His face softens and his finger traces over my lips. “I’m sorry you got dragged into that mess. I had no idea what I was dealing with or what I was doing for my dad until it was too late. That guy was an ass and will hopefully go away for a long time.”
“I forgive you. I’m just glad we brought the real bad guys down.”
His eyes widen at my show of spunk. “You’re not only beautiful, but amazing.”
I squeeze his hand. “I have to hold onto that belief or I’ll drive myself crazy with the what-ifs.”
He tugs me closer. “But really, I’m just a friend?”
“Well…” My heart pounds. After that kiss we’re definitely more than friends. But with me going home, I don’t know what we are or where we stand.
“What do you want, Katie?” His eyes swirl with emotion, with passion. He means what he says. It’s my decision. “If you want this, I’ll do anything.”
I step away. “I’m going home. To my dad’s.”
“I’ll go with you,” he states with no hesitation.
“My dad will expect you to live with the rules of his house. Church on Sundays. Dress up nice for Sunday dinners. Saturday night bowling.”
“I can do nice.”
“You’ll get bored.”
“Maybe this time I want a different kind of excitement.” He leans in for a kiss. “Maybe you’re all the excitement I need.”
“You’ll have to watch your mouth. No more F-bombs flying.”
He shrugs. “I can do that.”
“What about working for your dad? Law school? You’d be good.”
“I’ve never wanted that. I have other dreams.”
I’m left with nothing. No more excuses, but now I’m curious. “What dreams?”
“I want to fly. I want to fly a plane. Be a pilot. It’s all I’ve ever wanted since I was a kid.”
I giggle. “Then you might be in luck.”
“How so?”
“There’s a small airstrip near my dad’s ranch.”
“I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
I tap my finger against my lips. I have to give him a fair warning. “One last thing. My dad is kind of protective. If you come with me, you have to be serious about this, about giving us a chance. This isn’t a game to me. And it won’t be to him. If you hurt me, he’ll kick you out on your ass so fast you won’t know what hit you.”
“Are you sure he won’t mind me just moving in? I could get a room someplace.”
“Then you don’t know my dad. He’ll want the chance to get to know you and put you to work.” I smile at the thought of Chad in the country, driving a tractor or painting the barn.
He moves in and kisses me. His lips brush mine. “Well, that’s good because, don’t you know?” he whispers.
“What?” My voice shakes. His body is up against mine.
“That all my dreams are wrapped in you?”
I have to choke back a sob. I can’t believe this. I never expected this. There’s only one thing left to say. “Don’t you know?”
“What?” His voice is hoarse.
“I feel the same way too.”
We lose ourselves in a kiss. The wind stirs around us with each passing car, the sun passing across in the sky. For the first time in a long time I know I’ll be okay. We’ll be okay. More than okay.
With one last kiss, he pulls away with a smile. “Let’s go chase our dreams. Every last one.”