Page 24 of Into The Rabbit Hole

“I am, Wes,” she replied, finding hervoice.

“No way. It’s me who doesn’t even begin to climb up the scale. But please, can we stop comparing and measuring. I’ve had to do that all mylife.”

She reached up and touched his face; the sadness in his eyes compelled her to do so because she couldn’t imagine someone like him needing to do that. He turned and brought her hand over to his lips so he could kiss it. The gesture made hersmile.

“Let’s go for a walk on the beach,” hesuggested.

While she could think of nothing sweeter and more refreshing, the worry she felt previouslyreturned.

What was happening was serious. It was a serious matter that she couldn’t overlook, and she wouldn’t be able to live with herself if something happened toWes.

She shook her head. “I’m scared.” She was actually terrified, and then there was the whole fact that she’d just gotten out of a long-term relationship. “And I don’t want you to think that you’re rebound guy, because youaren’t.”

“I don’t think that.” He shook his head. “I understand if you find it hard to separate your feelings for Richard. You were with him for a longtime.”

“No, I actually don’t have a problem with that.” It was the strangest thing, but seeing Richard with his family, and knowing that he had lied to her and cheated, killed any love she may have had for him in an instant. That stupid kiss she shared with him was down to her weakened state at the time. She still felt weak from the accident, and her body was still recovering. However, her mind was there. It was here, and so was her heart. “He hurt me, Wes, and made me feel like nothing. He made me feel like I’m the kind of person you’d have on the side, but never be serious about. And then he made me look like a homewrecker.Me.” The whole thing still saddened her. That part did, because she was made to look like that against her will and wishes. “I have no feelings for him, other than the urge to stay away and forget him. But I’m scared for you, Wes. I can’t allow something to happen to you, just because you knowme.”

He shook his head and smiled. “I’m not going anywhere, Taylor. And now that I know what it’s like to kiss you, nothing on Earth is going to prevent me from doing it again.” A slow smile danced on the edge of his lips. Looking at them made her want to kiss him again. “I choose danger if my reward isyou.”

God, had anyone ever said anything like that to her before? Had she ever felt like this just from a few words? As if her heart would burst at the joy of just being in hispresence.

He released her hand and cupped her face. “Come with me, Taylor. We’ll walk on the beach and then we’ll come back here and I’ll make you dinner. While we do that, you can help me brainstorm ideas on how we can helpWade.”

This was what she meant about him. His positivity. While everyone accepted the situation as a lost cause, he was busy thinking outside the box. Seeing through the obstacles and trying to find a way around it. But she was in complete awe that he’d want to help, given his awful past withWade.

“You want tohelp?”

He shook his head and smiled. “Correction. I’m going to help. I don’t know how yet, but it’ll come tome.”

“Really, you think you can?” She couldn’t believeit.

“I can’t make any promises, but I’m going to do my best. Wade was framed and the person who framed him went through a lot of trouble to hide any- and everything to prove his innocence. I just have to findsomething.”

All she could do was stare. “Oh Wes, you’re thebest.”

“Thanks. Now come let’s walk and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.” He smiled and took her hand, tugging heralong.

Her hand in his felt like it belonged there. It was as if they’d always been like this. It would be great to hear what ideas he had to help Wade, but she looked forward to spending time with him, and she’d savor every minute theyhad.