Free Forgiveness Creek: The Creek Series by Abbie St. Claire

morning, he took me for a horseback ride to watch the sunrise. We crossed the top of the hill in the predawn. Then he helped me off the horse, and we sat wrapped in a blanket together. I remembered the old saying: everything is the calmest just before the sun awakes.
    “It’s so peaceful. I wonder how many people actually watch the sun rise from the depths of darkness.”
    He inhaled a deep breath while his face was buried in my hair. “I try to do this at least once a week. It keeps me grounded.” His voice was soft—almost reverent.
    “What rocks you to your core?”
    “All the unease in this world. Before you, I was so wrapped up in the next big thing in the tech world that I didn’t have time for anything else. I went through women like crazy because they never satisfied me. Now, I only want to make time for you. You’re like a drug I can’t get out of my system.”
    Later that morning, I had a good bit of studying to do, and he was actually a big help quizzing me.
    “How’s your latte?” he asked, while we sat in Starbucks.
    “Awesome. What is it?”
    “Skinny vanilla. It’s one of my favorites. So, where are we going for dinner?”
    “I have to tease you—the drink sounds prissy. As far as dinner goes, I’m working late, so it’ll be the hospital cafeteria?”
    “Sounds too healthy.”
    “And probably not organic or American made either. Just like this coffee.”
    “You’re right. I’ll bring you a surprise then.” He winked.
    There was something about his blue eyes flashing that made my heart beat a little faster.
    “I’ll let you.” I knew he would be bringing a pizza from his restaurant, and that was quite all right with me. I’d eat anything if it meant I could spend another minute with him.
    Later that night, we laid in my bed after making love and listened to the rainstorm outside. The more the wind blew, the tighter he pulled me to him.
    I laid there, facing him. With my finger, I traced the contours of his face. “What do you think about when you’re making love to me?”
    “I feel the heat of your body and the way it responds to me. Sometimes I like to go fast as if I’m driving you like my car. Other times, I want to savor you like a fine malt scotch over ice. I see the tenderness in your eyes mix with desire as you get aroused. It’s like watching a hurricane come to shore.”
    His beautiful words left me voiceless.

    When the end of the week came, I was sad to see Dane go. He had a driver take him to the airport in a limo and invited me to go with him, even though I told him over and over how I hated goodbyes.
    “Ten days. I’m flying home to get you, and we’ll go back together.”
    “It’s a long flight. You don’t have to do that.”
    “It’s your first flight, and besides, there’s customs and all that. I want to be with you when you experience all the firsts, plus be there to help navigate. Customs can be overwhelming.”
    I wrapped my arms around his waist and ran my hands up and down his back. “Have a great trip. I’ll miss you.”
    He kissed me passionately and gripped my ass, pulling me close to his body at the same time.
    “I’m gonna miss you more. Take care of Grandfather.”
    I stood outside the airport terminal and watched him disappear through the glass doors.
    I hated goodbyes.

    Mr. Lawrence returned to treatments and was tolerating them much better, but overall, I could see his health deteriorating. He moved slower and slower, and his face was drawn with all the weight he’d lost.
    At eighty-four, he said he’d live a very happy life. “I’ve almost finished my bucket list.”
    “You have? What were some of the things you’re most proud of accomplishing?”
    “Oh, seeing my name in Forbes , visiting Tibet, seeing to it that my grandson found the right track, and oh, I learned to play the saxophone.”
    “I would love to hear you play. Would you play for me?”
    “Absolutely. I don’t have the wind I used to, but I can still forge a