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“Probably. I’ll ask her at the airport.”
“What?!” she squeals. “Don’t you dare.”
I burst out laughing. I think teasing her could easily become a favorite pastime.
Chapter Eight
Aiden
Thecloserwegetto Atlanta, the more the wind dies down. The worst of the storm is well and truly behind us. Our little interlude broke the ice between Riley and me, and I couldn’t be happier. Her joyful giggles were music to my ears. I want to hear them over and over.
Our banter confirmed what I suspected. Riley has a fabulous sense of humor and is great fun to be around. I can’t wait to get to know her better.
For now, though, there’s only silence in the car. It’s comfortable and I’m at peace. It keeps away the demons that rear their ugly heads in weather like this. These days I know my triggers and what to do to avoid a meltdown.
Just that today I didn’t need to. Riley’s presence seems to envelop me in a protective shield, and anything unhappy bounces right off. There seems to be more of me and less ofit.
And here I thought I was protecting her. I chuckle at the thought.
It’s completely dark. Distant lightning occasionally illuminates the sky for a few milliseconds, but it’s not enough to see Riley in the seat next to me. So I strain to hear; her breathing is even and slow. Has she fallen asleep?
“Riley?” I whisper.
No answer. “Riles, are you awake?” Still, only silence.
Yeah, she’s off in dreamland. I hope I’ll feature there in the leading role.
I’m not surprised she drifted off. She seemed on the edge of a panic attack when I picked her up, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster for her since. Adrenaline spikes have a way of zapping the energy out of the body. She needs rest.
Still, I hope she won’t sleep all the rest of the way. I’m burning to ask her out. I was midsentence on the plane, but Julian, our pilot, royally spoiled that. Did he have to choose that moment to discuss the weather?
I groaned inwardly. And why did he have to finish my sentence withturbulence is ahead? Why notfasten your seatbelts, you’re in for an adventure? That would have left a better taste in my mouth.
I prayed Riles didn’t listen to it and get reminded of the troubles in her life. I wish she’d tell me about them. I want to help her, but I get it. We’ve only just met. Why would she tell me anything? She doesn’t trust me… yet. I might have my work cut out for me, but I want her to feel safe with me.
As I navigate the winding roads, my mind is busy conjuring up the best way to ask her out. I haven’t dated since I joined the Army, and I was eighteen back then.
Fuck, how did thirteen years fly by so quickly? And how have I never had the urge once in all that time to date a girl? Even after I left the Green Berets, I’ve never met anyone I wanted to see more than a few times… until now.
Was I subconsciously waiting for Riley?
She is my future. I feel it with every fiber of my being.
Home.
This is so weird.
But she is my home. That was my initial reaction, and the feeling has only grown stronger in the hours we’ve spent together.
Yes, I’m aware it’s not that many, but every journey has to start somewhere. And when you know, you know. Right?
I don’t want to let her go—ever.
The nerves are tingling in my stomach; it’s a foreign sensation. I have zero experience in how to do this. I should talk to the guys. This is too important. I can’t stuff this up.
If I asked her out, she wouldn’t say no, would she?
She’s attracted to me; the heat in her eyes gives her away. And every time we touch, sparks fly and both our bodies react to the intensity.
