“Yes,” I whispered, staring straight into his eyes. His gaze never left my face as his hands slowly pulled up my t-shirt and tossed it. He crushed his lips to mine and wrapped his arms around my bare body. “You are so beautiful.” He whispered, as his lips paused on their way down my shoulder.
My nails burned up his back, and I couldn’t get close enough. Couldn’t quench the thirst for him that had ignited.
It was perfect, and carnal, and weird and magical all rolled into one.
When we finished, his arms wrapped around my body, caressing me gently. “Are you ok?”
I nodded, not sure if I could trust my voice.
“Savanah?”
I turned to look at his perfect face. “I love you.”
My damn emotions flooded up through my eyes, and I couldn’t speak as my throat thickened. I touched his face, “You don’t have to say that. I really am ok.”
“I don’t have to say it, but it’s true. I am completely in love with you. I have been for months. Hell, probably since the first night I walked you home. I have never felt like this about anyone before.” He kissed my forehead, “I just wanted you to know.”
Tears were rolling down my cheeks at strange angles, and I inhaled deeply, “I love you too.” I whispered. I knew it was true.
He kissed me softly and we were again submerged in the magic of lust and love.
Chapter Twenty-One
We locked the house up early and as he hid the key, I wondered if someday I would live here. A piece of me speculated what our future may be.
“I think that would be nice.” The voice didn’t belong to Tyler, and I looked on the back steps to see his grandpa.
“Hello sir. Thank you for letting us stay last night.”
He waved his hand in front of his face, “It’s his house now.”
“He really misses you.”
“Yeah, but it’s time for me to move on. I understand that now.” He looked over my shoulder and looked at Tyler, “He’s going to be ok, you made sure of that.”
“I just did what I could do.”
“Well, you were right, I could trust you. I thank you for helping them.”
“Of course, I am glad that it worked out.”
“Never did trust that uncle of his.” His eyes sparkled, “Don’t tell his grandma that.” He smiled again. He took a step down the stairs, “Well, I best be going. Take care of our boy for me.”
“It would be my pleasure.” Tears started to crest my eyes. Damn emotions.
“Ah, don’t cry, this is what’s supposed to happen.” He walked toward the barn, pausing to place a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. Tyler looked around, curiosity and confusion clouding his expression. His grandpa walked on towards the barn, fading as he went.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Tyler saw my tears and made his way towards me. I shook my head, not being able to speak. “Savanah, what happened?”
I reached up to wipe my cheeks, inhaling staggered breaths. “He’s gone.”
Tyler looked at my face and followed my gaze. “Who? Gramps?”
I nodded, wiping my chin and cheeks again. I breathed deep and exhaled, “Yeah, I think he is gone for good.”
Tyler looked back, “Was that him I felt?”
I nodded, “Yes, he really loves you.”
I smiled, trying to keep it as positive as it should have been. Tyler had already grieved his passing; he didn’t need to experience it all over again.
“Thank you, love you, Gramps.” He spoke to the empty air, but I didn’t correct him, I let him believe that his message was delivered.
He turned back towards me, “You ready?” I nodded, looking back at the house, and taking in the old barn one last time.
As we drove, Tyler left a voice mail for his mom. He told her he found the box and let her know he put it in the house safe. I stared out the window as he talked into her recording.
I started to think about the ghosts on campus, especially Karson. I wondered what I could do to help her pass over and be at peace. It had worked for his grandpa, maybe it would work for her.
“Savanah, you ok?” Tyler reached over and touched my knee, rubbing it with his thumb.
I faced him and smiled. “I’m great. You love me.”
He laughed, “That is true.” He stared out the windshield for a moment and then added, “I’ve never said that to anyone else. Just so you don’t think it’s something I say often.”
I turned in my seat to face him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” suspicion crossed his face.
“Have you ever done that-there-before?”
He looked at me alarmed. “At my grandparents’ house? In the room I spent summers in. Definitely not.”
“Did you on their property before?” I had no idea why I asked that. It made no difference, but it popped in my mind, and out my mouth anyway.
He paused in thought, “I don’t want to lie, so hang on.” He thought through everything and shook his head, “No.” He grinned that dimple grin, “Came close once in the barn, but no.”
“Who with?” I smiled. My jealousy and insecurity from when we left on this trip was completely gone, replaced by simple curiosity.
He laughed lightly, “Alexis.” He glanced at me guiltily.
“Well, that shouldn’t surprise me.” I smirked out the side window, “So, in a way, I was first in your house.”
He chuckled, “This is true.” He reached over to take my hand. “You sure you’re ok?”
I turned to him. “I am. I feel exactly the same and completely different at the same time.”
He pulled my hand to his lips, “Me too.”
We barely made it to campus for me to get changed and head to class.
