Betty’s POV
The farmhouse smelled of warm wood and fresh hay, a comforting mix that seemed to make the rest of the world disappear. Sitting here, surrounded by the soft hum of crickets outside and the fading warmth of the evening sun streaming through the bay window, it felt like a bubble of peace I didn’t know I needed.
Brent walked in from the kitchen, carrying two glasses of wine, his movements easy and relaxed. He set them down on the coffee table before settling onto the couch beside me. His arm brushed mine as he adjusted himself, the warmth of his skin radiating through the fabric of my shirt.
“You know,” he said, his voice light but carrying that familiar teasing edge, “we could just stay like this forever.”
I laughed softly, leaning back against the cushions. “Forever sounds great, as long as it includes Wi-Fi and regular takeout.”
He nudged me with his shoulder, his grin widening. “Farm life has its perks, you know. You’ve got fresh air, peace and quiet, no city drama… and me. What more could you want?”
His tone was playful, but when I glanced at him, there was something deeper in his eyes. It made my stomach flutter in that way I’d been trying to ignore.
I swirled the wine in my glass, watching the liquid catch the golden light. The conversation drifted, and soon we were talking about the upcoming semester. The familiar tightness crept into my chest, and I exhaled slowly before speaking. “I still haven’t decided if I’m going back,” I admitted. The words hung in the air, heavier than I’d expected.
Brent leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He stared at the floor for a moment before turning back to me, his gaze steady. “Betty, it’s okay,” he said, his voice soft. “You don’t have to decide right now. Just… promise me one thing?”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep the mood light. “What’s that?”
He turned fully toward me, a small, sincere smile tugging at his lips. “That whatever you choose, you’ll be happy. That’s all I care about.”
His words caught me off guard, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. For a moment, I didn’t trust myself to speak. I nodded, my voice quieter than I intended when I finally managed, “Thanks.”
The silence that followed wasn’t awkward, but it was charged, thick with things left unsaid. I sipped my wine, trying to find something to break it, but Brent beat me to it.
“If you do go back,” he said, his grin returning, “you owe me one thing.”
I tilted my head, curious. “And what’s that?”
“Enough memories of us to hold me over,” he replied, the teasing lilt in his voice making me laugh despite myself.
The sound caught in my throat, though, when he leaned closer, his hand brushing against my cheek. The look in his eyes made my heart stutter, and before I could think twice, his lips found mine.
The kiss started soft, tentative, but it quickly deepened, the emotions between us spilling over in waves. The wine sat forgotten on the table as his hands moved to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us.
His lips trailed down my neck, leaving a heat that made my pulse race. I tilted my head back, my breath hitching as his hands slid up my sides, their warmth making me shiver. His breath was hot against my collarbone, and I found myself gripping the fabric of his shirt, holding him to me as I let myself get lost in the moment.
For now, nothing else mattered. It was just us—here, now, making memories I wasn’t sure I could ever let go of.