“Jameson, you’re forgetting I’ve known you a long time.”
He wasn’t wrong, and I replied with a smile. “I was hoping we could talk about your plans for the greenhouse. I realize it’s still early, and there’s an insurance process to navigate; I’d like to be involved if possible.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Let me preface by saying that I don’t want to overstep here, so if I’m off base, please just tell me.”
“You could never overstep.”
“Thank you. Keeping that in mind, I know how special the greenhouse was to your family, and I’d love to assist in its restoration.”
“You’re a good man, Jameson, and I might just take you up on your offer.”
“Sit tight,” I asked of Ari before I closed my door and jogged around to the passenger side of my truck to open hers.
“When you asked me out on a date, I had no idea I would be getting the full princess treatment.” She gathered the lower half of her long navy maxi dress in her hand before I offered her my hand to help her step down.
“You expected less of me?”
The denim material of her jean jacket bunched on her shoulders as she draped her arms over mine. “No, it’s just we’ve known each other a long time and?—”
“All the better reason to show you another side of me that exists. I didn’t want to take you out for dinner where every set of eyes in town would be on us. I wanted to do something I haven’t done before, and that’s take the girl I like on a picnic.”
“It’s so beautiful here.” She stepped out of my hold and walked closer to the lake, admiring the scenery while I focused on the one beauty that truly captivated me—her.
“Boden owns property not far from here. It’s where he and Lakelyn plan to build a home.”
“Yes, he mentioned something about that on game night.” Her eyes swept the property and beamed. “I can certainly understand why living out here would be so appealing; it’s incredibly peaceful. While I’m no stranger to that sense of serenity, I’ve always found solace in the vast fields and trees stretching as far as the eyes can see at my dad’s place. Despite having lived here nearly my entire life, I’ve never truly explored these hidden gems. You must think that’s weird?”
“No, not at all; your parent’s property is incredible.”
“It was . . . now it’s?—”
“The greenhouse will be rebuilt, Ari.”
“I know that’s my dad’s plan down the road, but some things are irreplaceable, you know?” She gazed across the water, watching as the sun shimmered on its surface. “My mom had this workbench with our hand-carved initials in it. I know it’s silly in the grand scheme of things, but it was covered with nicks and scratches from all our projects—each one told a story, and now it’s gone. But what really scares me is the thought of not feeling her presence anymore. It was the one place I felt closest to her.”
“I think it’s perfectly natural to feel that way. Feelings are complicated, and they don’t always make sense. I know it must feel overwhelming, just remember, your mom is always with you in spirit. She’s in your memories, and more importantly, she will always have a special place in your heart that is dedicated just for her.”
“When did you get so wise?” She smirked just before I gently captured her chin between my thumb and forefinger.
I watched with rapt interest as her tongue swept across her bottom lip, drawing me in closer. “Stick with me, and you’ll find out.”
“I plan to,” she murmured, gently grazing her lips softly across mine before the passion that was so uniquely ours, effortless and intense, enveloped us.
Given our history, one would have expected awkwardness, but kissing her felt like the most natural thing in the world. “Kissing you feels like home.” I breathed, my heart racing nearly out of my chest.
“Jameson.” She moaned.
I pulled back and cupped her cheeks, her hazel eyes bright with faith and contentment.
“God, the taste of your lips.” I leaned my forehead against hers, willing myself to slow the pace down. “Please, don’t take this the wrong way . . . while I can’t get enough of you, Ari, I didn’t bring you here to ravage you. I’d hoped we could talk, sit, and be together.”
“I’d like that,” she draped her arms casually over my shoulders, “but it’s okay to sprinkle in some kisses here and there because why deny the inevitable.”
“What am I going to do with you?” I grinned, lowering my hands on her back to explore her curves.
“Guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.” She drummed her fingers down my chest before helping me get the stuff out of the back of my truck.
