Page 87 of Shadow and Skulls

I grab her arms and turn her around so she’s on my lap, facing me. I know she’s talking about my ex. Her cheeks redden as I hold them in my palms.

“First of all, I would never disrespect you that way. And secondly, that chapter of my life ended a long time ago. It’s over. My feelings have faded. She was only meant to be a lesson … not my life partner.”

She nods and I kiss her, and I mean Ireallykiss her. I meant every word I said, and I want her to not only hear it, but I also want her to feel it with every cell in her being. The sound of gravel crunching outside is the only reason I pull away.

Her lips are swollen and red.

We get dressed slowly, absorbing every last second together, both of us ignoring the insistent knocking on the door. When we finally open it, Dirk has his foot raised about to kick it down.

“You lucky motherfucker,” he says, his eyebrow crawling up his face as he lowers his boot.

“Sorry, we didn’t hear you. We had the TV on in the back,” Kelsie says.

Then, she surprises even me by rising to her tiptoes and kissing me. Her hand grabs the back of my neck, pulling me down. I smile against her lips, and she does the same.

Dirk grabs the back of her shirt and gently but firmly pulls her away from me. When I right myself, Jesse looks away, her cheeks red. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the woman blush.

“Jesus Christ,” Dirk mumbles, turning Kelsie toward the stairs and pushing her to step down them. “Give an inch and you take a mile …” His voice fades as he guides her across the lawn to the truck.

Jesse hovers as Dirk gets Kelsie in the truck and shuts the door. He flips me off as he rounds it and joins her in the cab.

“Jackson wants to meet you tonight.”

“Can’t,” I say nonchalantly, leaning against the door frame.

She crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s a test,” she spits out. “Do you want Dan to think you’re a stalker or not? She’s safe with JD and Lily. Besides, this may be your only chance to get back into the club.”

I laugh lightly, lighting a cigarette and offering it to her. Then, I light another one, giving myself time to think about what she’s said.

“Sorry, I’m headed out of town,” I finally answer.

Her eyebrows raise as if she can’t believe what she’s hearing. “Tank, don’t be stupid here. She’ll be the one who suffers from it. Kelsie loves you. Don’t push Dan on this.”

I take a drag, blowing smoke over her head. “Then that’s on Dan, because I’m going to follow that girl wherever she goes until the day I die.”

She looks at me like I’m insane. “Well, buddy, that day might not be too far off.”

Her hands wave around crazily in the air as she grumbles all the way back to the truck. She places her hands on her hips before turning back to me.

I shake my head. I’m not going to change my mind.

“For what it’s worth, I like you,” she says. I applaud her for giving it one last shot. She’s a stubborn one.

“And I like you, but I still won’t be at that meeting tonight.”

She throws her hands up before opening her door, but I see the smile she’s trying to hide. She really does like me.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Kelsie

It was an ordeal, but we’re here. We were going to drive, but with Grandma passing, my mom decided we’d fly out to cut the time of the trip in half. I know it’s important to get back to Dad.

We’re going to see my mother in the morning, so we’ve had the afternoon to explore the area. My mom is quiet as we walk along the river. I exchange a glance with JD, and he falls back, giving us a minute.

I grab her hand. “Thank you for sacrificing to be here for me.”

She waves a hand in front of her face to keep from crying. “Kelsie, I’m not sacrificing. I want to be here with you.”

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