You…” she laughed. “Valencia asked you to help me; didn’t she?”
He chuckled. “Good Lord you are quick,” he said. “I figured you would probably figure out exactly who was behind it. Valencia asked if I knew somebody. I’m the one who decided that I should be that somebody. Make no mistake about it, Alyssa; I’m here because I want to be here.” He looked into her eyes, beseeching her to hear his words.
“So Thomas is behind this. I knew he was; I just hadn’t figured out exactly how. I should have known he wouldn’t keep his nose out of it after our discussion at his wedding.”
“He shouldn’t have kept his nose out of it,” he told her. “This is serious. I’m guessing you didn’t tell him how serious that third attack was or he probably would have been on a plane out here that same day.”
She nodded. “He would have skipped his honeymoon and I didn’t want that. Besides, I didn’t want him to come out here.”
“Playing it close to the vest?”
“It’s not that,” she looked up to the sky before looking back down at him. “It doesn’t really matter I guess. I got a chance to meet you.” She placed her hand softly on his chest and he immediately covered her hand with his.
“You’re beautiful.” He said breathlessly. She smiled.
“Oh, you just want me because I’m a pretty face,” she laughed. “And here I was thinking you were attracted to my mind.”
He laughed. “Trust me, Alyssa; you’re a lot more than just a pretty face.” He lifted his hand and cupped the back of her head, pulling her in for a kiss. His lips met hers softly at first, exploring the soft plump lips that was the doorway to tasting her mouth before he slid his tongue over her lips, prompting her to open her mouth and let him have full access—and when she did he took it. Tasting her, teasing her, kissing her fully and swallowing every delicious moan that escaped her.
He rolled her onto her back, bringing his body to fit between her legs and he kissed her more; longer, harder, deeper than before. He enjoyed her taste, her sounds, her smell of arousal and he wanted more. He wanted it all. He caressed her gently with one last kiss before rolling onto his back and pulling her into his arms. They looked at the sky, watching the show from above. “Will you come out here with me again tomorrow night?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation. “I’ll bring a picnic basket and we can dine under the stars.”
“I like that idea,” he agreed as he held her tight. “I like knowing I can be with you.” And in that moment the night became a thousand times better, knowing what he felt for her, she was feeling for him too—a connection deeper than any other. This was something they would explore, not just because they wanted to, but because they had to. He loved her. That thought alone scared him because it felt like it was too soon, but it was right. He felt it in his gut that it was right.
Chapter Nine
A week of nightly picnics in the back of Shane’s truck and Alyssa felt like she was in the most heavenly relationship ever. He was a gentleman, and gracious. Their conversations ranged from frivolous facts about why she didn’t like certain fashion trends, to deep seated political, religious, ethical and moral topics. She was surprised to find they were on the same page with a lot of the topics. There were some disagreements, but as she had said, no two people would ever be one hundred percent the same—not even on beliefs. They were on the same page where it counted, and able to agree to disagree on the ones that they weren’t. She liked this man, maybe even loved him, and something about that scared her.
She was taking it slow—as slow as possible, because she didn’t want to get hurt, not like she had the last time. She couldn’t risk her heart like that, but somewhere in that line of thinking she realized if Shane walked away today she would still feel the pain.
“These are the best dates ever,” she looked up at the star filled sky. They had sat out there and watched sunset; had their dinner and then Shane put the basket in the truck. Instead of going back to the main house they stayed out in the open field and sat in the