Page 100 of Sterling Fight

Genie wraps both her hands around my bicep and rests her head on my shoulder. And I lean into her, enjoying the rhythm of our hearts.

34

[Genie]

Today has been a perfect day. The invitation. The morning orgasm. The picnic. The hike.

Judd nearly gave me a heart attack when he mentioned proposals, though. Within seconds, my heart hammered, and my palms were sweaty because I wasn’t certain I would say no to him.

A resounding check yes was caught in my throat.

Before, I hadn’t ever found someone with staying power. I sensed a loss before a relationship had been found, and I always skated out first, before I could be hurt.

Judd has been different. He’s been patient and kind, thoughtful at every turn. He’s also sexy as hell, even if we haven’t officially had sex.

The longer I wear his ring, the longer I want to keep wearing his ring, but one step at a time. Staying a little longer is an unspoken test. We’ve had twelve wonderful days, but I don’t want that to be the honeymoon period. I still have a large decision to make with Greetings Ambassador, and although that doesn’t involve a move to New York, it would involve changes.

I can only handle one shift in my life at a time.

Judd and I finish our lunch, sticking to easier topics, then we pack up and hike back to his car. I quickly learn the day isn’t over as he drives us into town.

I haven’t been to Sterling Falls other than my short visits to the Curmudgeon Bakery and Milton Roadhouse, so I’m a little surprised by the array of boutiques lining the main streets. However, two staples are still present: Frederick’s Ice Cream Parlor and the diner which stand on opposite corners from one another.

As Judd and I walk hand-in-hand, fingers easily linked together, I pause before a women’s apparel shop where a pretty, royal blue dress hangs on a mannikin in the window. Judd stops beside me.

“It kind of reminds me of my prom dress.” I wistfully recall the strapless dress I’d selected with a full skirt and dismiss the heartache that dress eventually represented, especially now that I know the truth of what happened to Judd and why he didn’t show.

“You should try it on,” Judd prompts.

I huff a laugh. “I think I’m a little old for prom dresses.”

“Is that a prom dress?” Judd eyes the strapless dress with a heart-shaped bodice and a shorter skirt that’s still full at the bottom but not as whimsical as my original prom dress.

“No. It’s just a special occasion dress.” Simple yet fun. Not necessarily appropriate for something formal like prom, but definitely a dress for an important day.

“Today is the perfect day to get it then,” Judd says.

With surprise, I glance at him, but his tone suggests he’s dead serious. Tugging me toward the boutique door confirms his suggestion.

“Judd, I don’t need a special occasion dress.” I really don’t.

“Just try it on anyway.” He’s already opening the door, and a tiny bell tinkles overhead to signal our entrance.

Within minutes, I’m wearing a dress I don’t need, but kind of love. The heart-shape neckline and cinched waist emphasizes my breasts. I love the fullness of the skirt and that the color matches Judd’s eyes.

To my surprise, Judd enters the fitting room while I’m admiring myself in the mirror.

“Judd,” I whisper. “You probably shouldn’t be in here.”

“I just want a peek.” He meets my gaze in our reflection in the mirror. “I already know what I missed, but now I can really envision it.” His eyes don’t leave my body, taking in the fit of the dress.

His hands join the exploration when he sets them on my hips first, coasting them down my thighs before skimming back up and along my sides, brushing at the side of my breasts.

“Looks like a good fit.”

“And suddenly you’re a dressmaker,” I tease.

“I’m a dress expert. Especially when it comes to you in one.” He runs his knuckles down my back along the zipper which sends a shiver up my spine and goosebumps erupt on my skin. He covers my shoulders next, rubbing his hands down my arms to warm me up. His mouth comes to the side of my neck, and he kisses me once before running his nose up to my ear.