Page 74 of Chasing Forever
And there it is. The first time I’ve said it out loud. I’m sure there are things Ben knows. He overheard the screaming when I got in trouble in high school. Even now, he knows my humor in uncomfortable situations is a defense mechanism.
“Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“I just… they’re assholes, yeah, but to walk away…”
He puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s not easy, and I can’t say I understand, but if you love her, and she’s it for you, you have a tough choice to make. Maybe they’ll surprise you.”
“They won’t.” I frown.
They’ve never surprised me. Unless Lottie could help them get something they want, they’ll never come around.
“I’m sorry, man. You finally get everything you’ve wanted, and you have to deal with this.”
I don’t tell Ben it’s an easier decision than he probably thinks. But that doesn’t mean I have to feel good about it, even if my parents have done nothing but cause me grief my entire life.
Lottie dances over, her eyes only on me, which pulls a smile from me. “Come on, dance with your wife.”
As I allow her to drag me to the dance floor, I catch Ben’s raised eyebrows. We both know it’s Lottie over my parents every day of the week. But pulling that cord is harder than I thought it would be. I can see them doing something rash that might make me end up losing her. Which is the one thing I’ll never survive.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Brooks
Wednesday evening, I’m cruising down Main Street when I spot Lottie coming out of Laurel’s bakery with a box in hand. I tap the siren quick so it squawks, and I pull into the spot beside her car.
She turns and smiles as if she already knew it was me. She better have assumed it was me.
Her happy expression makes my night.
The problem is, now everyone getting off work or heading to dinner turns to look too. My tiny show of affection just bought us an audience I’m not sure she’s ready for.
I roll down the window as she steps over. God, she looks good. I wish I was off work already.
“This is a nice surprise,” I say.
She lifts the box a little. “I had to pick up the cookies for the store.”
“Do you need a lift? You can ride in the back.” I nod toward the cage, teasing her.
She checks out the back seat and shakes her head. “I have my car here, but if you promise to use those handcuffs, I might change my mind.”
I grin. “You say the word, and I’ll bring them home.”
Home. That word might scare her. But I can’t stop the image that comes to mind. Her shoes next to mine at the door, me pouring her a coffee before she goes to work, waking up to her body curled against mine in bed.
Then again, we haven’t slept together yet. We have a long way to go before we get to any of that.
“Maybe we’ll incorporate them and a little role play at some point,” she says, leaning closer.
I track her gaze when she glances around. We’re not exactly in private.
“I assume I can’t kiss you.”
“Are you allowed to kiss me in uniform?” she asks.
I wrap my hand gently around the back of her neck, my thumb brushing behind her ear, and bring her mouth to mine. “That’s not going to stop me from kissing my girl.”
I bring her mouth to mine, and I almost nut when she slips her tongue between my lips, as if she’s claiming me for everyone around to witness. Damn, it’s hot.
