Page 53 of Hope and Country

Riley scooted closer. “In some countries, they are important.”

I huffed. “I know. I wanted to be one of those strong and fearless women. And have a horse named Johnny. And a knight kissing me in a tower. Like in fairy tales. It was frivolous. I can see it now.”

Riley grabbed my hand. “It’s not. Dreams are important. And you’ve become that princess. Without realizing it. You saved yourself, Dev.”

I shook my head. “You kinda did.”

“No. It was all you.” His hand caressed my cheek, his thumb tracing the corner of my lips. “You are a princess, Devon. And you’re one of those strong and courageous women you dreamed of becoming. And for that horse, my parents have a stable on their property. None is named Johnny, but we could go for a ride sometimes. To check the last box of your little Devon’s dream list.”

I brought a hand over my mouth. “You would do that for me?”

“I would do anything for you. All you have to do is ask.”

His words went straight to my heart.

“You are that knight, Riley. And you don’t even know it. You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

Ohmygod, could I love him even more than I already did?

22

RILEY

“My face looks normal again. I never thought I would see this day ever again,” Devon said as she climbed onto the bed, wrapped in a red towel a few days later, her hair loose over her shoulders. In the last month, we’d spent all our free time together since I started working from home as often as possible and only left when I had meetings or events I couldn’t miss.

We’d found our pace. It wasn’t awkward having a woman here as much as I thought it’d be at first, which still surprised me. I had never lived with anybody else before. Ever.

After a dozen failed attempts to sleep in the guest bedroom by herself, Devon had moved into my bed. For good.

Every night, we did nothing else but spoon like an old married couple, bringing each other comfort. Helping each other move out of our own darkness.

Having her in my arms eased some of the attraction I had for her. At least for now. We both hoped for more.

The air charged, the molecules of attraction heated up, every time we were together.

Devon’s pulse beat a frenzied rhythm every time she pressed her back against me.

And mine yearned and went crazy for the girl who owned it.

Beside me, Devon’s grin illuminated her face.

And the throbbing of my heart quickened and strengthened.

“My ribs are healed too. Being alive has never felt so good.”

Her gaze searched mine, and something passed between us.

The same electric jolts I felt a year ago. And still felt almost daily.

Devon parted her lips to say something, but the words died on the tip of her tongue.

My own words dissolved in my throat.

I swept my tongue over my lower lip, my mouth dry.

The curve of Devon’s lips drew me in.

I pushed the desire down—again—but I was struggling a little more each day to keep it locked in.