Miles
Page 30
I laughed. It felt so good to have my best friend back, all the way back. Unless I was severely mistaken, my best friend, the most gorgeous guy in the whole world, was now my boyfriend, too.
“May nineteenth will always be my favorite day from now on,” I said.
“Mine too,” Miles smiled. “Things sure turned out differently than we expected they would, when you were trying so hard to free me.”
“Oh my goodness. If I had any idea freeing you meant freeing you like this, I would have spent every minute of every day and night searching!” I said.
Miles laughed.
“I would have, too. But all of that time gave us a chance to get to know each other, and become best friends. And now we have that foundation to build on.”
I liked the sound of that.
“So I hear we’re going to the same college next year.”
“That’s right,” Miles smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’ll bet, as much as you love learning.”
“I do love learning… but that’s not what I’m looking forward to the most.”
Miles suddenly grew serious.
He faced me, taking both my hands in his. He looked so intense... one of those looks that made my knees weak, and my insides melt. That was one superpower he hadn’t lost, it had only grown stronger.
“I need to ask you something…”
I held my breath. What is he about to say? He’s not on one knee, but he couldn’t manage it with that brace on. What will my family think? It’ll seem awfully sudden to them, we’re so young, I’m only nineteen, although technically he is a lot older. Is he skipping right over dating, and going straight to—
“Anika Riley… will you teach me how to drive?”
It took me a minute to realize what he said.
“Uh—yeah, sure,” I said.
“Okay, great,” said Miles.
He smiled as he sat back and put his arm around me again.
“And when I ask you that other question… it will be after I meet your parents, and talk to your Dad, and buy a ring.”
“I’ll drive,” I said.
Miles laughed, and my good-as-new heart beat faster as he gazed at me with that soft, melting look in his gorgeous hazel eyes. He brushed the hair away from my face again as I thought how fortunate it was we were sitting on that swing. I don’t know about Miles’ knee, but neither of mine were capable of supporting me when he looked at me that way. I breathed in the intoxicating combination of aftershave and fabric softener as he cradled my cheek in his hand and hesitantly leaned closer. I gripped the front of his soggy t-shirt as my breath caught in my throat and my heart pounded.
I finally whispered, “If you’re waiting for permission, you have it.”
Miles laughed softly, then slowly kissed me, as I became aware that he had another superpower besides his ability to melt with a look. His touch could instantly liquefy.
Miles smiled, that happy light in his eyes as I collapsed against his shoulder, still clinging to his shirt, lightheaded and dizzy.
Then he said, “I’ll get the keys.”
also by Melissa R. L. Simonin
The House of Bannerman
Miles, House of Bannerman book 1
House of Shadows, House of Bannerman book 2
Darkness Falls, House of Bannerman book 3
The Lodge at Whispering Pines, House of Bannerman book 4
Depart the Darkness, House of Bannerman book 5
Mystery Lane
715 Mystery Lane, Mystery Lane book 1
601 Suspense Street, Mystery Lane book 2
423 Apprehensive Avenue, Mystery Lane book 3
The Investigations of Jack Ryland
Last Chance Inn, The Investigations of Jack Ryland book 1
Cottonwood Hotel, The Investigations of Jack Ryland book 2
Terms of Engagement
Terms of Engagement, Terms of Engagement book 1
Failure to Engage, Terms of Engagement book 2
Disengaged, Terms of Engagement book 3
Stand-Alone Novels
Camp Emmaus
Stonecastle Inn
Isle of the Crescent Moon
Hiding Treasure
Lochlan Museum
Uncertainly Yours, a Bannerman Foundation Mystery
Coming soon…
Ashes of Roses, House of Bannerman book 6
Gone in a Flash, the Investigations of Jack Ryland book 3
About the Author
Melissa R. L. Simonin writes the books she wants to read: good clean rated G romance, mystery, suspense, fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, historical, and Christian fiction, with main characters that inspire, who have senses of humor and are good at heart, and which leave one feeling encouraged and better for having read the book. Her characters have stories to tell, so she gets up early and stays up late, because she doesn’t want to miss a thing. Unless she feels like writing two or more novels simultaneously and giving up sleep entirely, she’s learned not to name characters until she’s ready to write, because once they have their names their stories begin, and there is no “pause” option.
In addition to racing to keep up with her characters, Melissa currently resides in Katy, Texas with Brad, her husband of twenty-six years; fifteen-year-old daughter Emily; cats Pandora and Star; Golden retriever and retired Diabetic Alert Dog, Independence; Arctic the White German Shepherd; and Squinty the teddy bear hamster.
While famous for burning cheese sandwiches when her characters are in the middle of a conversation, due to popular demand she usually serves the rest of the household un-burnt offerings, grocery shops on occasion, cleans when absolutely necessary, studies the Bible daily, relies on Jesus completely, listens to Citizen Way and Hawk Nelson frequently, and carries her laptop and immersive headphones with her wherever she goes.
Melissa’s current and ongoing series include The House of Bannerman, Mystery Lane, The Investigations of Jack Ryland, and Terms of Engagement.
Get the latest news on upcoming books and behind the scenes info you won’t find anywhere else, by visiting https://melissasimonin.com