The Resurrection of Wildflowers (Wildflower #2)(45)

Salem lets out a heavy sigh. “I miss her already. It’s like a limb is missing.”

“I know,” I murmur, thinking not only of Seda but Forrest too.

Sympathy fills her eyes, no doubt thinking about Forrest now. Her hand finds its way to mine and she gives a small squeeze.

She doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to. Sometimes saying nothing is just as meaningful as saying everything.





CHAPTER 29





SALEM





It’s late and I’m exhausted. I want nothing more than to fall face first into my bed, but I want to see Thayer more.

The last week with my mom has been rough.

The time is coming.

She knows it.

I know it.

Georgia knows it.

I’m terrified for her to take her last breath, leaving this realm for good, but I don’t want her to hurt anymore. She’s in so much pain that even morphine isn’t doing a great job masking it, but it does make her sleep a lot which helps.

Walking next door, I climb his porch steps to ring the doorbell. The urge to sneak over here was hard to resist, but I reminded myself I’m an adult now and there’s nothing to hide. I’m single, Thayer’s single—I’m twenty-five, he’s thirty-seven.

The door opens. He doesn’t say anything, just steps to the side to let me in.

“Hi.” I rock back on my heels, suddenly feeling awkward now that I’m here.

“Hi,” he says back, fighting a smile. “Do you want a glass of wine?”

I let out a soft laugh. “I’d love one.”

I don’t drink much, but right now it’s exactly what I need.

Following him into the kitchen, I stare at the spot where we had our first kiss.

He stops in front of a cabinet. “Red or white?”

“Red.”

He pours a glass, sliding it across the counter to me. Sitting on the barstool, I watch him pour his own glass and then make us a plate of crackers and cheese.

He settles beside me, his arm brushing mine in the process. A shiver runs down my spine. It’s been so long since I’ve been touched by him in the way my body craves. Just one touch from him sends my body into flames. He notices the way I start to wiggle, his eyes narrowing. He sucks his cheeks in, I’m sure his ache is even worse than mine.

This man hasn’t touched another woman for six whole years.

I wouldn’t be mad if he had. I would’ve expected it. But the fact he didn’t is one of the biggest turn-ons.

“Do you … uh … wanna talk?” He tries—and fails—to inconspicuously adjust his hard-on.

My mouth waters—and not because the wine is delicious, or I really like cheese.

I know he’s asking about my mom, so I answer with, “Not really, but I probably should.”

“You don’t have to.” He picks up a cracker, putting a slice of cheese on top.

“I know.”

Thayer has never pushed me to do or say anything I didn’t want to. I know people might look at our age difference and assume otherwise, especially with our past, but it’s not true. Thayer is an alpha-male, but he understands my past and has always made sure I know who really has the control in our dynamic.

Sipping at the wine, we’re quiet for a little while before I say, “I don’t think she’ll make it through the week.”

Thayer hisses through his teeth. “Fuck.” He scrubs a hand over the scruff on his cheeks and jaw. “I’m sorry, Salem. I don’t really know what to say.”

“We knew it was coming, it’s not like it was a secret, but it feels so different now that it’s here.”

He surprises me when he puts his hand around the back of my neck, gently tugging me toward him. The ring on his pinky finger is cold against my skin.

“No matter what, Sunshine, I’ve got you.”

A breath shudders through my whole body. It feels good—more than good—to hear him say that. His lips press tenderly to my forehead. My body sinks into him on a sigh. Thayer has this way about him that makes me completely melt. I feel safe with him.

When he releases me, I grab for his hand. “What’s your ring?” As soon as the question is out of my mouth, I already know. The suns stamped onto it look up at me. “I thought I lost this,” I murmur, tears burning my eyes. I trace my finger over the cool surface. “I threw it at you.” I’m lost in the memory. “I went back the next morning, and it was gone.”

There’s a lump in my throat, because Thayer took it. He kept it all this time.

“I always meant to give it back.”

“But I left for good,” I fill in the blanks.

He nods, taking his hand from mine. He slips the ring off his pinky and grabs my left hand. I hold my breath when he slips it on my bare ring finger, bringing it up to his mouth to press a tender kiss to it.

“That stays on,” he says with a low growl, “until I’m the one to take it off and replace it.”

I wet my lips. “Is that so?”

“Yeah.” His voice is deep and husky. I wiggle in my seat, pressing my thighs together. I’m aching to be filled. “Just to make things clear, Sunshine, so we don’t have any misunderstandings—I fully plan to make you my wife.”