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“You’re only a child once, Mandy. While many think your entire focus should be on your future, it’s important you don’t miss your present.”
A huge smile spread over her lovely face. “You’re right. I’m taking the highest-level classes my school offers. I can add some college courses to get my prerequisites out of the way. That’s enough.”
“Did you just make your decision?” Zoe signed with a gentle smile.
“Yeah. I’m going to skip one grade but no more than that. I’ll talk to my guidance counselor about college credit courses I can do on the weekends. Thanks, Zoe.”
Shaking her head, Zoe replied, “I didn’t do anything. You already knew what you wanted. You just needed to say it out loud.”
Looking at Nate, Mandy asked, “You good with that, Dad?”
“Absolutely. Skipping too many grades means losing you to college even faster.” He gave a mock shudder. “The longer I get to keep you right here at home is just fine with me.”
“I’m not anxious to leave sooner than I have to either, Dad.” She hugged Zoe tight and it made her tear up a bit. Leaning back, she mouthed, “You really help me more than you know.” Smiling, she signed, “It’s a beautiful day and we have the rare chance for some sunshine. Winter is finally getting lost and I want to show you around, Zoe. I’ll go change and be right back!”
She took off running to change clothes and Nate took the chair his daughter vacated. He rested his elbows on his knees and stared at Zoe for a long time.
When he reached out to stroke his fingers over her cheek, it made her heart pound and her face flame.
“I still make you nervous. I’ll never hurt you. Not ever, Zoe.”
“I know, Nate. I’ve known that about you from the very start.”
He stroked his thumb across her lower lip and it made her entire body heat. Dragging the chair closer, he stared into her eyes.
“I love the way you are with Mandy.” He let her read his lips. “The way you are, period. I like the way you look, the way you think, the way you act, the way you breathe, Zoe. There’s nothing about you I don’t enjoy to the core of myself.”
She inhaled deeply and signed, “I feel the same way about you. I don’t know what to say or do. I’ve never been good at this.”
“You’re perfect at this.”
Nate leaned forward slightly and she didn’t back away. He smiled at her and she returned it shyly. He moved closer still and stared into her eyes for a long moment.
The hazel green of his were so lovely. Everything about him, inside and out, was her definition of beauty.
Then the kilt-wearing contractor delivered a kiss Zoe haddreamedabout for weeks but never imaginedreceivingin the real world.
Zoe sighed against his mouth. Nate moved one hand around to her back and she lifted hers to his shoulder. When he lightly licked her lips, she opened for him, and he didn’t hesitate to deepen the kiss.
She felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek, tasted the coffee he drank at the diner on his tongue, and inhaled the scent of him to the core of her being.
In return, he gave her more than she ever realized was possible in such a simple act. She never knew a kiss could be so important, so pivotal.
It was at that moment Zoe admitted to herself that she’d fallen in love with Nate. That she truly hoped he wanted her, cared about her, and would one day consider making her part of his incredible life.
Struggling with her shyness and insecurities that worsened since losing her hearing, acknowledging what she wanted made her heart tremble.
* * *
Nate wanted toconsumeZoe but carefully restrained himself.
He let his tongue coil with hers and her resulting moan sent all thegosignals to his cock. Tightening his control, he pulled her closer so her knees were inside his. His hand smoothed down her ponytail, relishing the softness.
When she slipped her other hand around his neck, he threw caution to the wind and lifted her fully into his lap. Zoe gasped against his mouth and seemed to hesitate.
Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders and kissed him back with a glimpse of the passion he knew bubbled just beneath the surface of her calm exterior. It would take patience to coax her sensual nature out of hiding. He could be a very patient man.
Without his sister’s verbal thrashing at Thanksgiving, he might never have learned the skill.
