“Are you okay?” I ask, worry for her making my voice deeper than usual.
“Thank God you got my messages.”
“Are you okay?” I repeat my question.
“Yes. Sorry for rambling on your voicemail.”
While relief pours through me, I say, “It sounded like you were having a panic attack.”
It’s so good to talk to her.
“I did, but I took my medication, so I’m okay.” She pauses for a few seconds, then her tone sounds apprehensive as she asks, “How are you?”
“I’ll be fine when I see you. I’m on my way to your place. Is that okay?”
“Yes.”
The smile returns to my face, and I suck in deep breaths of air.
“So I’ll see you soon?” she asks.
I check where I am, then reply, “I’m five minutes away.”
“Okay. I’m going to hang up.”
She ends the call, and I drop the phone on my lap while grinning at Lick. “We’re going to see your mom soon.”
Her ears flick, and her head perks up as if she understands what I’m saying.
When I pull up Kelcie’s driveway, I can’t switch off the engine fast enough, and I hurry to climb out of the truck. Lick jumps out, and I slam the door shut.
The front door opens, and the sound has my eyes darting to where Kelcie is standing in the light spilling from the living room behind her.
It feels like my soul manages to finally take a deep breath after drowning for the past three weeks.
As I close the distance between us, Lick runs ahead and jumps up against Kelcie. She gives my dog pets before looking at me again, a nervous smile tugging at her mouth.
My eyes roam over every beautiful inch of her, and unable to stop myself, I grab her into a tight hug against my chest.
“Jesus,” I groan, and my body shudders from the indescribable feeling of finally getting to hold her again.
Totally overwhelmed by the emotions filling me, I press kisses to her hair and take deep breaths of her flowery scent.
Kelcie’s arms wrap around me, and I feel her grip hold of my sweater. Her breathing hitches, and then she hides her face in my chest.
“I missed you so much,” I murmur, my tone raspy. “Fuck, I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” she admits before pulling away. “Come inside.”
After I step into the house, she shuts the door behind me. Our eyes meet, and I search for any signs that she’s not doing okay.
I can’t get a read on her emotions, and ask, “You wanted to talk?”
“Yeah.” She gestures at the couch. “Let’s sit.”
Worry creeps back into my chest as I take a seat beside Kelcie, turning my body to face hers while Lick lies down by her feet.
All I want to do is reach out and touch her.
