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“Yep.”
“Let’s do this.” He nods toward the back door that leads to the employee lot, and we all follow suit. It’s weird that Deacon is still here, but when he places his hand on the small of my back, I forget about the fact that he’s not an employee, and all I can think about is that he’s here for me.
Me.
Once we’re outside, Hank locks up and turns to Deacon. “You got her?” he asks.
“Yes.” It’s a simple answer, but the tone of his voice holds so much conviction, almost as if Deacon feels like I’m his to protect. I know that sounds crazy, but I have the feeling all the same.
His hand remains on the small of my back until we reach my car. “This is me,” I say lamely. I’m so bad at this dating thing. Hell, I’m bad at just liking someone. I’ve never had that privilege. This is all new to me. I’m on an uneven playing field.
“I’m glad I got to see you tonight,” he says, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“Me too. I’m glad you stopped by. You didn’t have to waste your night sitting and waiting for me to get off work.”
“That’s just it. It wasn’t a waste. I got to know you a little better, and anytime I get to see you is worth the time. I know you said Hank and the guys make sure you get to your car safe each night, but I was here, and I wanted to do it.”
“You do know I work five nights a week, right?” I ask, hiding my amusement.
“Don’t remind me,” he grumbles.
“I’ve worked here for going on two years, Deacon. Willow River is a small town. I’m safe.” I think that’s the first time I’ve ever said those words out loud. I’ve repeated them over and over again in my head since arriving in Willow River, but that’s the first time I’ve given a voice to them.
“Yeah, I’d like it to stay that way.”
“Should I tell Hank that seat is reserved? Maybe I can order you a plaque that has your name on it so that everyone knows it’s yours,” I tease.
“Hmm, that’s not a bad idea.” He smiles, and I wish I could take a picture of him right now to always remember this moment.
“So, your place tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Are you excited about seeing the pictures?” he asks.
“Nervous is more like it.”
“Nervous? Why are you nervous?”
“Well, I’m me.” I look down at my jeans and Willow Tavern T-shirt. “And you’re… you.” I point to his suit.
“These are just clothes, Ramsey. Pieces of fabric. They’re not at all who we are.”
“That’s not how it works where I come from.”
“Well, wherever you might have lived before isn’t Willow River. I do believe your driver’s license says Willow River is your home, right?”
“It does.” I peer up at him.
“Then this is home, Ramsey. This is where you are from. It might not be where you started, but it’s where you’re from. This town is your home.”
“I still feel as though I’m an outsider.”
“You have family here. Lots of family.” He laughs.
“I do,” I agree. “I didn’t really know them when I moved here. I hadn’t seen any of them in years, but my aunt Carol was the first and only person I could call. She’s the only one who wasn’t connected to my father and the life I was trapped in.” I don’t know why I tell him all of that, but the words just seem to fall out in a rush when Deacon is around.
“You have Palmer,” he reminds me.
I smile. “I do. Your sister has been there for me and refused to let me hide and remain in my shell. I’m grateful she chose me to be her best friend.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. She needed someone loyal like you as well.”
“How do you know that I’m loyal?”
“I like to think I’m a pretty good judge of character. Also, I know my little sister. If you were not worth the time, she wouldn’t be giving it to you.”
“She’s not afraid to speak her mind, that’s for sure.”
He takes a step closer. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Sorry?”
“I didn’t warn you that I was going to touch you.”
“No, but it was okay.” He studies me. “When it’s you, it appears to be okay.”
He nods. “So, do I still need to warn you if I’m going to touch you?”
“No. But my wrists,” I say at the same time as he takes my hand in his and his thumb traces over the bottom of my wrist.
“You didn’t flinch this time.”
“No. Not with you.”
“Never with me.” He takes the final step that has me tilting my head back to look at him. “Ramsey?” His hand makes its way up my arm, and he slides it behind my neck.
“Yeah?”
“I’m going to kiss you now.”
