Page 70 of Exposed Ink

TWENTY-THREE

Kinsley

“I should go,”I say, making no move to leave.

We got back to Shane’s house a couple of hours ago and have been lounging on his couch, watching reruns of trash TV ever since. He didn’t ask if I wanted to be dropped off at home, and I didn’t suggest it, not ready for our weekend to be over yet.

Despite the crappy weather, we had an amazing time at the cottage, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Or you can stay,” Shane says, lifting my chin and kissing me. “Taylor will be home soon, and she’ll be excited to see you and tell you all about her competition.”

Taylor called us last night to let us know they placed second and would be heading to Nationals, but because everyone was getting ready to go out and celebrate, the conversation was quick.

“Fine,” I say, snuggling into his side. “But I’m not spending the night.” I glance up and give him the stink eye, making him laugh.

“Whatever you say.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head.

His phone goes off, and a few seconds later, he sighs.

“Everything okay?” I ask since Taylor is due to be home anytime now.

“Jamie, Taylor’s mom, is coming into town next month to take Taylor on a girls’ trip.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” I turn slightly so I can look at him while we talk.

“Yeah, it is, as long as she sticks to it. The last time she took her away ended with her working and Taylor begging to come home because she was bored.”

“Well, hopefully, she sticks to it. And if she doesn’t, we’ll get Taylor and have our own fun.”

Shane grins, and butterflies erupt in my belly.

When he doesn’t say anything, I squirm in my spot.

“What?” I ask, wondering why he’s looking at me all funny.

“You saidwe.”

“Huh?”

“You saidwe’llgo get her and have our own fun. I love that.” He cups the back of my head and lifts my face toward his. “I love that you’re including yourself.”

Before I can say anything, the door swings open, Becky barrels toward the door, barking in excitement, and Taylor stumbles in, dropping her bags on the floor.

“Dad, I’m home!” She glances at us and grins. “Kinsley, you’re here!”

“I hope that’s okay,” I tell her. “I can’t wait to hear all about your competition.”

“Of course it is,” she scoffs. “And based on the cheesy-ass grin my dad’s sporting, I have a feeling if you leave, he’s going to try to tie you to the bed.”

Shane snorts out a laugh, but doesn’t deny it.

“Get over here,” he says. “Tell us about your weekend.”

Taylor scurries over and plops onto the couch with us. “It was so good!” She beams and then proceeds to tell us what seems like every detail from the past three days without taking a breath.

The entire time, Shane holds me, listening intently while rubbing circles on my arm, and I can’t help but feel like, for the first time in a long time, I’m right where I belong.

And when the guilt hits, I take a deep breath and push it away.

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