Page 29 of Where You Belong

What was once heated and full of passion is now slow and sensual, and I pour everything I feel for her into our kiss. I know it’s too soon to be certain of what this is exactly, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

I’ve been in love, but it was back before I joined the Navy. It was different, though, and nothing like this. All I want to do is wrap her in my arms and never let her go.

God, I pray I won’t ever have to either.

Chapter Eleven

Haelynn

Corbin and I head back to the bonfire after we snuck away for a bit. Huxton never seemed to notice I left. He was too busy running around and jumping in the bouncy house to pay me or anyone else any mind.

I found myself more and more attracted to Corbin as the night went on. He is so different from what I’m used to. The way he carries himself and how he interacts with Huxton. A warmth spread in my chest at the sight of them playing catch and when he taught him how to throw the ball properly. Huxton’s eyes lit up when he got it down.

When the sun disappeared from the night sky, the bonfire truly kicked off. Madelyn busted out leftover sparklers for the kids from their Fourth of July party the month before. We roasted marshmallows and made s’mores while we reminisced on our days in high school.

I learned Corbin played football his junior and senior year, after his coach found out about his throwing arm. The more he shared, especially when he got to talking about his time in the Navy and following in his brother’s footsteps, the more I believed he was too good to be true.

At one point during the conversation, I brought up living in Chicago and how different small-town life was compared to the big city. It didn’t escape my notice the way Gage’s eyes stared emotionless into the fire, but judging from how he clenched his jaw and flared his nostrils, I knew he was listening.

I can’t quite figure out what it is about me or the topic of conversation that makes him seem on edge. I tried to remember what Corbin said earlier about how he was going through some things, reminding myself he’s only looking out for his friend.

The next day is a Sunday, and I have a list of things to get done since yesterday was no work and all play.

“We’re going to make this a quick trip, okay? In and out,” I say, peering into the rearview at Huxton.

I pull the car into the parking spot outside of the hardware store in the center of town. I don’t know if they’re going to have the part I need, but I’m desperate at this point.

I have no desire to make the drive to Everton, but if I need to, then I guess it’s what I’ll have to do. It’s what I get for thinking I can trust someone to sell me a working lawn mower on Craigslist.

I groan under my breath and snatch the keys from the ignition, tossing them into my purse. I do a quick once-over in the mirror and cringe at the sight. My hair could use a wash, and dirt covers my hands, with a matching streak across my face.

Let’s just hope I don’t see anyone I know. This is when it comes in handy not knowing anyone, even when living in a small town.

I sling my purse over my shoulder and hit the locks, urging Huxton to stick behind me so we can make this quick. He squints his eyes, staring up at me. He must sense my stress over the situation because he doesn’t say anything, although I know a comment waits on the tip of his tongue.

“Thanks for being my big helper today, bud,” I mutter when he reaches his hand up to take mine.

It’s true, he’s been sitting on the ground, trying to help me while I figured out what the hell is wrong with the stupid thing. These are the times I wish I had someone to call for help. A father, someone, anyone. My mom wouldn’t have the slightest clue what to do. She’d toss some money at me and tell me to call a handyman or to cut my losses and buy a new one.

She’s helped me enough as it is, and the last thing I want is a handout. So instead, I spent the last hour scouring YouTube for videos to narrow down the issue, landing on it being a new carburetor.

I have a feeling the small hardware store won’t have what I’m looking for, but I’m crossing my fingers that luck will be on my side today. My yard is half mowed, and it’s already four o’clock in the afternoon. At this rate, it’ll be after seven if we had to make the drive into town.

I reach in my purse and feel around for the paper I shoved in there when we ran out the door with my short shopping list of the things I’ll need.

“Stay with me, Huxie.”

“I am,” he mumbles.

I’m too busy reading the signs above each of the aisle, not paying attention to where I’m going or who’s walking toward me when a man comes hightailing it around the corner. We’re both moving quickly, and he comes up on me fast, causing us to nearly knock heads as we crash into each other.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry, I should’ve been paying more attention.” I wince, my toe taking the brunt of the beating. I swear I could feel the crunch of my bone beneath his steel-toed boots.

“Corbin,” Huxton exclaims, full of excitement.

“Hey, buddy.” He grins, reaching his arm out toward me. He’s holding a hose in his hands. For a brief second, my mind flashes to the scene in Fifty Shades of Grey when Christian is out buying toys for his red room.

My thoughts go completely out the window, distracting me from the pain radiating up my foot.

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