Page 27 of Next Level
She teases, “You have blossoms? I’d like to see that.”
Knowing she can’t see any of my tattoos except my neck and hands, which don’t show my blossom obsession, I don’t give anything away.
“Oh, I got lots of them, but that’s for another time.”
She makes a pouting face and folds her arms over her chest, making me want to yank her across this table and show her how much I want those blossoms in my mouth.
Needing to change the subject, I ask, “So, what is our plan? Do we go scope out the place first? Or just go there and hope for the best?”
We’ve already talked about her family and Garrett’s upbringing. She’s answered everything I’ve asked, so I feel confident she’s here to help.
Our food arrives, and we begin discussing our strategy for what we’re going to do. Sexual tension is put on hold—for now.
An hour later, we’re across the lake at a day picnic area. I’ve got my binoculars out, but I can’t see any movement across the lake at their family cabin.
Cherry is next to me, waiting.
“I don’t see anything. No lights, nothing.” My voice is rough, sounding angry.
Cherry touches my biceps, sending a jolt through my body. “Can I see again?”
I hand her the binoculars and watch her as she looks across the lake.
She says, looking through the binoculars, “Fuck it. Let’s go over there. You can park down the way, and I’ll walk up to the door.”
“Fuck that. I’m not letting you go in there alone,” I state roughly.
She lowers the binoculars and looks at me. “Garrett won’t hurt me. He might hate me, but he won’t hurt me.”
I shake my head.
She continues, “We need to know if she’s in there. Hell, if they’re even there. I can give you a sign if she is, and then you come in.”
I don’t say anything. I just look back and forth between her and the cabin across the lake.
Christ. I need my baby girl back. Fuck it.
“Let’s go,” I say, grabbing her hand and pulling her to the car. When she doesn’t let go but instead weaves our fingers together, my heart swells. A bolt of energy surges through me, knowing we’re so close to getting my girl back. Or it could be the contact of holding Cherry’s hand since both have me jonesing.
Half an hour later, we’re pulling up to the cabin.
No cars.
No lights.
No smoke from the chimney.
Nothing.
My heart races. Not letting her go alone, we both get out of the truck. I pull out my Glock, and it doesn’t even faze her. She just moves right next to me. When we approach the door, she takes out a set of keys. Opening the door, she calls out, “Gar? Are you here?”
Nothing. Silence.
She moves inside with me right behind her. When she turns on the lights, I hold up my gun, checking the area around us.
Nothing. Silence.
Fuck!
