Country Romance - Carolyne Aarsen Page 0,57

to chuckle at that. "Yes. Four is too many drinks."

"I won't ask for that many," Dean assured him, looking so earnest it almost broke Wyatt's heart.

He moved closer and stroked the boy's hair. "I know you won't. You're a great little guy."

Dean's smile wound its way into his heart. Wyatt gave in to an impulse and pulled him close, hugging him. "I'm glad you're here," Wyatt said, laying his head on his son's.

Dean wrapped his arms around Wyatt and snuggled in, so easily accepting the affection Wyatt was giving him. As he did, Wyatt felt a protective and surprising wave of love wash over him. And with that came a sense of relief that he could feel this way about a complete stranger. Yet he knew, on some level, he felt a connection to this boy that could not be explained other than biology.

"I like it here too," Dean said when they pulled apart.

"We hug too," Maya called out.

Wyatt chuckled, then went over to his daughters and gave them each a tight hug.

"Okay, now it's time to sleep," he said, picking up the flashlight but leaving the cup behind.

They didn't complain about the dark and settled down. "Good night, you kiddos," Wyatt said. He walked out of the room but stayed just outside the door, listening. He waited till they were quiet, then he walked back downstairs.

Adele was packing up her computer when he came down, her face hidden from the glow of the fire.

"You quitting for the night?"

"My battery is running low. I don't want to drain it, and the internet is down so..."

He should let her go. He should take the out she was giving him. But the emotions between them were real. He knew that deep in his soul.

And he sensed that she felt the same.

He couldn't carry on this way.

"We need to talk," he said, keeping his voice quiet.

She clutched her laptop, looking down. Then, to his surprise, she nodded and sat back down on the couch.

Could he do this?

He thought back to Theresa. How back and forth their relationship had been. He thought of Sally, and shame slithered through him. Which made what he had to say to Adele even more important.

He dropped onto the couch beside her, leaning forward, his hands clasped as if he didn't trust himself not to touch her. To pull her close. To express the connection they shared.

"And where do we go from here?" he asked, deciding to head straight to the point.

"We being you and us?" she asked.

"Yes."

He didn't trust himself to look at her. Instead he focused on the flickering flames ahead of him, the warmth they created, the soft hiss of sap burning out of the logs.

"I'm not sure."

That didn't give him much to go on, but he understood her hesitancy. Just a few moments ago they were discussing her plans for her future.

Away from here.

"I know that I'm attracted to you," he said, finally shooting her a quick glance. "And I don't think it's simple loneliness. I've dated other women after Theresa left but never felt anything for them like I feel for you."

Adele wasn't looking at him, her hands clasped in her lap.

"But I have my kids to think about. Three kids, now. I've always tried to be careful whenever I dated anyone, but our situation is, well, unique." He gave her a careful smile, hoping it would ease any discomfort his comment might cause her.

She returned his smile, leaning back on the couch, keeping her distance.

"That about sums it up." He held her gaze, wishing he knew what else to say.

"And just a few moments ago you got a glimpse of my hopes for my future," she said. "And it doesn't mesh with your situation."

"I'm not asking for any kind of—"

"I know," she said, holding her hand up. "The only thing you've asked me for is to help you. And I feel like we're on the edge of something that could go in either direction. I'm not going to lie, I'm scared."

"Of what?"

"I've lost so much in my life. I can't...I can't..." She pressed her hand against her chest, as if holding in her heart.

"I know what you mean," he said, keeping his voice quiet. Unthreatening. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't afraid too. But I also know that you’re a wonderful, loving person. I feel like I can trust you." He released a short laugh. "In fact, I've already had to trust you in so many ways."

"That means so much