CH. 27

"Should we talk about it?" Mike's question hung in the air, as potent as the aroma of the freshly brewed drink. Renee leaned against the counter, her eyes avoiding his. The truth was, she didn't know what to say. The intensity of what they had shared in the barn was still a tumultuous storm of emotions swirling inside her. Before she could reply, her thoughts drifted back to Jake. The man she had promised to wait for, the one who had help give her this new life, who was miles away facing his own battles. Yet, here she was, in the arms of someone else, feeling things she hadn't felt in a long time different from what she felt with him. Mike's presence had been a gentle whisper in the wind of her mind even before their bodies had collided in passion, and she knew she couldn't ignore it any longer. Renee took a deep breath, her hand tightening around the warm mug of coffee. "Mike," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "this, what happened between us, it's...complicated." She paused, her eyes searching his for any sign of judgment or anger, but found only understanding and patience. "I made a promise to Jake. I told him I'd give this long-distance thing a shot, and I haven't heard from him since he left." Mike nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know," he said gently. "But what you feel for me, Renee, it's not the same as what you felt with Jake. And that's okay." He took a step closer, closing the space between them. "We're different people, and what we have is different too."
Renee's heart raced at his words, her chest tight with a mix of excitement and fear. She knew he was right, but the thought of betraying Jake weighed heavily on her conscience. Yet, she couldn't ignore the way Mike made her feel - alive, desired, and seen. It was as if he had peeled back the layers she had so carefully constructed around herself and found the woman she truly was, the woman who craved love and connection.
Without another word, she stepped in front of him, placing her mug on the counter with trembling hands. Her eyes searched his, looking for any hint of hesitation, any reason not to act on the impulse that was building within her. But all she found was a reflection of her own longing, a silent invitation that she couldn't refuse. She leaned in, pressing her body against his, and kissed him.

Mike's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, his own desire evident in the way his body responded. The kiss grew deeper, more urgent, as if trying to convey in that single act all the unspoken words that had been building between them. When she pulled back, her breath was ragged, her eyes shining with a mix of passion and something deeper. "In one day," she whispered, her voice a soft caress against his ear, "you understand me without me saying anything, and that speaks volumes." The sound of footsteps on the wooden floorboards had them jumping apart, their eyes wide with surprise. Beth and Bobby walked in, a knowing smile playing on their lips as they saw the state of Renee and Mike. "Couldn't stay away from each other, huh?" Beth teased, holding up the coffee pot. "We figured we'd better get in on this before it got cold." They all shared a laugh, sitting around the kitchen bar. The tension from earlier had dissipated, replaced by an easy camaraderie that felt surprisingly natural. Renee found herself relaxing into the moment, her hand unconsciously reaching for Mike's leg under the bar. He covered her hand with his, giving it a comforting squeeze. As they talked and finished their coffee, the conversation drifted towards the week ahead. "Renee, I was thinking," Beth began, a mischievous glint in her eye, "why don't you take the week off? You've been working so hard, and I think Mike needs to show you around town. We can manage the boys and the farm." Mike's eyebrows shot up, surprised by the suggestion. But before he could say anything, Beth continued, "You two obviously have some things to figure out, and what better way than a little road trip?"
Bobbys grin grew wider as he nodded in agreement. "I've got this week's deliveries covered," he said, slapping Mike on the back. "Besides, the boss can't say no to you, right?" Renee felt a thrill run through her at the idea of spending time with Mike, exploring the town and the surrounding countryside. She had been so focused on the farm and her new life that she had barely had a chance to see the beauty that lay just beyond her doorstep. "Are you sure?" she asked, looking from one friend to the other. "You guys don't mind watching the kids and taking care of the animals?"

"Not at all," Bobby assured her, his grin widening. "We'll be fine. Besides, we've got the whole week to get everything done." With that, Beth and Bobby bid them goodnight, leaving Mike and Renee alone in the kitchen. The silence was heavy with unspoken words and the promise of what was to come. Renee looked up at Mike, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "So, about this road trip," she said, her voice low and husky. Mike leaned closer, his hand still resting on her leg. "Yeah," he said, his eyes searching hers, "sounds like an adventure." Renee felt a thrill of excitement. A week away with Mike, exploring the countryside, sounded like the perfect escape from the reality of her situation. She couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from her chest like a geyser of pure happiness. "Let's do it," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "I can't believe we have a whole week to ourselves." Mike's smile grew even wider, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I've got a few ideas," he said, standing up and taking her hand. He led her out onto the porch, the night air cool against her flushed cheeks. The moon cast a silver glow over the farm, the shadows playing across the fields like a lover's caress. They sat on the swing, the gentle creak of the old wood a comforting lullaby. Renee leaned into him, her head on his shoulder, her heart racing. The whiskey had loosened her inhibitions, but it was the way Mike held her that made her feel truly safe. "Where should we go first?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper in the night. "Well," Mike began, his eyes scanning the horizon, "there's this little place I know, not too far from here. It's got the most amazing views, and I think you'd love it." His voice was low and seductive, the promise of adventure and discovery in every word.

Renee's heart skipped a beat at the thought. "What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Mike leaned back in the swing, his arm draped comfortably around her shoulders. "It's a secret spot," he said, his voice low and filled with excitement. "A place I found when I was a kid, exploring the woods. It's a clearing with a stream, and when the sun sets, the light hits the water just right, and it turns everything gold." Renee could feel the warmth of his body beside her, his breath against her neck as he spoke. She felt a sudden urge to be closer to him, to feel his heart beating in time with hers. Without thinking, she turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "I want to see that," she said, her voice a whisper in the stillness of the night. Mike's gaze softened, his hand brushing a loose strand of hair from her cheek. "Then it's settled," he murmured. "We'll go there tomorrow." He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a gentle kiss that seemed to seal their unspoken pact. The electricity between them was palpable, a force that seemed to pull them closer together even as they sat apart. The night grew colder, but Renee barely noticed, wrapped in the warmth of Mike's arms. Her eyes grew heavy, the weight of the day's events and the whiskey making it difficult to stay awake. She felt him tense slightly, and she knew he was aware of her exhaustion. "You should get some rest," Mike murmured, his voice a gentle rumble in her ear. "It's been a long day, and we've got a big week ahead of us." Renee nodded, the fatigue weighing down her eyelids like a warm blanket. "I know," she said, her voice thick with sleep. "But I don't want to let go." Mike chuckled, his thumb brushing the back of her hand. "You never have to," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "But for now, let's get some rest." Renee stood, turning to the door. She felt the heat of his gaze on her, and she knew he was watching her every move. "Will you join me in my bed?" she asked, her voice low and inviting.