Page 48 of Finding Love

He knew that she’d be excited to see what Parker had come up with. No doubt, she’d have her own ideas or changes. He was looking forward to seeing what she thought would be best for the old home.

“How about we make some sandwiches and head outside? You can tell me all about the hazard.” She motioned to his eye.

While he made them turkey sandwiches, he filled her in on what had happened that day. She was concerned until he told her that he’d pressed charges, and Mark had been taken away by the police.

He had to draw the line and one thing he wanted his employees to understand was that there was zero tolerance towards violence at Gallant.

Wanting a change of subject, he balanced the food on his laptop and headed outside.

While they started to eat, he opened up the email with the plans that Parker had sent over.

The man had some really great ideas about how to update the home and make it cozier.

They had just started scanning through the ideas when the rain started. He grabbed his laptop while she grabbed the rest of the food, and they both dashed inside, laughing.

“I hope the weather is better tomorrow,” Brook said as Willy ran in the back door behind them and shook off.

He set his laptop down on the counter as she set the soaked food on the table.

“The weather app says it will be clear for the rest of the weekend,” he said. She moved to sit down, but he stopped her by pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

Her fingers brushed his swollen eye. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He rested his forehead against hers. “This somehow makes everything better. Even a black eye.” He looked into her eyes and cupped her face. “You balance me. I searched for an entire year and traveled thousands of miles up and down the coast looking for an ounce of what you do for me with just a simple smile.” He kissed her again and was surprised to see tears slipping down her cheeks when he looked at her face again.

He brushed them away with his thumb, thinking at first that he’d said something wrong, but then her smile brightened, and she hugged him.

“Now you’ve done it.” She started to pull him toward the stairs.

“I have?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah,” she said, but then she stopped and grabbed his laptop. “I’ll want to finish going over those plans. After.” She smiled and he followed her up the stairs. When they were in the bedroom, she set his laptop down on the nightstand and turned to him.

“Ryder, I…” She wrapped her arms around him. “I’ve never felt this much for someone before.”

His heart did a little jump in his chest.

“You haven’t?” he asked, his voice sounding distant. She shook her head slowly. “I haven’t either.” His hands moved to her hips. “What are we going to do about it?”

Her smile grew and she started tugging his shirt off. “I have a few good ideas.”