Chapter 29

29

LINCOLN

W e both slept—naked and without shoes, in each other's arms. And I didn't panic. I wasn't in a tent in the desert. I was in my own bed, in Singer's Ridge, Tennessee, with the love of my life cradled in my arms.

I woke before she did, giving me time to marvel at the beauty of her face before she came around. How had I ever thought I could live without her? All the years before this one seemed to be a dream. This was my real life and my future. I could spend every waking moment with her, work my lumberyard job until I was old and feeble, plant roots, and start a family, and it would never be enough. She was more intoxicating than the strongest alcohol, more beautiful than the sunrise.

When she woke up, we had shower sex in the tiny stall that was built for one person. Afterward, we traded regular showers to clean up, and I made coffee and eggs. She had to go home to change but offered to give me a ride if I wanted to come with her. I accepted, texting Danny that I didn't need his help that day.

"I think I've saved up enough to get my own car," I mused as we pulled up to her cabin.

"I can take you around if you want to visit dealerships," she offered, pulling on the parking brake.

"I was thinking of buying one off of the classifieds," I said.

She nodded. "Let me know if you need help."

I kept my hands off her while she was changing. We were going to be late anyway, and I was still high off the encounter in the shower. We drove to work and got out of the car together, spotted by at least two employees. I gave her a kiss, not caring who saw, and went to the barn to clock in.

"Why didn't you need a ride today?" Danny asked from his habitual chair.

"I got back together with Aly," I explained.

"I knew you would," he said.

"And she's going to help me go car shopping, so pretty soon I should be able to drive myself."

"I'll miss the morning carpools."

"Will you?" I wasn't sure if he was kidding.

He shrugged, not committing one way or the other. I let him know how much I appreciated all the drives either way. At lunch, I went up the hill to see if Aly wanted to grab lunch. We were about to leave when Porter emerged from his second-floor office.

"I see the dress worked," he commented.

Aly blushed.

I looked at her, wondering how Porter had known about the red dress. It hadn't been the first thing I noticed about her—just her presence in the park had been enough to fuel my desire. But the dress had been attractive. There was no denying it.

"Gina lent it to me," Aly said.

"I guess I owe her a thank you," I said, shaking my head.

"I'll tell her," Porter said, laying a hand on my shoulder. "I'd tell you not to hurt her again, but you've proven that I can't threaten you."

I smiled. "You don't need to threaten me. What you all did by supporting me is what really brought me back."

"You can always come to Gina or me if you have any problems," he offered.

"Thanks." I put a hand against Aly's back, opening the door. "But I agreed to talk to Aly next time I have an issue."

"Sounds good," Porter said.

Aly and I smiled at each other, breaking out into the afternoon to enjoy our hour off the clock together.