Page 12 of Dean

I step to the side and then walk over to a rickety wooden bench, lowering myself onto it. I bet this is where Dean and Elaine sat, chatting for hours. I stare at the space next to me and a moment later, Dean is there, his arm touching mine once more.

It’s becoming a bit of a problem. I mean, really. Can he just not? It’s giving me all sorts of ideas that I most definitely shouldn’t have.

Especially since I can’t stop thinking about sex when I’m near him and he’s still a grieving widower. Even if it has been twenty years.

I need to rein it in. I really need to stop being such a pervert.

“What would you two talk about?” I ask softly, and Dean shrugs.

“Everything. She talked all the fucking time. About anything. I could listen to her for hours. Somehow she loved me and wanted to marry me, even though I was quiet. And Ben, well, he’s not like her at all. He’s introverted and shy. Kinda like his old man.”

“I mean, I don’t think you’re so bad.”

“I’m something,” he huffs.

“Does he look like her?”

He peers over at me, but I keep my gaze out on the twinkling horizon. I’ve never seen any pictures of her, at work or even at his house. I wonder where they are.

“Yeah. He does.”

“That’s so cool. I mean, I don’t have kids, obviously, but it must be nice to look at him and see her.”

He nods and then leans back slightly, his legs spread before him, his boots rustling the dry dirt beneath our feet.

“Yeah, it’s something all right.” He sighs and then clears his throat. “Not that I meant to make this all about me.”

“Oh, I don’t mind. I do love to listen.”

“Seems so. You handle old Randal on the phone really well when he calls.”

“He’s just a lonely old fart who has nothing better to do. I don’t mind listening to him bitch.”

“And that’s why I hired you, you know? You’re good with people and very organized. Both of which I clearly lack.”

“You do. You really suck at both.”

Dean chuckles and nudges me softly. The bench creaks under our combined weight and I hold my breath for fear of falling.

“You want to sit here for a bit? Or head back home?”

“I wouldn’t mind just sitting here for a while. Would love to make some memories here.”

He lets out a long breath and then murmurs, “Good.”

We sit like that, just existing side by side for long moments until the moon is slowly covered by clouds. A cold wind floats over me and I shiver. At this moment, I’m enjoying just being with him, having this companionship.

“Best to get back,” Dean says softly, and I stand up, brushing the back of my pants off as I move toward the bike.

“Probably a good idea. Don’t want to turn into a popsicle by the time we get home.”

I mean, if I did, would he lick me up?

I slap that thought away.

Really, get it together, Avery. You’re better than your dick.

Dean hands me the helmet, and I put it on my head, tucking my hair into my sweatshirt. Not that it will do much. I’m sure it will just be pulled out as soon as Dean whips us down the road.

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