Page 187 of Love in Riverbend
“Where are you going?” Ricky asks when he enters the house and sees my bags.
Yeah, I didn’t tell him.
“I don’t know,” I say with a smile.
“You don’t know?”
Ricky turns to see Justin’s truck coming to a stop near the garages. “Wait. You’re going away with Justin?”
“Yes.”
“Does Mom know?”
“She does.”
“Dad?”
“I’d assume so.”
Ricky runs his hand over his hair. “How long will you be gone? Why do you have a suitcase?”
Walking to the door, I grab the handle of my suitcase, put my floppy hat on my head and grin. “I’ll see you Sunday.”
Pushing open the door, I see Justin’s panty-melting smile as he walks toward me. After nearly a week of being apart with only seeing him briefly at the game, all six-feet-plus of him looking at me the way he is currently is a sight for sore eyes. As stunningly handsome as ever, Justin’s stare intensifies, warming my skin more than the summer heat.
“Hi,” he says with a kiss.
Dropping the suitcase, I lift my arms to his shoulders, savoring the sensation of my body against his. This kiss is longer and deeper, twisting my core. My heart pounds against his chest. “Hi.”
“Are you ready for our adventure?”
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask.
The screen door slams.
We both turn toward the house.
Ricky’s forehead is furrowed, and his hands are buried deep in his pockets.
“Hey,” Justin says.
“I saw you at breakfast.” Removing his hand, Ricky gestures about. “You never mentioned this.”
Justin smiles. “Was I supposed to ask Devan out or you?”
Ricky walks down the steps until he’s close. “Remember how pissed you were when you found out Kandace was pregnant?”
“Whoa,” I say, lifting my hand.
Ricky isn’t looking at me. He’s focused on Justin. “Don’t do that.”
Instead of getting upset, Justin looks at me and grins. “I guess it’s plan B.” He picks up my suitcase with one hand and takes my hand in his other.
“What is plan B?” Ricky calls after us.
I’m laughing as Justin helps me into his truck. Before shutting the door, he leans in and gives me a kiss. “You’re beautiful, and I’ve missed seeing and touching you all week.”
“You’re handsome, and I’ve missed you, too.” My eyebrows quirk. “What is plan B?”
