Page 119 of Off Limits

“Well, our choices here are to pick one or two things and then possibly miss out on something, or get everything and share.” Lochlyn breaks it down logically as his chin moves against the top of my head and his thumbs hook into my front belt loops.

“Everything? That’s a lot of food,” I say absentmindedly.

“We don’t really need more than one pie. And I think we can pick one type of cookie and share it. It’ll be fun. We’ll make a fresh pot of coffee. Oh, and we’re definitely getting some donuts.”

“I guess. I feel bad you’re spending so much money. This isn’t going to be cheap.”

Flipping me to face him and putting his hands on my shoulders, he tilts down so he can catch my eye. “Shay, please don’t ever worry about money when we’re together. I would happily spend every penny I have on you. And I don’t see that day ever happening because you’re not materialistic and my parents have set me up just fine. Now, pick a cookie.”

“Black and white.” There’s never any contest if black and white cookies are available.

Ordering one of everything, including a peach raspberry pie at my request, we walk back to the car with our arms full of treat bags and a half gallon of cider.

When the car is within sight, the heavens open, large droplets of water plunking against the ground, and pattering on our heads and clothes. We run toward the car, but a few feet away, I stop, Lochlyn putting the food inside and standing next to his open door.

“Shay! What are you doing?”

I’m standing in the parking lot, arms outstretched, with my face tilting toward the sky. The rain falls hard against my face, and I’m soaked from head to toe. But it refreshes me in a way nothing has in the past few weeks. Maybe it’s the whole day combined.

A strong arm wraps around my waist while a hand cups my cheek and the most incredible lips meet mine. I loop my arms around Lochlyn’s neck and my legs around his waist as his tongue slips across mine and he stands straighter, pulling me with him.

He carries me toward the car and I’m vaguely aware of the people running and yelling around us, trying to hurry to their cars to escape the deluge. But Lochlyn pushes me against the side of the car, hand still cupping my cheek while the other tangles in my sopping wet hair, no longer needing to support me.

When a shiver runs through me, Lochlyn pulls away and sets me on the ground. Popping the trunk, he pulls out a blue fleece blanket and wraps it around my shoulders, kissing my forehead as he opens my door.

Lochlyn cranks the heat, adjusting my vents so they blow right on me and flicking on my seat warmer.

I reach my hand out from under the blanket and link my fingers with his. Somehow, he’s warm, my eternal space heater. “Thank you for a really great day. I had fun.”

“I’m glad. And we’re definitely making this a tradition. Every year. I’ll even see what sort of strings I can pull with Mother Nature to make sure it rains.”

“Oh, enjoyed that, did you?”

“Your shirt soaking wet and plastered to your body? Yeah, you could say I enjoyed that.”

Looking out the window, my smile reflects in the glass. While I’m chilled to the bone, my heart feels warm. Happy feels better with Lochlyn.

Chapter 23

AsThanksgivingbreakapproaches,we’re all getting along better. Lochlyn and Chelsea are almost back to their normal relationship, including Chelsea being difficult, but she’s toned it down a lot.

After much discussion, Lochlyn and I have decided not to go home for Thanksgiving. Chelsea’s only going to see Brendan. Their parents won’t be home and things with Mom, though somewhat better with phone calls a few times a week, are still relatively distant.

Which is why I’m shocked when two weeks before Thanksgiving, Mom calls me and invites all three of us to dinner at our house.

“Are you sure you’re up for it, Mom?”

“Of course, sweetie, I’d love to have you all.”

“It’s a lot of work for you to do all on your own. Can we bring anything? Lochlyn’s a really good cook.” We’re in his apartment and his eyes flash up from his books at the mention of his name. His brow furrows, shoulders rise, and he shakes his head, probably wondering what I’m talking about and especially volunteering him for.

Holding up a finger, I tune back in to Mom and turn away. I’d missed the earlier part of her reply. “…and Don’s actually going to be doing a lot.”

“I’m sorry, I must have missed something. Don? Who’s Don?”

Lochlyn appears behind me, hand on my waist as he leans down to listen. I tip the phone slightly so he can hear.

“Oh, honey, I know you’re busy with school, but I wish you’d listen when we talk. Don is the man I’ve been seeing.”

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