Page 20 of Reluctant to Love

“No. I don’t want you to leave the little princess alone. Besides, I won’t be traveling alone.”

“Oh?”

Despite being a New Age horoscope nut, my mom is my best friend. She knows everything. “Roderick is coming back with me.”

“Oh?” I can almost hear the smile in her voice.

“It’s a long story I’m sure you’re eager to hear,” I grumble.

“I look forward to finally meeting him.”

“Don’t get too attached. I don’t know how long he’s planning on staying.”

I turn just in time to catch his eye. The scowl on his lips tells me he overheard our conversation and isn’t too happy.

When I slip my phone back into my bag, he grabs my hand and drags me toward an empty gate.

“Listen,” he growls as he presses me against the wall. “Let’s get one thing straight, sweets. These walls around your heart better start tumbling down because whether you like or not, I’m staying forever.”

I don’t get the chance to respond because his mouth slams into mine. Little by little, my defenses start to crumble. I’m desperate to believe in him, to believe all of the things he says because there is truly no other man for me but him.

With every breath his kisses steal, my reluctance to love again is replaced with new and exciting hope for the future.