Page 12 of Where You Belong

“It looks like your dad is here. I’m sure he has something fun planned for you,” I say, hoping it’s the truth. “Get your shoes on, and I’ll meet you at the door.”

The energy and excitement Huxton had flying around in his Spider-Man costume has all but deflated out of him. He grabs his shoes by the door, where he kicked them off when we got home earlier.

I spot the sleek black Audi parked along the curb in front of the house. The windows are tinted dark, making it impossible to see him. I don’t need to, though. I can picture the snarl curling his lip. His gaze shooting daggers at the new home I got all on my own. Without him.

Pride washes over me thinking about how much he hates to see me living and raising our son on my own. He liked to remind me how I wouldn’t be able to survive without him. Something about knowing I’ve proved him wrong feels like one step closer to taking back everything he stripped away from me over the years.

Atlas honks again, letting it drag out the second time. I clench my jaw, wanting to tell him off. I can only imagine how annoyed my neighbors are, staring out their window on our quiet street, but he doesn’t care.

He’d turn up his nose at me and everyone else on the block, snubbing them like he’s better than them. Arrogance doused in whatever bullshit response he’d have, too.

Huxton races down the hall, his mask in hand. He flashes me a smile, and I push the screen door open, following him outside. He gives me another hug and a kiss on the cheek before climbing into the back seat. Atlas doesn’t bother to acknowledge me before he takes off down the street.

I stand in the yard, watching until they disappear from sight. I consider making the drive to Brodie’s now, but I have time to kill before everyone is supposed to meet up at six, so I decide to make the walk instead. I grab my purse and remember to lock up behind me. It’s a short walk, but it gives me time to myself, something I haven’t had much of these days.

Arbor Creek is so different from what I was used to. Growing up in Chicago meant businesses lined the streets, and the sidewalks were bustling with people. I’ve learned most of the people here travel to Everton or as far as Des Moines for work. It’s a quick trip, mostly highways leading you to where you want to go.

Taking a seat on the bench outside of Brodie’s, I watch cars drive by with people passing through town. I still have about twenty minutes to kill when I spot a pickup pulling up outside, and Corbin climbs out.

He’s dressed in a burgundy T-shirt, denim jeans, and weathered boots. His arms are tan, and his hair is mussed, almost as if he woke up and ran his hand through it. A spark gleams in his eyes, and he smiles an easy smile, causing my heart rate to speed up.

“I was hoping I’d be lucky and see you if I showed up early.” He shuts the door behind him.

“I had nothing else to do after Huxton left with his dad, so I decided to make the walk here instead. It’s beautiful out.”

The sun hasn’t quite dipped below the horizon, giving us another hour of sunlight.

“I agree.” His eyes linger on me before he glances into the distance at the sky, turning a mixture of orange and pink. He goes silent for a moment before his gaze returns to mine once again. “Beautiful.”

His raspy tone sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

“We can go inside and find a table if you want?”

I nod. He reaches for my hand, kissing the back when I slip my fingers between his. I purse my lips together, shaking my head, recalling the first time we met.

He is smooth, and he knows it.

“I couldn’t help myself. I told you, I’ve been counting down the days.”

I smirk and nod in agreement.

“I will admit, I’ve also been looking forward to tonight.”

He flashes me a wink. I swear, the way he looks at me does crazy things to my heart. There’s something about him, the initial connection, and the spark I’ve felt drawing me in.

He makes it easy to forget all logical thoughts when he’s around, and when he’s away, it’s hard not to think about him.

I’ve thought about the kiss we shared over and over, replaying it in my mind. I’ve tried to convince myself it was only for the pictures. We were there to help Madelyn and nothing more. It didn’t mean anything to him. We were like two actors performing for the camera.

Except, at the moment, it didn’t feel like nothing. It was everything.

It reminded me of how long it’d been since I felt wanted or desired by a man. I don’t remember the last time Atlas looked at me the way Corbin does. Like he wanted to eat up every inch of my body, making it slow and torturous until I was left begging for him.

He’d enjoy every second, too.

He presses his hand against the small of my back, guiding me into the bar.

Booths line the wall with a dance floor in the center and the bar along the back. It gives off a rustic feel with dark wood beams and iron detail throughout.

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