Page 54 of Take My Kiss
Uncle James doesn’t exactly do things by the book down there.
“Sounds messy.”
“What else’s new?” He sighs. “Gonna give him the weekend to cool off, and then we’re gonna try somethin’ early next week. That reminds me, I need access to Amelia’s social media accounts so we can post photos to show her location ’round town. We’re gonna smoke him out if it’s the last thing we do.”
I can’t imagine she’s going to love the sound of that, but she’ll do whatever it takes to get this guy.
We chat for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. If we’re gonna make it to the theatre for the seven o’clock show, the kids need dinner, and I need to set up the bed in my truck.
While I make hamburgers, I tell Amelia to text Wilder her social passwords so he can get started on his new plan, then give her an update on Maddox. She looks horrified at him hitting a person he just met. But I reassure her that this is nothing compared to some of the shit he’s gotten into in the past. He doesn’t follow the rules. He makes them.
There are always kid and family-friendly movie options, so luckily, Sam and Lily are entranced on the screen with a bucket of popcorn and a couple bags of Skittles. They sit on the air mattress in front of Amelia and me as we lean back against the window. The only light around us is from the film and the moonlit sky. It’d be romantic if she didn’t put me in the friend zone.
“This is really cool,” Amelia whispers, leaning in closer. “Never been to one of these before.”
“No? We used to come durin’ high school and get drunk. Once, I passed out in my truck and slept in it all night. The owner wasn’t too happy with me.”
She stifles a laugh. “Color me shocked.”
“Had to find fun where and when we could in the mountains.”
“And joinin’ a religious cult wasn’t an option?”
“Nah, not any of the good ones that allow pre-marital sex and eatin’ red meat on Fridays anyway.”
She arches a taunting brow. “Those were the only two requirements, huh?”
“The only important ones.” I wink.
By the time we arrive home, the kids are fast asleep. I carry Sam inside, and Amelia brings Lily. Once they’re tucked into bed, Amelia closes the door and meets me in the hallway.
“Thanks for lettin’ us experience that. They loved it.”
“I’m glad. Hopefully, we can go again before y’all leave.”
She nods. “I’m gonna make some tea if you wanna get ready for bed, then we won’t bump into each other.”
“Sure, but would you mind puttin’ enough water in the kettle for me?”
“You drink tea?”
“I was thinkin’ I’d try it. Some of the flavors sound good.”
“I’ll make you a cup the way I do mine, but it won’t be fancy breakfast-level tea, so manage your expectations.”
“Lucky for you, I have no point of reference, so you could literally spit in it, and I’d love every drop.”
“Another one of your kinks?”
Smirking, I flick my barbell. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
chapter eleven
Amelia
“Is there a reason you’re callin’before the sun’s up?” I mutter into my phone after the fourth time. I don’t usually leave it on at night, but I forgot to silence it before passing out.
“Amelia?”
