She sobers and nods. “I’ll never forget those.” Then, she sucks her bottom lip in between her teeth. Seconds later, she says, “I still have all of them.”
“All of them?”
“Yes.”
“When was the last time you read them?” If she says ten years ago, I might be doomed. However, from the look in her eyes, I’m wagering she’s read them recently.
Her eyes shift to the floor, and a tinge of pink falls cross her cheeks under the streetlights. I put a finger under her chin. When her bottom lip quivers, I want to pull her into my arms and kiss away any sadness she’s experienced. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
“The night before I moved back, I read through them all.” Her gaze meets mine. “And, the last one you gave me, I re-read this afternoon.”
My thumb brushes across her cheekbone, and she leans into my palm and closes her eyes. She’s not ready to tell me she still loves me, but it’s in her eyes. In every move she makes. It’s only a matter of time, and she will be where she’s always belonged. In my bed, wrapped in my arms for eternity.
“Natalie?”
“Yes?”
“Look at me.” I wait for her eyes to flutter open. They are filled with a mixture of desire and need. Two things I will show my adoration for when the time is right. “Every word I wrote in the letter is as true today as it was when I wrote it. I know you aren’t ready for me to say all the words, but I will. Don’t ever doubt that.” I lean over and place my lips on her quivering mouth.
When she sighs, I break away. “Now, let’s eat and get to know each other again.”
“Okay.” She gives me a weak smile and places her hand on the door handle.
“Stop.” I narrow my eyes. “We’re on a date here. I open the door.”
“Sure.” Her hand drops to her lap. “I wasn’t prepared for you to be all swoony and everything.”
“What did you expect? Me pounding on my chest and throwing food at you?”
She laughs and shakes her head. “No. Open the damn door. I’m starving.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I shut off the pickup and shove the door open.
After she steps out, I place my arm around her. She fits perfectly at my side. We were inseparable during our high school years, and I’ve missed walking entwined with her.
When we get to the restaurant, I glance around the main floor in search of Jules and Nico. I met Nico when he bought the building and did some major renovation to the main floor. We’d hit it off with a love of Italian food and football.
“Trey.” Jules’ face lights up, and she waves. I wave back as she strolls over to us.
“Natalie, this is Jules Vincent. She owns the restaurant.”
Natalie stiffens and plasters a smile on her face. “Nice to meet you, Jules.”
“You also.” Her eyes travel up and down Natalie. “Trey, you’ve been holding out on me.”
Natalie stiffens next to me and moves a few inches out of my grasp.
“I’ve not been holding out on you.” I give Jules a brief hug and turn back to Natalie. “Are you jealous?”
“No.” She glares.
“Don’t be.” I grab her face between my thumb and forefinger. “Jules is happily married to one of my friends. They have two beautiful children together, and neither on
e of them has the hots for me.”
“Oh.” She bites her bottom lip and blushes a deep red. Her gaze moves to Jules. “I’m sorry. This is embarrassing.”
I drop my hand and place my arm around Natalie’s waist. This time, I rub her back to reassure her. I don’t want her to question her importance to me.