“Flynn looked scary enough for all of us,” Bailey said dismissively.
That was sort of true. When he crossed those arms and glowered, he looked like a completely different guy from the proud big brother I’d gotten to know at the junkyard.
“And the dogs were terrifying,” Gray added with a shudder. “I’m just glad Taz has his sights set on someone else.”
Everyone laughed, because Taz was usually a sweetie to everyone but Gray. He probably sensed his fear and unease. But he’d certainly earned my respect by biting Brick’s hand.
It had been the highlight of my night—other than coming home with Holden, knowing I was finally free to live my life.
Holden swiped my coffee cup and took a big gulp. “We should get out of here.”
I nodded while eyeing Gray’s plate wistfully. He huffed a little laugh and offered me a slice of toast. “Be careful. This might clog your arteries.”
“I’ve heard that somewhere,” I said as I grabbed the toast and took a bite while carrying my mug to the sink.
Everyone called out goodbyes as we headed out the door. Of course, they’d all see Holden again in about ten minutes. It was amazing they didn’t kill each other when they spent that much time together.
Holden and I walked out to his GTO, and he waited until I’d buckled my seat belt to start the engine and drive down the rutted lane that led to the highway.
“So, what have you got planned today?” he asked.
I smiled, heart skipping. “I think I’ll put in my formal application to teach full-time next school year.”
“Yeah? You think they’ll hire you?”
“They’ve pretty much promised me a spot if I got my licensing in line. I’ve had the paperwork a while, but I was hesitant to commit.”
Holden flicked a glance at me before turning onto the blacktop. “Why is that? Not sure about giving up on St. Louis?”
“No, it’s not that.” I waved a hand. “I’d like to reconnect with my friends there. I’d like to get my stuff from the apartment and stop paying rent on it every month.”
“That seems reasonable,” Holden said. “We can take a road trip next weekend and go get your stuff. If you’re totally sure that’s what you want?”
“Of course it is. I want to be here with you, Holden. I love you. I love Riverton. The grade school is great. Working with the kids has made me so happy.”
“So, what was the hesitation, then?”
“I felt like no matter what I did, or how happy I was, I was biding my time until trouble caught up with me. I came here to lay low. It was supposed to be temporary, and now…”
“I really hope it’s permanent,” Holden said quietly.
“Me too,” I said softly. “I can take the job without worrying about my past catching up now. I can focus on my future.”
“Yeah? What sort of ideas do you have for this future of yours?”
“Well, the first step is to stop being a houseguest. I want to pay my share of expenses. I want to be a true member of this family.”
“Oh, is that all?” Holden patted my leg with a grin. “Don’t worry, Shy. You’re one of us, and with Bailey leaving for school this fall, we need someone to replace his share of the rent. Just don’t think you get to take his room. You’re stuck with me.”
“As if you could get rid of me,” I joked. “Not happening, Mr. Cross.”
“Thank fuck for that. I need you, Shy.”
Holden pulled the car alongside the curb in front of Riverton Grade School.
“You don’t need me, Holden,” I told him. “You could do this with someone else. But it means a lot that you’ve chosen me.”
I leaned in to give him a quick kiss and got out of the car. He lifted his hand in a brief wave and drove off.
