Page 82 of Wild Desire

Everyone seemed to like that. After their offers of encouragement, I met Noelle outside where she was driving my truck.

I slid in the passenger side.

"Oh, wow. You got a framed picture."

"Yeah, they were great."

"Lunch with your mom?"

"Let's do it." It felt like time was moving more quickly. Before I knew it, I'd get on the plane and be gone forever. It sucked, and I wasn't sure there was anything I could do to slow down the momentum.

As we drove to my mom's house, I said, "You should keep the truck."

"I thought it was a rental."

I cleared my throat, wondering if she'd think I was ridiculous for buying a truck for home when I was never there. "I bought it."

"You bought a vehicle for a few weeks?"

"It’s to use when I'm home. If you drive it, then it will keep it in good condition. I can't just let it sit." It was a good way to get her out of that car she drove around town. I was constantly worried it was going to break down on her.

Noelle frowned. "I can't take your truck."

"Sure, you can."

"I have a car."

"We both know that thing won't run forever. I'd feel better if you were in something newer."

"You know?—"

I held up my hands. "It's up to you. But I'm leaving the keys with you, and since you're my assistant, I'm asking you to drive it every once in a while."

She huffed out a breath. "Fine."

"You're welcome to use it as much as you want."

"That's not necessary."

"I want to know you're taken care of while I'm gone."

She glanced over at me, and I couldn't answer the question I saw in her eyes. Was this something more than we planned on? I couldn't go into my feelings not knowing how I could act on them. Not with my responsibilities and obligations.

Noelle pulled up to my parents' house and turned off the engine. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." I'd give her everything if she only asked for it. She didn't even have to do that. If I lived here, I'd have more time to show her how I felt.

I opened the door to the house, expecting to see my parents, but I wasn't prepared for everyone jumping out from where they were hiding and yelling, "Surprise!"

Joey ran up to me and hugged my leg. "Were you surprised?"

My heart was still thumping hard. "I sure was."

"We're going to miss you, Uncle Killian."

I swung him into my arms, my gaze seeking out Noelle, who was smiling.

"I'm going to miss you more."

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