Never Dare A Duke

Chapter 22 (Open Arms)

                                  Chapter 22

                                              (Open Arms)

            Candice stretched out her aching legs in front of her. Her whole body vibrated from the night before. She felt Nathan shift his weight besides her. He was so handsome when he slept. His handsome face was relaxed, no tension etched across his forehead. She wanted to bend down to kiss him, but he stirred just as she leaned in further. It had been a long night and Nathan needed his sleep. Candice leaned back into place and sighed.

            She can wait for him to wake up. It had been a passionate night; heated and breathtaking. It was absolutely perfect spending hour after hour reaching the very top of the mountain and then collapsing on to his hard chest but there was something eating inside of her. She had finally said it. Candice had those three words; licking her lower lip Candice moved away from Nathan; suddenly feeling cold. She grabbed her clothes which were so viciously thrown on the floor, and buttoned up her top.

            Candice had a lot of thinking to do. Nathan hadn’t said it back to her; did she want him to say it to her? Her mind whirled with negative possibilities. When she had decided to tell him, Candice wasn’t counting on him to tell her how much he loved her; then why did was she disappointed that he hadn’t? Candice frowned, feeling irritated, love was so difficult. Why couldn’t it be simple? Nathan tossed to his other side and Candice smiled. She loved him because he wasn’t simple. Nathan Kamp Balfour was a story and she admired how he came to be who he is. Everyone makes mistakes but only a few try to fix them. Candice stared at the man she loved in admiration. There was no doubt she couldn’t live without him but to force him to live with her? No, she couldn’t do that. Maybe he needed time. Men were always slow in matters like these. Candice rested her head against the small chair she sat on and looked out the window. The sun was just about to come out, the sky was painted a soft pink and blue. Candice closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. Life was beginning to look up. Her heart would heal with it as well.

            In the kitchen Laurin flipped the last of the eggs into the plate and put the toast into the toaster. She tapped her fingers along the counter thinking of the night before. She finally fell in love but so quick? Never did Laurin thought she would be the type to fall in love at first sight; but Anthony had a way of looking at her, into her eyes. It made her tremble and feel a powerful need to touch his face, the laugh lines besides his eyes. Maybe it was the experience of many men that brought her to this decision so rapidly. The hungry stares she received from other men. Comparing that to Anthony’s passionate loving gleam she all but melted in his arms.

            She had made mistakes after mistakes and landed herself in this rat hole yet she found someone as astonishing as him. With a quick glance at the couch where Anthony laid she grinned merrily. He was so sweet, he denied to sleep in her room and took place at his previous position on the couch. Elliot snuggled into his blanket underneath him and snorted as he turned to his side. She was lucky she had men like them in her life.

            Before she used to think it was Nathan she loved. A man who was chivalrous, kind, powerful and so understanding but then she found out the reason he visited her. They were both broken in their own ways and what he needed wasn’t a sex mate but a true friend. Something he never had. It was hard to determine the difference between the two at that time but that too was over looked by Anthony. He was kind as well, maybe not powerful in the sense of riches but he had something that very little men had in this world and that was a big heart.

            “Laurin the toast are burning!” Candice came into the kitchen wiping her hands in besides her jeans. Laurin quickly looked over at the toaster and cursed under her breath which made Candice chuckle.

            “It’s okay Laurin, you look like you can use some rest. I can handle it from here.” Candice gave her a soft smile and got busy. “Let’s surpise our men and make homemade bread?” she questioned looking over her shoulder. Laurin nodded slowly looking her over.

            “That would be great. There should be ingredients in the Pantry over there.” She suggested and Candice followed the instructions. They both got busy following each step carefully. They fell into an almost musical rythym as they beat the dough.

            “Candice?” Laurin whispered.

            “Yes?” she asked without looking. Laurin hesitated and then sighed.

            “I wanted to ask you what Anthony liked.” She said quickly. Candice stopped kneading the dough and looked up at Laurin. Her eyes were so sincere and that faltering smile made her heart beat for Laurin. She gave her a smirk and shook her head. Her brother had someone to love him besides her.

            “The real question is what doesn’t he like.” Candice giggled. Laurin broke out into a fit of giggles as well. They felt like little girls sharing secrets about their first kiss.

            “I didn’t mean for it to pertain to food. I mean in general.” Laurin insisted again. Putting the firm dough into the oven Candice wiped her hands taking Laurin’s question into consideration.

            “Anthony isn’t hard to figure out. Whatever is in his heart he speaks it; never take offense to that. He’s not judging you but he likes to voice his opinion even if they could hurt someone’s feelings. It’s never on purpose that boy just can’t keep his mouth shut.” Laurin nodded taking mental notes.

            “What else?”

            “He’s protective of the people he loves. He likes the same in return. He likes feeling loved, and cared for. If you really want to make him smile use corny pick up lines. That always gets him to laugh.” Candice sighed happily watching her brother. “Where have the years gone?” she said to herself. Laurin stood besides Candice and glanced at Anthony as well.

            “You love him?” Candice spoke. The question caught Laurin by surprise.

            “I believe so. Yes. I do.” She leaned back feeling a bit more relaxed. Candice gave off that easy vibe at the moment Laurin felt like spilling out all her secrets all her agony and pain to her but she restrained herself from doing so.

            “He needs someone to love other than his sister. He cares for you deeply. I can see that and I wish for both of you to stay happy and in love as you are right now.” Candice smiled and Laurin felt as if this was her nod of approval. Candice was welcoming her into the family. 

***Hey guys I know I've taken too long to post this but I finally got it done! Yay! right? lol I would love for you to comment, vote and share. I appreciate you guys fro staying patient and supporting me for this long =D. It would mean the world to me. There's only a few more chapters left until the end guys show your support. <3 what do you think is going to happen  next?***