“That’s the way it should be,” he grunts. He doesn’t look at me, focusing instead on the page.
It takes me two trips to load up my games and system, plus a full duffle of odds and ends.
This feels weird, like I’m moving out.
I’m slamming the passenger side shut when I see Dad walking out of the barn.
“Off and runnin’?” he yells across the yard.
I throw him a thumb’s up. “Yea, I’m gonna be staying at Val’s tonight.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “I figured. Will we see you tomorrow?”
“I think so. I’ll promise to stop by.” I shrug and climb behind the steering wheel.
The tip of his broad-brimmed hat dips in a nod as I leave.
He knows how it goes.
I know he’d do anything for Lori.
At first I thought he was nuts.
But I get it now. I’d walk back and forth to Val’s if I had to.
It’s like I can’t breathe without her.
She’s busy taking an order when I push inside with the first bag, so I beeline for the stairs.
I’ll just set this near the couch to set up when I have everything inside. There’s a giddy energy running through my limbs, like this is the next level for us.
When I start back down, she’s waiting halfway up the steps.
“Welcome home, little boy.” Her emerald eyes practically glow in the dim light. “I got you a little something. Sit.”
Obediently, I drop my butt to the hard wood.
I love it when she takes charge.
Reaching into the snug pocket of her pants, she pulls out a long silver chain. “I’ve been thinking about this sincethat day.” Uncoiling it, she lets it dangle from her finger. “Do you want to show the world you’re mine? We can add the rings later.” Her full, red lips lift in a seductive smirk.
Tugging off my hat, I eagerly nod. “Please?”
She threads it into a loop and drapes it over my head.
Then she grabs the end and cinches it tightly around my throat, pulling me closer. “Now kiss me, lover boy.”
I crash my lips against hers, heat spreading through my body to pool with liquid fire in my loins.
My palms wrap her thighs, pulling her to straddle me on the narrow stairs.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted, to behers.
She pulls away, wiping her lipstick from my mouth with her thumb. “I’m closing up in an hour.” Reaching down, she rubs over my bulging crotch. “Hold that thought.”
As she saunters away from me, I have to readjust my zipper to stand.
The silver chain is cool against my skin, and I can’t help fidget with it as I head outside.
