“If that’s what you want,” I said softly. “We do whatever you want.”
Lily opened her mouth to answer, when we were interrupted by Rachel once more. I groaned inwardly and looked at the aggravating bartender. Her glare could freeze an active volcano in two seconds flat. And I didn’t like the fact that it was aimed at Lily.
“Can we help you with anything?” I asked in disdain.
Both Lily and Rachel seemed surprised at the tone of my voice, but I didn’t regret it. I didn’t want anyone to disrespect Lily.
Rachel shook her head, and I knew she didn’t say what she originally wanted to say when she interrupted us. I really needed to get Lily home so we could be alone.
“I was just checking to see if you needed anything else.”
I glanced down at the glass of scotch in front of me. I hadn’t even taken a sip. My initial plan of wanting to get blasted drunk to forget about Lily was no more. Now, I wanted to keep a clear head to convince Lily that I was worth taking a chance on.
I shook my head. “I’m good for the rest of the night. Don’t worry about it.”
Then, dismissing her completely, I turned to Lily. Giving into temptation, I played with the soft strands of her dark hair, loving the velvety feel of them around my fingers. Lily watched me, and I didn’t know what that look in her eyes meant.
I waited until we were alone once more before saying, “Do you want to get out of here?”
She blushed, and after only a moment of hesitation, she nodded and stood up.
Thank fuck.
I quickly paid for my drink and, grabbing ahold of her hand, led her out of there.
4
Dereck
The drive to my house was in silence.
I could see Lily fidgeting with her seat belt out of the corner of my eye, but I didn’t know what I could say to soothe her nerves. She was obviously nervous, only I didn’t know why that was.
Had I not made it clear that the pace of our relationship was entirely up to her?
We would go as fast as she wanted, or God help me, as slow.
Perhaps I could tell her that again.
Or perhaps I should leave her alone to her thoughts. She probably wanted that small reprieve on the short drive from the Blacklist to my house.
I shook my head over my own indecision.
Never had I felt such uncertainty.
What was she doing to me?
Lily tensed when I drove us through the gated community and took a sharp left to my house, located in the far corner.
What I wouldn’t give to be able to read her mind then.
Was she impressed? Or overwhelmed?
Or did she hate the fact that I lived here?
I pulled into my driveway and got out, walking over to her side. We were completely isolated from anyone else. My nearest neighbor was about a half a mile away from me, and behind my house was a small man-made lake, which resided on my land.
I opened the door for her, and when I offered her my hand, she took it without hesitation. I smiled at the small gesture of trust.
With time, I hoped she would come to trust me completely.
I helped her out of the car and watched her take in everything.
“Wow,” she said finally, and I felt myself relaxing a little.
“Do you like it?’ I asked. I didn’t know why it was important to me that she liked it… or perhaps I didn’t want to analyze too much why it was important to me.
Too soon.
Much too soon to be asking her if she could envision herself starting a family here… with me.
I shook away the whimsical thought and led her inside the house. Once I closed the door behind us, Lily let go of my hand and walked further into the room, her gaze moving from one place to the next. I stayed where I was, taking her in.
She went no farther than the living room before turning back to me. “Give me a tour?”
I offered her a small smile before walking over to stand beside her.
“Living room,” I said, my voice sounding a little gruff. I cleared my throat before going further into the house. Lily’s feet padded softly behind me.
“Kitchen.”
“Do you cook?” she asked, taking in the spacious room, the stainless-steel appliances, and the huge gray marble kitchen island.
I shook my head. “Sorry. I’m practically useless in the kitchen.”
“Me too. Jerimiah did most of the cooking growing up. I can bake though.”
I smiled at the imagery of her in a pink apron and nothing else. Yup. Definitely high on my list of fantasies. Bringing my attention back to her and away from the dirty thoughts, I asked, “Where were your parents?”
I knew Jerimiah was protective of his sister. But even from an outsider’s observations, I could see it went beyond simple sibling love. He was proud of her… like a parent.
Lily looked out the garden window above the sink before she answered me. “They died when I was seven. It’s been me and Jerimiah ever since.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose both parents at such a young age. I knew I was far more fortunate than most people. I was an only child with two parents who loved me and each other very much. Though I didn’t grow up with money, I grew up rich with love. And that was more than most could say.
It didn’t sit right with me that someone as soft, as delicate as Lily had to grow up without her parents.
Unconsciously, I moved closer to her and wrapped my arms around her petite frame. She turned to me and buried her face in my chest, making my heart tighten with affection for this girl in my arms.
“It’s okay,” she said into my chest. Pulling back a little until our eyes met, she shot me a small smile that just about weakened me to my knees. I tightened
