

Wind blowing through his open window rustles his chestnut hair. The stubble on his jaw is cut close, and his forest-green eyes are framed by thick, dark lashes. His long-sleeved shirt is perfectly fitted, and his powerful biceps are on full display.

He is a beautiful man.

I close my eyes and listen to the hum of the engine and the sound of the truck’s tires on the gravel road that leads out of the woods to the main road as the fresh air swirls around the cab.

I could ride all night.

It’s the last thought I have before Weston’s voice whispers in my ear, “Hey, sleeping beauty, you’re home.”

I sit up to see we are sitting in front of my cottage.

That was fast.

His door opens, and I watch as he walks around the front of the truck to my door. It opens, and he helps me down.

“Thank you. I had a great time today,” I say.

“You’re very welcome.”

He follows me to the front porch and up the steps while I nervously fumble in my purse for the keys.

Reaching down, he covers my shaking hand. I look up and see he is grinning and dangling my key chain in his other hand.

“Looking for these?”

I snatch them from his grip.

“Where did you get those?”

He chuckles. “They were in the seat when you got out of the truck. They must have slid out of your jacket pocket.”

We stand there under the glow of the porch light in loaded silence before he steps closer, and with one finger, he lifts my chin. His eyes ask for permission, and this time, I don’t run. I stand completely still, waiting.

He lays a gentle kiss on the corner of my mouth. Then another, and a thrill shoots through me. I bear up on the toe of my boot and press my lips to his. That’s all it takes. When he tugs me in closer, my arms go around his neck, and I open for him.

We get lost in the moment.

I kiss him until we are both breathless.

Wow.

“I’d invite you in but …”

My heart is beating wildly inside my chest, and it is warring with my head.

I want so badly to continue kissing him, but at the same time, I’m scared to death to continue kissing him.

“It’s just … I need to go next door and pick Kaela up, and I have to get her to bed and …” I babble.

He leans down and lays another gentle kiss on my lips.

“It’s okay, Anna. When you’re ready,” he whispers.