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“Nope. That was never going to happen.”
“Why not?”
“Well, number one, if you had no interest in me—which I’m pretty sure you didn’t—it would have made things super awkward,” she said. “And second, I wasn’t really in the market for a relationship. School was enough of a focus for me.”
“Plus, I wasn’t allowed to date in high school.”
“You don’t think your parents would have made an exception for me?”
Will grinned. “You know? They might have.”
“Thankfully, we don’t need to worry about that now.”
“No. They’re very happy we’re dating.” It’d been amazing how supportive everyone had been, for which he was very thankful.
Even after they’d finished their desserts, they lingered over their coffee. Unfortunately, the restaurant wasn’t a twenty-four-hour establishment, so closing time was nearing.
After Will took care of the bill, they left the restaurant, which was pretty much empty at that point. Will slipped his arm around Janessa’s waist as they walked through the chilly evening to where he’d parked earlier.
The traffic was light, so it didn’t take long to get through the city to the road that led to Serenity. Though he might have rushed to get home if he’d been on his own, since he had Janessa with him, he took his time.
Still, it seemed that they made it back to Serenity much faster than he wanted. Whenever they were together, time seemed to fly by. He supposed it was a good thing. If time dragged when he was with her, that wouldn’t be a good sign.
He always wanted to leave their time together wishing for more, not with a sense of relief that it was over. That had definitely been the case in the final months of his relationship with Daphne. And even for a time before that, if he was going to be completely honest.
When they reached the house, he parked at the curb, then walked her to the door. Since it was chilly, he stepped into the foyer with her.
The house was surprisingly quiet, considering there were three extra little girls in the house. Apparently, they were all in the suite of rooms which included Charli and Layla’s bedrooms. Most of the main floor was dark, but a Tiffany lamp spilled warm light into the foyer.
“I had a good time tonight,” Janessa said as she set the takeout bag on the table, then took off her jacket. “I hope you didn’t mind not going to the movies.”
“I didn’t mind at all,” Will assured her. “I always enjoy talking with you. The movies will always be there. We can go another time. I’m happy being with you, no matter what we do.”
She smiled at him. “I’m glad. I feel that way too.”
The rush of emotion he’d felt when he’d seen her earlier had settled down as they’d spent the evening together. But as he stood there with her, it came flooding back.
Reaching out, Will took her hands, relishing the feel of her fingers tightening around his. “Listen, I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to feel pressured to respond.”
Will watched to see how she might react to his words. But rather than look worried or concerned, her smile grew. Did she know what he was going to say? He hoped that she did, because her reaction was encouraging.
“I love you, Janessa.” His heart pounded as he said the words. “You’re the most amazing woman, and I am so blessed that you agreed to take a chance on us.”
“I love you too, Will,” Janessa said. “I never imagined I’d feel for anyone what I feel for you.”
Will felt like his smile stretched ear to ear. He was so happy, and something within him settled with the knowledge that she loved him too. It symbolized a commitment he hadn’t been sure she’d be willing to make just yet.
But even though they might have only been dating for a few weeks, they’d known each other for so much longer. That long friendship provided a familiarity with each other that he was very grateful for.
Will cupped her face in his hands. “You mean the world to me.”
Janessa gripped his waist as she gazed up at him. “You’re important to me, too.”
She went up on her toes, and as he bent his head towards her, their lips brushed as they shared their first kiss. He’d kissed plenty of times before, but this first kiss with Janessa felt significant. A step forward in their relationship.
When the kiss ended, Will rested his forehead against Janessa’s. He relished being close to her, but he was also mindful of the respect Janessa deserved in their relationship.
“I should probably go,” he whispered. “But I wish I didn’t have to. The time we spend together always seems to be so short.”
