Page 10 of Off Limits

“You’re easy to talk to. You listen. I find you…soothing, calming. Why did you tell me some of the things you’ve told me?”

Because I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you. “Same reasons. You’re easy to talk to. I feel comfortable around you. Maybe for some of the elderly advice.”

Chelsea and I often teased him about being old and wise. Lochlyn was an old soul, who always had good advice, and his parents leaving him in charge made him grow up fast.

He smirked and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck while he looked at the ground. It made my insides turn to mush and a tingling settle between my thighs every time he did it. I loved it, especially when he used his right arm and the lyric poked out from his shirt sleeve, as it did that time.

A smile stretched across my own face. Until Lochlyn’s eyes locked on mine with a look that took all the silliness away and made my heart race. We stood there, in some sort of staring contest, for a few minutes before he cleared his throat, turning to go back to work.

Sitting on the floor, thinking about that moment, that exchange and the comfort I felt around him, calms me enough for my heart rate to return to normal, for the feelings of nausea to subside. I would love nothing more than for him to be in this backroom at this very moment. His advice and the soothing tone of his voice would be incredibly welcome.

Instead, I try to think about what he’d suggest, what I think he’d tell me to do. Before he went back to school a few weeks ago, he gave me his number, said I could call him any time if I needed to talk to somebody, but I don’t want to be a bother.

Later in the night, three days before the anniversary of my dad’s passing, I fill out the paperwork I need to confirm that I want to end my deferment and start at Cornell the following fall. It’s been my plan all along, and I’m not putting it off any longer. Some part of me hopes that Lochlyn would be proud of me. I know my dad would be.

Chapter 4

ForThanksgiving,theReynoldsinvite my mom and I over for dinner. Logan had called to tell us she’s not coming home, wanting to spend the day with her boyfriend instead. I’m not surprised, but Mom cried.

The Reynolds are gone a lot, but they come home for major holidays, putting on the face of a perfect family. Not knowing what else to do, we decide to go. Chelsea’s been beside herself with excitement for days.

“We’ve never done a holiday together! It’s going to be so fun.” We’re standing at the buffet table in her living room as our parents talk.

“We see each other every day. We’ve always seen each other after Thanksgiving dinner.”

“I know, but now we get all day!”

“What’s Brendan doing?”

“He’ll be with his family. I asked my parents if he could come for dessert, but, of course, they refused. They’re barely around, but when they are, they want to play the responsible parents and have ‘family time.’ Whatever that means. He may swing by after.”

“That’ll be nice if he can.” I hesitate, wanting to know about Lochlyn, but still manage to keep my voice casual. “What time does Lochlyn get home?”

“He’ll probably be here any minute. He was supposed to come back yesterday, but Heath wanted to go to some party. My brother probably shacked up with some chick last night. Or two.”

The thought sends ice trickling through my veins.

“I probably did what now?” We fail to notice Lochlyn sneaking up on us.

“Loch!” Chelsea throws herself at him. She isn’t always the nicest to him, but she loves him.

“Baby sis. Now what exactly were you saying I did last night?”

“Oh, just that you probably hooked up with a chick or two at the party Heath took you to.” Chelsea waves her hand in front of him like it’s no big deal, instead of accusing her brother of being a manwhore.

“Nice, Chels.” The irritation is easy to hear in his voice. He hates when Chelsea says things like that.

“Hey, Shay.” He turns to me, leaning in for a hug.

“Oh, hey, Loch.” I have to push up on my toes to reach around his neck, hoping he can’t hear my heart pounding at his nearness.

“Your mom here?”

“Yeah, she’s somewhere." I look around and notice she’s not in the living room anymore. “Kitchen, maybe?”

“I’m going to go say hi.” With a quick smile, he puts his hand on my lower back before walking away.

I turn on Chelsea. “He didn’t seem too happy about you suggesting he was with a girl.”

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