Page 145 of Roughing It

“She doesn’t need our life story, Lisse.”

Instead of being upset at my father’s blunt tone, Blakely rolls her lips to hide a smile. Leaning closer to me, she whispers, “So that’s where you get it.”

I frown and grunt, proving her point.

“I’m Lisse Brooks, and this big lug is King. It’s so nice to meet you, sweetheart. We’ve been watching you all month long, and the two of you—” Mom dabs at her eyes. “You’re so fucking cute.”

The shock of my mother dropping an F-bomb breaks any lingering tension, and soon, she and Blakely are chatting like old friends. My dad watches us from the wall with a soft smile.When my eyes droop, my nurse shoos everyone but Blakely out. Despite not doing anything, I’m tired as hell. I’m over this shit.

Blakely dims the lights and snuggles close. “So we didn’t finish our conversation. Again. It’s becoming our thing, huh?”

“Nope.”

She raises both brows. “Care to elaborate.”

“We aren’t gonna be that couple. We’re gonna talk.”

“Are you including yourself in this?”

“Smartass.” I nip her bottom lip. “Yes.”

With a laugh, she smiles. “Okay, Toastmaster, let’s hear it.”

Shit. I clear my throat. “You finish, then I’ll go.”

“Uh-huh.” Her plump lips press against mine. “So, an address. I don’t have one anymore. Know anyone in Trail Creek looking for a roomie?”

“Kirk was serious? You gave up your apartment in Austin?”

“Sure did. And mapped out a new direction for my channels. I’m currently on hiatus, but it’s going to be big. I don’t know if you know this, but it turns out I’m not too bad at this wilderness stuff.”

My lips pull into a smile. “Yeah, when push came to shove, you were a badass.”

“I figure there are probably a lot of women like me. Who may never be up to spending a month alone in the forest but would still like to learn the basics from someone who speaks their language.” She pauses. “But it all depends on you.”

“Me?”

“I’ll need to learn more if I’m going to teach others. Plus, I really need somewhere to live.”

I bark out a laugh that rattles my bruised ribs, but it’s worth it. “I know of a little place.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Became available recently. Previous tenants were only there a month.”

She nods sagely. “Because it was a secluded sex-torture cabin?”

“No. I mean there was sex, but no torture, unless you count the roommate who never stopped making noises. Even in her sleep. She talked and snored and snuffed.”

“That sounds like a blatant exaggeration. If there was any torture, I bet it was at the hands of a know-it-all grumpass.”

Despite the dull ache in my side and leg, I pull Blakely’s mouth to mine in the kiss I’ve been dying to give her since the fight in the Jeep. One that holds every promise I plan to keep. Every tomorrow. Every fight and makeup. Every beautiful failure and miraculous high. I don’t pull away until I’m certain she understands the message. Until I can find the same promise in her kiss.

“Did you find your phone?”

Her eyes widen. “I can’t believe you’re asking. I figure you’d be thrilled at the possibility it was lost forever.”

I make ahmphsound.

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