He winks at me and turns to go, leaving me alone in the cabin and with the continuing thought that I may have finally found the one who can help me heal my broken heart.
He already is unlike any other guy I've met...
JOSH
Regina and I have been meeting up almost every other day for a month, and our conversations have gone from light and humorous to something a bit more special. The way she looks at me with those incredible eyes makes my heart skip a beat, and I can feel myself being pulled in closer. I want her to be mine more than ever.
Our talks range from books to music to work and childhood memories. I’ve learned that she’s a freelance digital artist, an only child, and a woman who dreams of a world filled with joy and wonder. I find myself eagerly looking forward to our next meeting. I want to know everything about her. Her joy, her pain, and everything in between.
The more we talk and share, the more I feel like those walls of hers are starting to crumble. I still don't know much about the reason behind her move out to Cedarwood Valley, but from what I've gleaned so far, it had something to do with the breakdown of a relationship. As much as I'm relieved no man has snatched her up and made her his before the fates decided on our meeting, I'm still going to hunt any ass wipe who hurt her down and give them a swift kick in the nuts. They have no idea what they've missed out on. But their loss is my gain, and with every passingday our already flirtatious friendship moves closer and closer to becoming something more, something permanent. Once I have Regina in my arms and in my bed, there'll be no turning back. This woman is my future. I’m certain of it.
"Earth to Joshua. Come in, Joshua!" Kymberly says, snapping me from my lovesick thoughts as she waves her hand in front of my face.
"Did you say something?" I ask, immediately returning to my meal—a bowl of mutton stew and homemade biscuits—like I was just on pause and my sister pressed play.
"I've been talking to you for a solid ten minutes without any response."
"I'm sorry, Kym. I'm listening now."
She sighs. "It was mostly just town gossip. But the last part was me telling you I'm headingintotown. You need anything?"
"Where are you going while you're there?"
"I'm pickin' up the grocery order and the mail. Got a call there's a big box from Amazon that's in their way. What did you order? Because it wasn't me this time."
"Books." I shoot up from my seat and take my bowl to the sink. "I'll pick it up."
"Books, huh?" A smirk takes over my sister's face as she waggles her brows. "And would they happen to be of the romance variety?"
I grab my hat and place it on my head. "Maybe."
"You know, if you keep up this pattern of reading every waking moment, people are gonna look closer and start asking questions."
"Ain't nothin' wrong with reading."
"I know that. But you know what this town is like. The gossips are already curious enough about our newcomer, so they’ll eventually get wind of your little book club and the next thing you know—"
"I don't care about the town, Kym. I'm thirty-nine now, and for once in my life I’m actually doing something that’s just for myself. I’m evenenjoyingmyself. I'm also enjoying Reggie's company. And if I had it my way, I'd see a heck of a lot more of her. So they can say what they want. I’m not changin’."
She looks at me for a long moment, her smirk turning into a pleasant smile. "You really do like her, huh?"
"I do," I admit, pulling my keys from the hook by the door. "She's..." I pause as I try to find the right word, but it ends up being the simplest one that fits. "She's amazin'."
"I'm happy you've found someone who makes you smile like that, big bro. But I have to ask—since I haven't met her yet—does our new neighbor feel the same way about you?"
I give her a half smile as I place my hand on the door and pull. "I hope so."
"Then I can't wait to meet her. Maybe you should invite her to dinner one night?"
"I'll do that... When she's mine," I say, heading out to my truck before my sister can ask any further questions.
I can feel her smile follow me out as I think of the future I want with Regina. Most people would tell me I'm getting ahead of myself, but I just know in my heart of hearts that this woman is the one for me. I just have to be patient and wait for her to come around. And I have a feeling that once she sees what's in that box, I'll be one step closer to winning her heart and proving to her that I'm the one she's been waiting for too.
REGINA
After a long day dealing with indecisive clients, I put my digital pen down and head outside with a mug of tea, a fluffy blanket and my latest read. The night is cool and the sun is just starting to set, providing me with a beautiful light show as I unwind on my comfy porch seat.
The stress of the day slowly seeps away, and it isn’t until a familiar looking truck pulls into my driveway that I look up and set my book aside.
