I head again in the direction of the locker rooms, making an attempt to not panic. That is transferring so quick, and I’ve by no means felt like this earlier than. I modify as rapidly as I can, my thoughts racing. After I emerge from the locker room, Porter is ready for me. His expression is closed off, and I’m wondering what he is pondering. As quickly as he sees me, although, his face clears. He takes in what I am sporting and nods approvingly. “Good. Your garments look snug sufficient.’

I blink a number of instances. “Comfy sufficient for what?”

“Our lunch hike.”

“A hike?”

Porter nods. “Yeah. There is a beautiful view a little bit over an hour away. Starved Rock State Park. I’ve even obtained a lunch packed for us once we get to the midpoint of the path. What do you suppose?”

“That sounds…wonderful.”

“Good.” Porter’s voice is a low rumble. “Let’s go, then.”

He leads me out, and we head over to his truck. As quickly as we’re on the street, his hand strikes over to my leg, and I smile, letting my anxieties fall away in the meanwhile. This all simply feels so proper. I’ve loads of time to fret later.

* * *

It is a wonderful drive. The park is a bit away, however Porter drives alongside a rustic street, and it is beautiful. I calm down in opposition to the seat, letting the music wash over me. Porter’s hand continues to be on my thigh, and now and again, he’ll squeeze gently or hint his fingertips up and down my pores and skin, making me shiver.

Ultimately, he pulls right into a parking zone, and we hop out. The sky is obvious, and I take a deep breath.

“Let’s go.” Porter grabs a backpack from the trunk. It is a huge blue climbing pack, and the sight makes me smile.

“You had this deliberate all alongside, huh?”

“Uh-huh,” he confirms. “All the pieces has gone in keeping with plan besides me having to tug that asshole off you, however that would be the final time that ever occurs.”

We fall into a simple rhythm as our toes hit the path, and I’m relieved to find that I’m not almost as out of form as I believed. “Why would you propose all of this?”

“Since you want a little bit journey in your life, Bailey.”

“Journey,” I huff, following him in the direction of a curve within the path. “I’ve by no means been adventurous.”

“Certain you will have,” Porter disagrees. “You took a boxing class, and now right here you might be, miles from dwelling on a hike. You’ve got simply wanted the correct motivation.”

“Hmm.” I slender my eyes, wanting over at him and the way in which his pores and skin appears to glow out right here. “Is that why you requested me to go climbing with you?”

Porter pauses. He appears up on the bushes above our heads and turns to face me. His expression is severe. “No, it is not. I introduced you right here as a result of I wished to spend extra time with you, and I like seeing you out of your aspect. You are fucking cute while you’re making an attempt new issues.”

I blush. “You discuss like we’ve recognized one another for years or one thing.”

“I am not essentially the most romantic man,” he continues, “and I haven’t got the persistence to play video games. So I am simply going to be straight with you, Bailey. I wish to date you.”

I cease useless in my tracks.

Porter needs to this point me.

Porter needs to this point ME.

I swallow arduous. “You wish to do what?”

He frowns. “What? Did not I make that clear? I need you, Bailey. All of you.”

“Oh.” I inhale slowly, making an attempt to make sense of the world now that it appears to have been turned the other way up. “All of me…I believe I’d like that.”

His cocky, half-smile is again. “Good. However pay attention, I am not curious about a fling or a one-night stand. I am all in, Bailey.”

I swallow. All the pieces within me is screaming sure, however one other a part of me is hesitant. Porter is a lot older than me. He is skilled. He is in all probability seen the world and performed so many issues. And I’ve performed…effectively, nothing, actually.

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