Page 137 of Oblivion

“At the hotel down the road with Jackson.”

He’d left over an hour earlier after Dante promised to get me back safely. The plan was for Jackson to continue to Virginia Beach tomorrow for a few days, then stop here to collect us on the way back to San Diego.

“Can I walk you home?”

My pulse jumped. “Of course. Do you, uh, want to stay?”

A smile that didn’t reach his eyes lifted one corner of his mouth. “I’d like that. As much as I love staying here, Jenny’s couch is fucking with my back.”

Chen must have heard his name. He looked across the outdoor fire and arched a brow.

Dante unsteadily rose to his feet, then reached for me. “We’re heading out, brother. I’m gonna stay with Penny tonight, but I’ll catch you guys in the morning.”

Chen rose to his feet and stretched. “It’s going to be a long trip. Dunno ‘bout you, but I’m banking on being hungover as fuck tomorrow.”

Dante gave him a glazed smirk. “Ain’t nothin’ a little hair of the dog for breakfast won’t fix.”

Chen snorted, then looked at me. “Are you coming to Georgia with us?”

“Uh.” I hesitated, and looked to Dante. “I don’t want to intrude…”

“Mei and Naiomi are coming, Lemon Drop. Call me selfish, but I’d really like you to come with us too.”

Looking into his unwavering gaze had me torn. We had so much to talk about, but he was raw and hurting, and asking me to be by his side.

I found myself nodding. “Okay, sure. If that’s what you really want?”

Putting my heart on the line was worth it to see the relief weave through his shoulders.

“It is, babe. Thank you.” Dante then turned to Chen, and embraced him hard. “See you tomorrow.”

“Will do, brother.” Chen spoke to me over Dante’s shoulder. “Get my boy home safely.”

“I’ll call Jackson if needed.”

“Do you want me to drive you?” Mei asked. “I don’t mind, honestly.”

Dante waved her off and smoothed a loving hand across her rounded belly.

“Absolutely not. You stay here and look after my niece.”

She laughed, but didn’t swat him away. “It could be a boy.”

“Nope,” he declared. “My money’s on a little girl.”

Affection swamped her eyes, as well as mine.

The drunk Dante I’d met in Vegas was outgoing and full of life. Tonight was the first time I’d seen him tender and doting, and love swelled in my chest.

After a round of solemn hugs and promises to meet up tomorrow morning, Dante grabbed his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. His free hand found mine, and he wordlessly led me to the door.

We barely made it a step from the house before he dropped the bag and gathered me against his chest.

“I’ve missed you so fucking much, Penny. So much,” he breathed out with his forehead pressed to mine. “I’m an asshole for what I did, and an asshole for wanting you to stay so badly.”

I managed to swallow thickly, then asked that one burning question. “What did you do?”

His forehead rocked against mine. “Sadie visited the other morning… She… I’ve regretted it ever since.”

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