The Persistence of Thornes (Wildflower Duet)

by Micalea Smeltzer

“I want you to hug me a little longer. Is that okay?” “Yeah, Hal. I’ve got you.”

“I’m beginning to think my brothers were right when they said you have a crush on me.” As we stare at one another, a flush creeps up her neck and into her cheeks. A thrill zips through me. “I do.”

And don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you out.” Voice small, she asks, “You’re not?” I swallow a bite of burger and wipe my mouth with a napkin. “No. I won’t put you in that position. You work for me, and for now, you live with me. I don’t want you to think that you owe me a shot because of that.” “What if…” She drops her attention to her untouched burger. “What if I wanted you to?”

“You expect me to run, and I get it. No one has ever stuck around. But I need you to know—I need you to believe—that I don’t plan on going anywhere, not as long as you want me.”

“I’ve never felt like this before, and it … fuck, Halle. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before, but I don’t think you believe me.” I know I shouldn’t ask, but the words leave my mouth before I can stop them. “Not even her?” He holds my gaze, his attention never wavering when he says, “Not even her.”

“Because”—he angles in, his lips finding the curve of my ear—“I’m not sure I could survive losing you.”