Leah Mitchell isn't the same shy, poor girl anymore. Now a college student, she is enjoying her life in the city and the freedom she longed for. She works hard and knows her worth. She has it all, but her heart aches for the only person from her pas...
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The gentle wind ruffles tree branches overhead. Brian is lying on the blanket, cradling me to his chest.
Hues of orange are bright in the evening sky, and some of that gorgeous color reflects in the lake water. It won't be long before the sun sets. We need to head back, but I want to stay where we are.
Brian drops a kiss on the top of my head. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Yes." I smile. "Comfy."
"Me too. I haven't been so relaxed in a while."
"Too bad my calm won't last," I say, tracing lines on Brian's forearm. The corners of my mouth lift when I touch the tattoo of the little sun.
"Why won't it?" he asks.
"I need to talk to my mom and ask her about the letters. I need to know why she said nothing."
Brian rolls onto his side, taking me with him. His palm touches my cheek as he regards me without a trace of humor on his face. "What does it matter now, Kitten? You read them. We're back together. I couldn't have asked for more. All I wanna do is take you home and tell everyone you're with me."
"It matters, Brian. I thought... I thought you forgot about me. I thought you didn't care."
He sighs deeply. "Well, that's my fault. I should've been less of a coward and told you I loved you much sooner. I wouldn't be able to forget you, no matter what."
"I need answers. Mom and I started to get along. I believed she changed, and now this. It looks like we're never going to mend what's broken."
"Don't be sad." Brian kisses my lips softly. "Let's not spoil this moment. Maybe you can talk it out, babe."
I draw an arm around Brian's waist and snuggle into him. "I don't know. I just want to hear her reasons and move on. You and I wasted enough time already."
"Okay," he says. "Do you wanna head back into town?"
Nodding, I sit up and then rise to my feet. Brian follows my lead and folds the blanket he'd brought.
I smooth out my hair as we head to where we'd left the bike. Memories of making love on it warm my cheeks.
"You looked hot, Kitten," Brian says, shamelessly squeezing my behind.
I swat his hand away, and he bursts out laughing.
In no time, the asphalt replaces the lush green grass under our feet. I hug Brian tighter, failing to calm my racing heart.
When Brian's Fat Boy stops in my mom's driveaway, I get off it and hand my helmet to Brian.
"You'll come over later, won't you?" Insecurity laces Brian's voice, and I smile.
"Of course. If you see my dad, tell him I'm okay."
"Will do."
Brian waits while I trudge up the driveway and let myself into the house.
