by Lacey Black
“Come on,” I say, throwing the lock and stepping outside.
“We should get coats,” he says, hesitant to follow me into the cold Christmas night air.
But he doesn’t, and he quickly pulls me into his arms to keep me warm.
“We won’t be long,” I tell him, snaking my own arms around his back and pressing my chest against his.
I rest my cheek against his chest, the slow and steady thunder of his heart echoing in my ear. I’m careful not to press too hard against the smarted rib, but the touch seems necessary. Becker exhales and brings his chin down to the top of my head. I hear him inhale my hair, something that makes me smile. He keeps saying how much he loves the way I smell.
“So this is midwestern snow,” he says quietly.
I gaze up, loving the way the big, white flakes fall on my heated skin. “I love the snow,” I tell him, smiling as the wetness coats my eyelashes.
“I could learn to love it, as long as you’re here.”
Again, I smile, reveling in the warmth of his words. I hum my agreement.
“Is there anything to do around here on a Thursday night?” he asks, somewhat out of the blue.
“Ummm, the bowling alley is open,” I tell him.
“Bowling? I haven’t been bowling in years,” he says, almost absently.
“My family used to go a lot when I was little.”
“Well, how would you like to go to dinner and bowling with me this Thursday?” he asks, turning me slightly so he can see my face.
“Like a date?” My heart starts to tap-dance in my chest.
“Yeah, a date.”
“That’s very public,” I remind him, knowing that if we’re seen out together in that setting, it’ll stir a lot of the small-town gossip.
“It’s very public, you’re right. I want everyone to know I’m out with the most beautiful girl in the world. I didn’t have time to get you a gift, so I thought maybe a night out would be a good place to start.”
I can’t help but smile at his flattering words. “I’m a pretty good bowler, Mr. Ramsey.”
“I think my ego can handle your ball skills, Miss Jackson,” he teases, heat rushing through my body and landing between my legs.
“Then, yes, I’d love to go out with you Thursday night.”
“Perfect. I’ll pick you up,” he says, glancing up at the snow-filled sky.
“Maybe I want to meet you there? I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong impression about me, you know. I’m not an easy girl,” I state, knowing he probably thinks the complete opposite of me, considering he basically screwed me senseless against my truck fender just a handful of days ago.
Becker doesn’t laugh though. He turns me and gazes down at me. “I don’t think that at all. I think you’re the most fascinating, amazing woman I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait to spend as much time as I possibly can with you.”
The blush creeps up my cheek. “I think you’re pretty great too.”
His lips lower to mine in a tender, gentle kiss. Becker brings his hands up, threading them through my hair and holding my head softly at the perfect angle. He deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding easily against my own. My fingers grip the back of his shirt as my body wiggles against his. I hear his slight gasp, making me realize I probably just jarred his upper body and caused him pain.
“Sorry.”
He kisses the corners of my mouth, followed by my chin. “Don’t be sorry. I’m fine,” he tells me.
We gaze at each other, the snow coming down heavily now, coating us in white wetness. “We should get back inside.”
He doesn’t move, but continues to smile down at me. “Merry Christmas, Bee.”
“Merry Christmas, Becker.”
Then, he lowers his mouth to mine once more. It’s the perfect end to a crazy day. From the warehouse to the hospital, to waking up in each other’s arms and then going to spend the holiday with my family. He was cool, calm, and collected through it all, and right by my side.
Where I want him.
With me.
Together.
~ The End ~
New to the Rivers Edge series? Start at the beginning with Maddox and Avery in Trust Me!
Find more at www.laceyblackbooks.com
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who said – I want more Rivers Edge! It was fun diving back into this family, even after such a long absence. Will there be more? I’m not sure! It was great to spend time with Brooklyn, but I have to wait to see what the future holds for more Rivers Edge.
Thank you: Melissa Gill, Kara Hildebrand, Sandra Shipman, Jo Thompson, the gals at Give Me Books, Kaylee Ryan, Holly Collins, Brenda Wright of Formatting Done Wright, my ARC team, Lacey’s Ladies, my family and friends. And of course, a big thank you to the readers and bloggers!!
About the Author
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaceyblack
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthLaceyBlack
Website: www.laceyblackbooks.com
Table of Contents
Also by Lacey Black
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author