They’d talked for the first mile. But for the past twenty minutes they’d walked in companionable silence. Still, she sensed something weighed on his mind.
“You might as well tell me,” July said as they rounded a bend in the deserted road that wound its way through the refuge.
“What are you talking about?” His breath came easily which confirmed this killer walking pace wasn’t nearly as taxing on him as it was on her.
“You want to ask me something.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact.
Without warning he laughed. “Am I that easy to read?”
She smiled. “Just spit it out.”
“In a little over two weeks my grandmother will be recognized for sixty years of Sunday School service.”
“Old news,” July said, relieved it didn’t have anything to do with Adam. “Mary Karen already took her shopping for a new dress.”
July had been surprised at all the preparation the two were doing. It appeared this award was a big deal.
“I was thinking it’d be nice if you and Adam came.” His words picked up speed as if he was afraid she’d say no without proper thought. “The whole family will be there.”#p#分页标题#e#
The whole family. Meaning all the ones she knew…and David’s parents. Mary Karen’s boys could talk of little else other than their grandparents’ return from their European cruise. Or, as the boys called it, their “big boat ride.”
While July was sure “Bob” and “Linda” were nice people, she felt awkward becoming any more involved with this family than she already was….
“I appreciate the invitation,” she began. “But—”
“But—” he prompted when she didn’t continue.
“Adam and I are already too close to all of you as it is.” The last few words came out on a sigh.
“I don’t understand.”
“The boys treat Adam like a baby brother. Do you know he already recognizes them?”
“Of course he does. He sees them all the time. But that’s about Adam,” David said. “What about you?”
July paused and thought for a moment. “Well, Granny bosses me around like I’m one of her grandkids. Mary Karen treats me like a sister.”
Though her tone held a hint of exasperation, the truth was she rather liked feeling like part of the family. It was a novel experience and for her a pleasurable one.
“I bet I know what you’re going to say next,” David said with a wry smile, “that being with me is like hanging out with a favorite brother.”
The thought was so ridiculous, July laughed out loud. “Believe me, the feelings you bring out in me are anything but brotherly.”
David stopped so suddenly that July was several steps past him before she realized it. She turned. “What’s wrong?”
“Then I’m not the only one feeling the pull.”
July smiled. “I blame mine on postpartum hormone surges. I’m not sure what fuels yours.”
“I like you, July.” David took a step closer. “Isn’t that enough of a reason?”
Though her feet itched to sprint down the road, she stood absolutely still. Her heart fluttered. “You don’t know me.”
“You’re wrong,” he said. “You and I spent some good quality time together in Chicago…and not just in bed.” He took another step toward her. “I definitely know you well enough to know I like you.”
She swallowed, her mouth dry as dirt. Growing close to this man was dangerous, with a capital D. Still, desire surged and she couldn’t make herself move away.
“The question is, is it well enough to kiss you again?” He now stood so near there was no distance between them. He curled his fingers and tilted back her chin, gazing into her eyes. “Perhaps I should find out.”
Ever so slowly—giving her plenty of time to step back or say no—he lowered his lips to hers.
The kiss started out slow, as if they had all the time in the world. He caressed her skin with his mouth, planting gentle kisses on her lips, her jaw and down her neck while his hands remained respectfully on her shoulders.
He nibbled her earlobe then moved back to her tingling lips. She opened her mouth and when he still didn’t deepen the kiss, she slid her tongue into his mouth. That’s when the world exploded.
By the time he stepped back, July was trembling. She raised a shaky hand to her head. “Wow” was the only word she could get out.
David stared, his blue eyes dark and unreadable. “Wow, indeed.”
Though she wanted to kiss him again, the heat flowing through her veins told her she wouldn’t be satisfied with just another kiss. The realization sent red flags popping up. The safe thing, the sensible response, was to head home. Besides, her secret was making her feel awkward and she still had to feed Adam before she left for Yellowstone.#p#分页标题#e#