Chasing Paradise by Cindy Patterson

Author:Cindy Patterson [Patterson, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781646690367
Publisher: Springbrook Press, LLC

Paul had waited patiently for her family to leave before approaching her. Rachel had seen Anna with him today. He was certain. “Hullo.”

She hesitated before meeting his gaze. Her expression was cautious, not trusting.

“Hey.” Her gaze fell back on the bottle top she twisted.

“How was your visit?”

An innocent smile crossed her lips. “Good.”

Paul sat on the swing next to her hoping she wouldn’t mind. She slid over still playing with the drink bottle. Being this close to her triggered strange yearnings.

He crossed his arms to keep from taking her hand and pushed the swing with his foot. The sudden movement caused her to shift into him. She straightened, placed the bottle on the porch, and tucked her hands beneath her legs.

A desire to reach out and hold her manipulated his self-control. He rotated his jaw trying to regain power of his reactions. “What has your thoughts tied up?”

Rachel was watching him, her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to speak. But her mouth closed. Her eyes were warm, full of questions. And all he could think of was kissing her.

Could she be experiencing the same longing?

“I was thinking about Katelyn. And how I miss her already.”

He had expected some form of confession about seeing him with Anna today. Paul smiled at the relief relaxing the lines on her face. “What about the other cousin? He looks about our age. Will he be going to school with you?”

“No, he graduated last year. He has a friend who will be though. He's planning to introduce me.”

“Oh.” He cleared his throat.

She would have many male friends. Why had this never occurred to him before now? The thought sent another wave of emotion through him. One he didn’t like. Paul had a hard time imagining the rest of the world when he was near her.

“Oh? What's that supposed to mean?”

“You’ll probably have so many friends before the year is over, you won’t be able to keep up with them all.” His words were only a disguise attempting to diminish the dark brooding cloud that swept over him.

“Even in Florida, I only had two close friends.”

The same battle seemed to rage in her expression. She was curious and wanting and confused and nervous all at once. Just as he was.

Her face tilted and locks of dark brown waves fell into her face, a few sticking to her lashes as she raised her gaze to meet his.

Without permission, his hand lifted, touched her forehead just above her eyebrow, and pulled the few strands away. It was challenging to pull back, to stop himself from moving closer than he already was. Paul imagined wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close, and breathing in the scent of her.

For many long seconds, neither of them spoke a word.

He stood, shaking his head. What are you thinking?

Paul forced himself to walk away. He stood at the bottom of the steps before he turned around. She looked at her feet, her cheeks a deep shade of pink.

“I need to get back to work.

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