“He’s a piece of shit, but I’m not exactly the minority around town, June Bug.”
“That doesn’t make it better,” she argues.
She’s right.It doesn’t.If anything, it only proves how messed up Harden Heights and The Drift really are.
“All I’m saying is,” I lean my head against the headrest.“I’m happy for you.Happy you got to live in a home like that.With laughter and board games and parents who…” My mouth lifts, and I lean closer, kissing her gently, grateful I’d pulled over so I can.When I finally give the girl some space to breathe, I finish, “Damn, Bug, they adore you.”
She stares at my chest, running her hand along the cotton fabric covering my left pec that separates us from skin-to-skin contact.Part of me wonders if she even recognizes she’s doing it, and if the touch is for me or for her.She’s such a softie, neither would surprise me.Her need to comfort me.To make things better.To erase the years of crippling pain and all the damage they’ve done.But the crazy part?It’s how well it works.How quickly the thoughts, the memories, the ache.They all seem to dissipate whenever June’s around.Like she’s healing me from the outside in.Whether it’s her sourdough or her smile or the way she listens when I speak.It makes me feel like the luckiest bastard on this earth in spite of everything I’ve been through.
“They adore you, too, you know,” she murmurs.“My parents.”
“They’re obligated to adore me,” I remind her.
She hesitates before giving in.“Okay, maybe a little?—”
My laugh cuts her off, and she glares up at me.
“But trust me, Ford,” she continues.“I know my parents, and even though they’d love anyone I brought home, what I saw in that house?It was genuine interest.Genuine curiosity and laughter, especially after the first night.They really loved you, I promise.Heck, give it a year, and I’m pretty sure they’ll pick you over me, based on how hard you had my dad roaring in there.”
My mouth lifts at the subtle Freudian slip.“A year, huh?”
Her amusement falls.“Did I say year?”
“Yeah,” I laugh.“Yeah, you did.”
“Oh.”She grimaces.“Well…”
“No take-backs now, June Bug,” I muse.“Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“Pretty sure it’s the other way around, but I’m not complaining.”
Neither am I.Fuck, I might not feel like I deserve her.I might not ever feel like I deserve her.But I’m sure as hell not stupid enough to take her for granted.And the fact that her parents were so open and willing to claim me, all because I’m in love with their daughter?The realization is bittersweet, but I’m so desperate, I’ll take what I can get.
“Thank you,” I force out.“For introducing me to them.For, uh, for claiming me, if you will.”
“I’m lucky to have you, Ford.”
Again, it’s the other way around.I know it, and I have a feeling anyone with two brain cells would know it, too.But if June’s sweet naivety keeps her around, then I’ll let her live in said delusion.I’m just sorry I can’t give her what she’s giving me.Another set of parents who would welcome her with open arms.Instead, all she’s stuck with is an orphan boy with more emotional trauma than Simba fromThe Lion King.Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pull her into me and kiss her nose.“Love you, June Bug.”
“Love you, too.”She pecks my lips.“Now, let’s get back on the road before my Type A personality loses it, and I start having a panic attack about missing our flight.”
With another low laugh, I let her go and put the car in drive.
49
FORD
Hawke
We need to talk.
Jagger
Meet at the house.
Fuck.
I drop off June at her place, then drive to Harden Estate while settling a few bets on my cell with my free hand.
