“You could just go home with me.”
“Tempting offer.”
“I’m not ready to share you with everyone just yet.”He draws my hand to his lips to kiss my knuckles.
“When should we tell them?”
“How about the Christmas party?Devil is bound to be drunk and in a good mood then.”
“Is he ever in a good mood?”
“Since he got that new neighbor.”
“What new neighbor?”
“Mrs.Fox passed away a few months back.Left her place to her long-lost granddaughter or some shit.”
“He’s never mentioned her.Who is she?”
“Greylan Wright.”
“Does he have a thing for her?”
“Something like that.Don’t tell him I said anything.”
“My lips are sealed.”My father has had plenty of women warming his bed over the years but no one who has taken up permanent residence in his life.“Is she pretty?”
“She’s nice.”
“Nice.”I chew over the word, wondering if he’s worried I’ll be jealous if he says yes.
When we come up on the sign that says, ‘Welcome to Blackwood,’ Justice pulls off to the side of the road.
“What are you doing?”
“C’mere.”He tucks a finger under my chin and moves in for a kiss.“You sure you don’t want to come home with me?Once we get back, everyone will want your time and attention.”
“You jealous?”
“Insanely.”He grins and kisses me again.
“Maybe for a few hours.We can show up a little late.”
“Good.Thought I might have to pull out these.”He reaches behind the driver’s seat and pulls out those black fur handcuffs.
I’d forgotten about that bag.“What else are you hiding in that bag?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Justice lives in a cabin not that far from my father.It’s technically on our property, but it’s located on the opposite end with a private driveway that cuts through the winding creek that runs adjacent to the farm.The surrounding woods provide plenty of privacy.I’m not worried about anyone seeing us.We will need to be careful at the clubhouse.Too many eyes and ears.No one comes out here unless they’re invited.
I grab Mr.Tinkles in his carrier while Justice unloads his travel bag.
The cabin itself isn’t very big, but it’s cozy.I’ve not been here in years.The outside hasn’t changed except for a swing being added to the porch and a couple of rocking chairs on the other side separated by a small table holding an ashtray.I let Mr.Tinkles out to explore the rooms and stick his temporary litter box in the bathroom.
I wash my hands and nose around his medicine cabinet.There’s nothing here belonging to another woman.No proof of Tawny leaving anything behind.I wonder how often she stayed over.
“There you are.”Justice leans against the doorframe.“Find what you’re looking for?”
