Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

I took a sip of my water again, leaving a dramatic pause. “Yeah, I think there will be a next time.”

Our lunch came and as we ate, we talked about any and everything we could think of to get to know each other. He’d told me he was a cop for a year before he took over his dad’s business. I then proceeded to tell him how I didn’t like cops because I received a ticket once and couldn’t get out of it. Obviously I was just joking and being dramatic again, which he thought was pretty funny. He told me about his mother dying when he was young, and I told him about my “normal” upbringing. He said he played football in school, and I told him I was a cheerleader. We were the picture-perfect couple on paper. The only issue…we were both married. To other people. And that’s one subject that never came up. Occasionally, he’d make a reference to “her,” and I’d make one to “him,” but we never broached the topic of our current relationship status. The only thing that mattered in this moment was branching off the connection that had already been established online. The rest of it…the reality of it all…that could come later.

The waitress placed our check on the edge of the table and Gage grabbed it quickly, sliding in a card without even looking at the bill. He handed it to her in a rush.

“What! You don’t have to do that. Get her back here…I can pay for my own.” I demanded.

“What kind of man would I be if I made you pay for your lunch?”

“Well…still…it’s not necessary. I got this.” I started digging through my purse.

“Abby, no,” he said, laughing.

“Well here, let me leave the tip at least,” I said, tossing a five-dollar bill on the table.

“Nope,” he said, sliding the bill back to me.

“Fine. I give up,” I said, returning the money to my wallet and zipping up my purse.

“Finally,” he smirked. “You’re persistent.”

“Persistence is a good quality.”

“That it is.”

We both slid out of the booth and walked outside. A sadness washed over me. I didn’t want our time together to be over.

“Which car is yours?” he asked.

I pointed to the black BMW.

“Look at you, all fancy,” he said nudging me.

“Oh shush,” I replied. I rolled my eyes and nudged him back.

When we got to my car, I stood with my back against the driver door. How did this end? Where did we go from here?

“I’m glad I finally got to meet you in person.” Gage started. “I know we haven’t been talking that long, but it feels like I’ve known you forever.”

“I feel the same way,” I said. “We seem to click. When we talk, it’s natural. This is crazy.”

Gage nodded. “Yeah, it is.”

Before I had another moment to think, his lips were on mine. He pulled me against him and I didn’t dare pull away. I gave in, falling into his arms and relishing in the feeling of his lips on mine. I opened slightly, allowing room for his tongue to enter, and together we collided with full force. It was full of need and desire, and when we finally pulled apart, I was breathless. This was it. I was doomed.

“Talk to you later, okay?” he whispered against my ear.

“Okay.”

Chapter Nine

 

Abby,

 

Is it too much to say that I’m missing you already? Our connection is mind blowing. I’m drawn to you. Meeting you in person today solidified all these crazy thoughts I’ve been having. I knew there was something between us. I hope the kiss wasn’t too much, but based on your reaction, I think you wanted it just as much as I did. The whole time we sat talking at lunch, all I could think about was how I couldn’t wait to taste you…and now I’m craving more.

I think you’re beautiful, but it’s not just your physical appearance that attracts me. Our personalities click, you’re funny, and I can tell that you really care about what’s important to you. Those are qualities that I admire.

I was wondering…is there any other way we can talk? I totally understand if you don’t want to give me your phone number, but I thought it’d be nice to be able to communicate more often throughout the day. Some kind of messaging app maybe? Let me know.

Hope you’re having a good day.

 

Gage

 

Truth be told, I was dying of anticipation waiting on a letter from Gage. I didn’t want to write first…again, not wanting to sound desperate. Reading his words gave me all the feels. It was like a new relationship, so good in the beginning. I didn’t want to think about things going wrong. I was on a cloud, floating on a high that I hoped I’d never come down from.

Gage,

It’s definitely not too much to say that you’re missing me already because I feel the same way. We are totally on the same page. Even though we’ve only known each other a very short time, things with us are natural. That makes me happy. I never thought I’d find someone like you, someone with the same feelings and struggles as me, but I’m so glad I did. We have a one-of-a-kind connection.

Not going to lie, I wasn’t expecting that kiss, but I don’t regret it at all. I’m glad it happened. Our chemistry is palpable and the fire that ignited between us after we officially met was an explosion waiting to happen. Maybe things are moving fast, but nothing about us is normal anyway. It excites me that you say you crave more. I don’t want you to think badly of me…but after today, I’m craving more too. I can’t wait until I can see you again.

Let’s see…you’re right, the