“It may have been inspired by recent events,” I admit, lowering my hands.
“I was hoping you’d say that. Now, where was I?”
I never want this call to end, but eventually exhaustion hits and we’re both yawning and nodding off. As much as I would rather stay up with him all night, there’s been a lot of that lately, and my body is begging for sleep.
“Goodnight, Jordan.”
“Night, Sea Shell. Sweet dreams.”
There’s no doubt in my mind they will be now.
Chapter 25
Jordan
Miller didn’t even question it when I offered to tag along for Shelley’s move since he was glad for the help. It’s the end of the semester and most students have already gone home, so there’s more parking in front of the building than the last time I was here, and it doesn’t take us long to find a spot.
Shelley greets us at the door once we make it up to her unit.
“Thank you so much for this. You’re both total lifesavers. Whatever you want, it’s yours. My first-born child? My rainbow unicorn sticker book from the third grade? You name it.”
“It’s deeply concerning to hear you value those two things equally.” Mike gives her a quick hug, then walks past his sister and starts scanning the space, assessing the job we have ahead of us today.
“In my defense, they were great stickers. Holographic. Easy to peel but stayed where you put them.” Shelley’s eyes soften when she turns her focus to me. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
We’re frozen, all deep stares and wide smiles until Mike twists his face at our strange behavior. “Can we get started or what? I don’t want to be here all day.”
“Right.” I clap my hands in front of me, scanning the half-packed boxes and open trash bags stuffed with clothes. “What can we do first?”
“I could use your help with some stuff in my room.” She winks, and I widen my eyes at her.
“Your brother isright there.Behave.” My whisper is barely audible. I glance at Mike, but he’s already headed toward the open front door with an armful of stacked boxes.
Shelley ignores him as she leads me to her bedroom. “Right this way.”
When we hear Mike’s footsteps fade down the hall, she closes the door and jumps onto me, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.
Surprised, I catch her and say, “You’re going to get us in trouble if you can’t control yourself today.”
“Uh-oh, what are you going to do? Spank me?” Her face beams as she teases.
Okay, maybe I’m the one who’s in trouble here, but I smirk at her and nuzzle my beard into her neck, the way I’ve learned she likes. “Maybe later, if you’re lucky, but right now you get one kiss. One. Then we’re going to be on our best behavior and do nothing but move boxes until we’re alone tonight in North Bay. Got it?”
“Okay, Party Pooper. Guess I better make this one count if it needs to last all day.” She kisses me deeply, but we both know we can’t do this for long if we’re going to maintain our cover around her brother. Reluctantly, she climbs down and lets me go, but not before squeezing me tightly. I hug her back, burying my face in her hair and relishing the brief moment of comfort.
The door handle jostles, and we jump apart just as Mike comes into the room. “Got any more packing tape? I was halfway down the steps when the bottom of a box fell out. Don’t worry, nothing broke. It was just clothes.”
“Oh, um…” Shelley smooths her shirt as she gathers her thoughts. “I think I might’ve put it in one of the boxes.”
“You packed the packing tape?” He groans, incredulous.
“Don’t give her a hard time,” I interject. “Moving can be stressful. I’m sure we can find more tape.”
“Thank you, Jordan.” Shelley smiles, inching closer until we’re next to each other.
Mike rolls his eyes at me. “Can you stop kissing my sister’s ass for just a minute and give me a hand out there, please? Her stuff is still scattered all over the hall.” What would he do if he knew I’ve already kissed so much more than that?
