Stitch by Jaime Lewis (ebook reader online .txt) 📗

he was observing her. She surprised him when she got up on her tiptoes, putting most of her weight on her good ankle, and kissed his cheek. His skin felt smooth and warm against her lips.

“Thank you for everything, Stitch.”

He placed a hand on her hip. “I would do anything for you, Mia.  Anything.” They stared at one another for several seconds before Stitch said, “I already brought your shoes down, and Alex left a coat for you. Do you need any help getting them on?” Ordinarily, she would have been appalled by him asking her that, but considering that bending over was still a difficult task with her ribs, all she could do was smile up at him because he was sincerely only trying to help her.

“Alex made sure that I had shoes I could easily get my feet in and out of.” She opened the box and showed Stitch the light gray slip-on tennis shoes, and he smiled.

“Alex thinks of everything.”

Oh, how his statement was true. Little Miss Alex didn’t miss a beat.  Mia still couldn’t believe the sexy panties and bras Alex bought her during her shopping trip.

Stitch held her jacket open for her, and she slid her arms in. He was so gentle it warmed her heart.

“We can also stop at any stores you want along the way. There are a couple of really cool antique shops. I know you like to browse through those.”

“That sounds great. I would love to stop and look around if you don’t mind.”

“As long as you’re feeling up to it.”

“Trust me; if I’m not, I’ll let you know. If we don’t make it to them, I can always come back.” She glanced over her shoulder and found Stitch staring at her. She looked down at her hands that were clasped together.  “Well, that is if I’m welcomed back considering all the trouble I’ve caused.”

He placed his hand against her cheek, and his thumb caressed her bottom lip. She couldn’t resist the pull, and she leaned into his touch.

“You’re welcome here anytime. In fact, I hope you decide to spend more time here with me.” He looked so serious as he told her, and Mia could only hope he was telling the truth because she would absolutely love to spend more time at the cabin with him. She just needed to get to the bottom of the mess she was currently in currently.

◆◆◆

The drive along the scenic route was the perfect distraction that Mia had needed. The beauty and calmness the mountains had to offer were breathtaking and tranquil. They had driven a few hours, stopping along the way at various points to view the mountain landscape as well as the many historical spots. She never realized how rich the locale was in Civil War history. She was bummed she didn’t have her phone to take pictures, but Stitch had taken some. She would definitely be returning when she was healed to tour the nearby caverns, maybe get a little snow skiing in, and exploring more of the mountains and communities surrounding it.

On their way back home, they stopped at a little Mom and Pop diner that Stitch regularly frequented when he was up this way.

Finding a table near the back, Mia looked over the menu. She couldn’t stop thinking about the last few hours and how Stitch’s attentiveness was so different today than the last few days.

Around the cabin, he operated in a work mode mentality. Every now and then, he would sneak a little innuendo in, but today was different. It felt like a turning point in their relationship. That power surge feeling she got had been with her all day. His attentiveness had been off the charts. When they stopped at Hogback Lookout, her favorite lookout stop of the day, Stitch had held her hand the entire time. When they stood together gazing out over the valley below them, he’d hugged her close to him. She savored every moment of the closeness. Neither one had much to say during the drive, though she did want to ask him if he’d heard anything about her case, but it had been too special of a day to ruin it with that ugliness.

Since that first night, she found it frustrating that he had yet to try and kiss her again. She had wondered if she needed to make the next move and show that she was all in for them being together.  They definitely needed to talk because the biggest obstacle facing their future together was her brother.

“You’re not hurting, are you?” Stitch asked, getting her attention and pulling her from her thoughts.

She shook her head and gave him a soft smile. “No, what made you ask that?”

“You got quiet, and your eyebrows were drawn in.” He reached over and brushed his thumb across her forehead. The move sent little tingles through her body. She hadn’t realized she was that deep in thought.

“Your expressions are one of the qualities I love so much about you.  The way you express yourself, whether you’re talking, or like just now as you were thinking.”

“Unlike you and my brother, who are tough people to read, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try to decipher whatever y’all got going through those thick skulls of yours.”

He chuckled. “Well, we have had some practice. Believe me, that practice has saved our lives on numerous occasions.”

An older lady with graying hair approached the table, and a huge smile crossed her face when her eyes landed on Stitch.

“Stitch! I thought that was you. It is nice to see you again. It’s been a while.” The lady looked at Mia and smiled. “And I see you brought some company with you.”

Stitch smiled. “Hi, Fran. It has been a while.”

“Well, it’s always a pleasure to see your face around here.”

“Fran, I’d like you to meet Mia. Mia, this is Fran. She and her husband, Theo, own this place.”

Mia shook Fran’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Fran.”

“Likewise, honey. What can I get