Home to Stay (The Long Road Home #2) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,23
went for simple.
That’s nice. As soon as she hit send, she dropped her chin to her chest. “Yep. It’s official. I’m pathetic at text flirting… or… whatever we’re doing.” Another moment passed with no incoming text, and she was afraid she’d bored him to sleep. Sliding under the covers, she lay her head on the pillow, her phone in her hand and her gaze on the photograph propped on her nightstand. When her phone vibrated, she jolted.
So, I come on Wednesday to your class. Can’t help but notice that is 5 days away. Seems kind of long.
Heart singing, she grinned, her fingers flying. Is that too far away?
Considering I’d like to see you again… yeah.
Her fingers halted over the keyboard. What to do? Where to meet? Before she had a chance to decide on a reply, he texted again.
How about dinner on Sunday?
Her heart sank. She had a standing family dinner every Sunday, only to be missed by death or dismemberment according to her mom. Have a family thing. How about I fix you dinner tomorrow?
Even better but I should take you out.
Nah… I like to cook. And you can see my cottage. It’s a work in progress.
It’s a date. Text me time and address.
Perfect. Can’t wait.
Me too. Goodnight, Lucy.
Goodnight, John.
Setting her phone down, she snuggled underneath the covers, no longer sleepy as excitement vibrated through her body. Sucking in her lips, she stared at the picture in the dim moonlight filtering through her lacy curtain until her eyes grew heavy and sleep claimed her.
7
John’s eyes grew larger as he neared the end of the lane and Lucy’s little house came into view. Work in progress? Several shutters painted deep green were propped against the porch while several others were in various stages of sanding or repair. A large shed was to the side but there was no way to use it as a garage considering it listed slightly to one side and a heavy snow could bring it down. The front of the one-story house was painted white, but the side visible to him was faded and in serious need of attention.
He parked next to her little car, his large, new SUV dwarfing her older vehicle. He’d finally turned in his rental and purchased a similar SUV, spending more money than he thought possible for his wheels. But he had to admit, for his first big purchase since leaving the service, he chose well. Climbing down, he walked toward the front, uncertain if the porch would hold his weight.
The front door opened, and Lucy grinned up at him. “You found me! I’m so glad you’re here!”
His delight at seeing her was thwarted slightly when he realized she was peering through a screen door that had no screen. She pushed on the door frame, opening it as she welcomed him inside.
“Good to be here. Thanks for inviting me.” Once inside, he held her gaze, meeting her smile with one of his own.
“Make yourself at home. I need to check on the chicken.” She waved her hand around the living space, adding, “I told you, it’s a work in progress. I know it might seem a mess but I’m working on it slowly.” Turning, she hurried down the short hall and disappeared into what he assumed was the kitchen.
He looked toward the living room, seeing rough, scarred wooden floors and a stone fireplace with built-in bookshelves on either side. The fireplace appeared sturdy although he had no idea what condition it was in. The bookshelves on either side were steadied with two-by-fours nestled among the books, keeping the bowed shelves from falling.
“You can come on back,” she called, and he followed her voice, glancing inside the powder room to see a sink with the plumbing intact underneath but no faucets above. Shaking his head, he stopped just inside the kitchen. An old stove emitted delicious scents and he was grateful at least it worked properly. Her ass was perfectly displayed as she bent to take something from the refrigerator. Glad that appliance was working as well, he shifted his stance to hide the fact that blood was running from his brain to his cock.
“Do you need some help?”
She twisted around as she placed a large bowl on the counter and shook her head. “No, it’s almost ready.” She looked past him, a crinkle forming on her brow. “My table is rather small, so I think we’ll serve our plates from here if that’s okay.”