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37
Soothing caresses stir me awake. As the cobwebs of sleep clear from my eyes, Reid’s handsome face comes into view. He looks almost ethereal amid the brightness pooling into the bedroom.
“Morning.”
“You’re so beautiful,” he says softly.
“Were you just standing there watching me sleep?”
“Am I not supposed to?” He climbs under the sheets and drapes his arm over me. “Mom went to meet her friends for breakfast.”
I turn to face him, asking, “What happened last night?”
He lets out a long breath before answering. “Barry got arrested for getting in a bar fight. I bailed him out, drove him home, and I…told him that was it. I’m done helping him.”
I ease my head up. “Reid…”
“I can’t do it anymore. He’s shown me over and over he’ll never be what want I need.”
“Which is?” I ask, touching his face as I notice his eyes tearing up a bit.
He grasps my hand. “A dad. Someone I can trust. Someone who’ll finally be responsible. Someone I can be proud of and know he’ll show up for me in life.” He sighs. “Barry will never be those things. Mom is.”
I shift closer and run my fingers through his hair in soothing motions. “So you won’t see him again?”
“It’s better that way. It feels like I set myself up to get hurt again.”
I kiss his forehead and try to comfort him with my touch.
We fall quiet, staring at each other.
“Let’s go somewhere and spend the whole day together.”
My body ignites at the suggestion. “Where?”
“A place we’ll be completely alone.”
I discern the implication behind his words. It sets my skin on fire. It’s what I want, too.
“Okay,” I reply in a close whisper.
Reid leans over and treats me to an all-consuming kiss.
After showering, I haul on a flowy short dress and slippers, then meet Reid at the gates.
He takes off the second I’m in the car, reaching over to hold my hand on my thigh.
His touch feels so good. Being with him feels good. It’s like I’m more alive than ever.
My heart’s never sprinted this fast for anyone. I’ve never experienced such emotions before.
Am I in love with Reid?
That’s quite possible.
I realize where he’s taking me upon seeing the sign for Harbor Point. I receive a confirmation when he turns down the gravel road minutes later and pulls up at the lake house.
“I forgot about this place,” I mutter, turning to Reid.
