Chapter 9

Bryson

I’m still tryingto wrap my head around the fact that Jory’s never had a boyfriend since that awful event ten years ago. “Jory, we all have scars,” I finally say. “Some are just more visible than others is all.”

“Mine are really ugly,” she whispers.

Squeezing her hand until she glances at me, I tell her, “I’ve got a few burn scars of my own, sweetheart. Nowhere near as extensive as I’m sure yours are, but does the thought of them repel you?”

As surprise crosses her face, she starts shaking her head. “Absolutely not, they’re a part of who you are, Bryson.”

“So why would you think that yours would bother me?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“I don’t know?” she replies, phrasing her statement coming out more as a question. “I guess because I was a teenager when I got them? You know, all girly-girl, focused on the right outfit, hair, and makeup? So, when it was destroyed, when I was destroyed, I got it in my head that no one would ever want to be with me again.”

I don’t tell her that her thoughts are silly; they’re hers and her feelings are valid and just. She’ll understand eventually that it’s the inside that matters most to me. Perhaps when she sees pictures of my grandma in her wheelchair, obviously missing a leg, that fact will set in for her. My grandfather stood by her side when she had her amputation, and he never changed how he loved her. Jory needs to experience that acceptance.

From me.

Because this may just be our first date, but it’s fixing to be her last-ever first kiss.

* * *

“I had a good time, Bryson,” she shyly says while looking up at me. “Plus, leftovers for lunch tomorrow which is a bonus!”

Chuckling, I reach out and pull her close, cupping her face in my hand. As I stroke the apple of her cheek with my thumb, I reply, “I did as well, Jory. Are you okay if I kiss you goodnight?”

I watch a blush slowly steal across her face as she nods. Leaning down, I lightly touch my lips to hers. When she unconsciously moves closer, I deepen the kiss, swiping my tongue across her lower lip until she opens her mouth for me.

Nothing prepares me for the sheer emotion that courses through my body as we learn about each other through one of the basic forms of contact. I’ve always been able to take or leave kissing, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I want the rest of my life to begin and end with my lips on Jory’s.

I finally pull back slightly, resting my forehead against hers as we both struggle to catch our breath. Smoothing back a few stray hairs and tucking them behind her ear, I smile at her, happy to see the slightly dazed look in her eyes, because I feel the same way.

“I know it’s been a long time for me, but wow. Just… wow,” Jory murmurs, her cheeks even pinker than before.

“It may not have been as long for me, sweetheart, but I completely agree. When can we see each other again?” I pose the question, hoping that she’ll say soon, because I find that I’m becoming addicted to her.

Shyly, she looks up at me and answers, “I’m sure I’m supposed to play hard to get, but life’s too short for games as far as I’m concerned. So, I’ll just say, whenever we’re both free. How does that sound?”

I can’t help the chuckle that bursts free because she may have been somewhat sheltered these past ten years, but that doesn’t seem to stop her from putting herself out there. At least with me; she can be shy and reticent with everyone else as far as I’m concerned. Until I get her tied to me with my rings on her finger and my babies in her belly, I’m keeping this secret buried deep.

“Well, since I’ve got the next few days off, and you do as well, how about I give you my address and you come out around ten? I’ll fix us breakfast and show you around the farm if you’d like.”

“I’d like that,” she replies. “We can play the rest by ear.”

“Yeah, yeah we can,” I state. “Now, I’m going to kiss you again, then wait out here until you’re inside and have the door locked.”

* * *

After checking on the chickens to make sure they’re secure for the night, I head back inside and grab a beer before I go to my room and strip down for the night. Leaning against the headboard, I grab my remote and switch on the sports channel so I can get an update on the teams I follow.

As I listen, I grab my phone and open up our text stream.

Me: I really enjoyed tonight, Jory. Look forward to seeing you in the morning.

Jory: I did as well. Is there anything I can bring?

Me: Just yourself. Good night, Kitten.

Jory: Good night, Bryson.