Page 88 of Pretty Nightmare

CHAPTER FIFTEEN - INDIE

The story McKay tells in his workshop wasn’t what I was expecting.

“You two,” I say, “just—”

“Yup.”

“Hmm. How you feel about that?”

McKay nods his head and smiles. Maybe even blushes.

“Are you serious?”

“Why?”

“Because I—” I have to pause, catch my breath a little. “I have hoped for this. But”—I blow out a long breath of air—“I never thought it would happen. So what about me? And Donovan? Is this—”

“I think so. If that’s what everyone wants. Is that what you want, Indie?”

His voice is low. And I can hear the doubts in it. I nod at him. “That’s what I want. I’ve wanted it for so long, I almost gave up hope. But what is this trip? Why do you have to go now? I want us to be together tonight.”

“It’s just… business. We have to take care of something.”

I don’t know why, but I get the feeling he’s lying. “Just business?”

McKay shrugs. “I mean, we’re gonna be in a hotel room tonight, so—”

I slap him on the arm, laughing. “I’m not talking about your sex plans, McKay!”

“Oh. No. It’s just business then.”

I raise one eyebrow at him. “Everything’s fine?”

“Everything’s perfect. But I gotta put this shit away. I’ll be inside in a little bit.”

“You just want to daydream, don’t you?”

“Maybe.”

I cover my mouth to hide my grin. Then I reach for his shoulders, lean up on my tiptoes, and kiss his mouth. “Thank you,” I say, whispering it past his lips.

“It’s my pleasure.” He grins at me. “So why’d you come out here?”

I did have a reason. I saw Adam and Maggie come home from church. I was standing up in Adam’s room, looking out the window. And I saw him stash something in the truck. He and Maggie had a small conversation before getting out. It looked… suspicious. But maybe I was imagining things? So I don’t want to say anything now to spoil McKay’s good mood. “Just saw Adam come in here. Figured I’d join the party.”

“I don’t think we’re quite to the ‘join the party’ stage yet.”

“Jesus. Are you fucking horny or what? I didn’t mean sex, McKay.”

“Oh.” He looks a little embarrassed.

“Never mind. I’ll see you when you come inside. OK?”

“I’ll be in soon.”

I kiss him one more time. “I’m really happy you two worked it out. I knew we’d get here eventually.”

“Yeah. I guess I did too.”