Page 90 of Finding Redemption

“Thank you.” I caress her hand beneath mine. How I sit here when everything in me is screaming to take her in my arms, I have no clue. But that’s what she does for me. She calms me.

The night flows in strange ways but is soon over and in two days, she’ll be by my side. I have plans for us and I need to make plans for her. “Hey, about Friday…” Her eyes droop. “No, nothing bad. I was gonna suggest wearing something casual. After this week, I may wear jogging pants all weekend.”

She bites her lip. “You. In jogging pants, all weekend.” She licks her lips. “We should do that.”

“Now who’s a hot mess?” I brush her lips with mine, placing a soft kiss on them. “I can’t do hot and sexy. This taking things slow is killing me.”

She smirks. “It was your idea.”

“You should’ve stopped me.” I kiss her again and pull her door open. “Friday. In ya go.”

“So bossy,” she grumbles, stepping in. Her ass in my face, I know I shouldn’t. I do it anyway. I smack her ass! The pop rings as she grabs it. “Shit! You little asshole.”

“I can do that for you,” I say, staring at her ass.

“You can kiss it!” She snickers.

“I can do that. Bend over.” I have a shit-eating grin on my face. Her mouth drops.

“I’m leaving. Kiss me.” I do as she asks.

My gut twists, letting me know I’ll always do what she wants. I wave as she drives away, already wanting to call her.

“Friday. You can make it until Friday.”

20

“Penny for your thoughts?” Walker squeezes my hand, drawing my attention.

“Are your parents going to be there?”

“This isn’t a trial by fire. You know Ava and Riley. It’s going to be fine,” he says, rubbing circles into my palm.

“I know, still nervous.” He slows, turning left unto a rural highway. “I don’t think I’ve ever been out this far.”

“Yeah, this area is great. One direction, beach for as far as you can see. The other direction, farm country everywhere.” He slows to make another turn.

“Were you raised here?”

“Uh, no. We moved here when we were younger. My father capitalized on the surging real estate market and made an amazing living.” He comes to a stop at a crossroads. “That’s my parents’ home.”

He points to a sprawling mansion nestled behind iron gates. The fence line runs as far as the eye can see in each direction. As he turns, I get a better look at the house and the ten adjoining acres. A four-car garage and what looks to be a pool with an additional smaller house.

“Who lives in the place behind the pool?”

“It’s a pool house, set up as an apartment. Riley and I both have taken turns staying there. I prefer my place for now.” He eyes me.

“Are you moving?” Just as I ask the question, we make yet another turn. A white house within the iron fence sets in a clearing.

“Not anytime soon but someday, yes,” he says.

“That’s Riley and Ava’s home.” He inclines his head toward the house.

“Wow. Killer place.” I try to keep my mouth from hanging open. “Such a big place for the two of them.”

“Andi’s here a lot and I’m sure they want more kids.” He glances at me as he drives by their home.

“Who’s Andi?”