“Can I hold you?” His voice is soft. So much so that if I hadn’t been laser-focused on him, I might not have heard him.
There’s an uncertainty in his eyes, which surprises me. I’ve never seen Orrin anything but 100 percent confident. “Is that what you want?” I ask, tilting my head to the side to study him. I don’t know why I ask the question. It’s obvious that’s what he wants, or he wouldn’t have asked, but something about him asking for permission settles my nerves and gives me confidence. It’s a heady feeling knowing that he respects me enough to ask.
“Do I want you in my arms while you watch this movie, and I watch you? Yes. More than anything.”
“Why ask for permission? Why not just make your move?”
“Because you’re different, Jade. I don’t want you just for tonight. I want you for always. I was afraid you would leave or ask to go home, and I want you to stay always. With me.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “We’re missing the movie.” I grin.
He smiles is breathtaking and lights up his face. “Come here, sweetheart.” He stretches his legs out in front of him and opens them wide, patting the space between them. I don’t hesitate to move and settle between his thighs. He wraps his arms around me, pulling my back to his chest. “Much better,” he says, his lips next to my ear.
He rustles around, moving more of the pillows behind his back before settling and taking me with him. “Are you comfortable?” he asks.
“Yes.”
I feel his lips press to the top of my head, and his arms tighten around me. Neither one of us say another word unless it’s to sing along to the soundtrack or repeat the lines of the movie. His hold on me never wavers, and those kisses on the top of my head increase as the night goes on.
When the credits roll, I sit up and turn to look at him. “Thank you for humoring me.”
“It’s a great movie,” he says, reaching out and tucking my hair behind my ear. “You want to watch another one? Or do you want some fruit? Oh, I almost forgot.” He reaches into the cooler, pulls out a container, and hands it to me. “They’re chocolate chip cookies. Piper said they were your favorite.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you really are trying to make me fall in love with you.” I’m teasing, but I can feel my cheeks heat from embarrassment.
“Would that be such a bad thing?” he asks softly.
“I can think of worse,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood that I turned serious with my big mouth.
“And I can’t think of anything better.”
I’ve heard Ramsey drone on about how Deacon makes her feel inside. How she has butterflies, and it feels as though her body melts when he says or does certain things. I’ve read romance novels where the authors describe the main character as swooning, but I never really understood. I thought I did. I thought I was able to comprehend the meaning, but it’s not until this moment that I feel the true force of the word.
“What’s next on this grand adventure?” I ask, once again moving the topic toward something that will keep me from throwing myself at him. I can’t attack him with my mouth on our first date.
“We can watch another movie, or just listen to music and talk. I can just hold you while we look up at the stars, or we can go for a drive. Honestly, Jade, I don’t really care what you decide to do next as long as It’s not me taking you home. Not yet. I’m not ready for that yet.”
“Music and talk?” I ask.
“Okay.” He leans forward like he’s going to kiss me, and I quickly lick my lips, but his land on my temple. Grabbing his phone, he taps at the screen, and Luke Combs fills the night air singing about forever.
“May I use your restroom?” I ask him.
“Of course. Come. I’ll show you where it is.” He taps my hip, and I stand, offering him my hand and pulling him to his feet. He doesn’t let go as he guides me into his house and down the hall to the restroom.
“I’ll be in the kitchen,” he says, releasing me.
I nod and disappear behind the bathroom door. I quickly take care of business and wash my hands before staring at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are bright with excitement, and my face is tinged pink. I think I’ve blushed a hundred times tonight. I guess my body just decided to stay flushed.
Taking a deep breath, I open the door, turn out the light and go in search of Orrin. I find him sitting on the kitchen island, facing away from me. I pad softly into the room. I don’t stop until I’m standing in front of him. He opens his legs, and on instinct, I step between them. He wraps his arms around me in a hug, and there is nothing I can do but return his embrace.