“So this is new for you too?” I asked, holding out the bag in my hands for him to try.
We sat like that for what felt like hours, watching the sun move across the horizon. Talking about things that may not have been deep but still felt meaningful. We both realized we liked salty over sweet, but caramel popcorn was delicious. He told me about a fair he had gone to once when they were on a club run and Mara had made him try a caramel apple. I told him that needed to happen.
Declan laughed, “What does?”
I didn’t realize I was staring, until he had to ask again. But I was so struck by how carefree he looked at the moment. How beautiful his true smile was.
I swallowed hard, answering, “A fair and caramel apples. I think I would like the rides.”
The sun was starting to set and I realized I promised Marvin I would make dinner. I asked Declan if he wanted to stay, not sure if I was ready for this day to be over just yet.
He shook his head, gathering our wrappers and putting everything that was left in a bag, “You enjoy your dinner with them, but can I come by tomorrow?”
I didn’t think, I just breathed out a“Yes.”And his responding smile lit up his face and had me clenching my thighs together.
It had been a really long time.
I stood rubbing the dust from my legs, and Declan tried to hand methe bags of leftover goodies. But, I pushed them back in his direction feeling like if he could be brave maybe I could be too.
“Maybe you can keep them,” I offered, “And I can come over to your place and we can keep trying things together.”
His eyes flared and he swallowed, I watched his adam's apple bob in his throat. Feeling all kinds of warm all of a sudden.
“I’d like that.” He rumbled.
Me too.
He stepped up closer, keeping enough space between us in case I needed it, but close enough that I could smell him. His scent was different now, without the oil and the leather, he still smelled like him, but cleaner… a fresher scent. I matched the step forward, unsure if I wanted the space anymore.
“I thought tomorrow we could go for a drive, maybe find a coffee shop. Discover if we are coffee or tea people.”
And that is how I ended up at the stop sign outside of the old mom and pop grocery store. Declan had found a local coffee shop just in the next town that was known for their variety of hot drinks. He surprised me when he tossed me the keys to his SUV and offered to let me drive. I didn’t even think, I jumped in, adjusted the seat and steering wheel and took off. A lightness to me I don’t think I had ever experienced.
“Everything ok?” Declan asked bringing me to the present.
“I…” I looked over at him, feeling panic start to sneak in.
But the look on his face had me starting to relax, to breathe. This wasn’t Clutch… this was Declan… and he told me I was safe.
I closed my eyes and rushed out, “I… I haven’t gone past this point.”
It was quiet for a moment before he responded, “It’s ok. We can go somewhere else, if you aren't comfortable. I didn’t even think…”
I opened my eyes and silenced him by resting my hand on his thigh and squeezing. His dark eyes found mine and they almost took my breath away.
“I… I don’t want to stay in this bubble. I want to go to fairs and eat candy and try new things.” I could feel tears building up and I didn’t know why.
“Ok…”
I interrupted him again by saying, “With you.”
Declan huffed out a loud breath and then chuckled. “Ok then Molly, you lead and I am here for the ride.”
Turns out I really like lattes and am not a fan of green tea.
CHAPTER 47
MOLLY - THE MAN I LOVED