by Brooke Page
I crouched down when I tip-toed through the grass, finding a spot by a bush. “Yeah, this isn’t stalkerish,” I muttered to myself, plopping down on my ass on the rocks and pulling out my phone. I wouldn’t sit here long, I’d only wait until she came home. Even if it wasn’t until tomorrow morning.
I skimmed through my phone, debating if I should ask Marcy for Lauren’s phone number to send her a text goodnight. Sighing, I reminded myself she needed space, and I wasn’t going to fuck up this time.
An hour had passed before truck lights shined on Lauren’s house, and my back stiffened. What the hell were they doing for an hour? My mind went wild while I hid behind the tree, ignoring the pain in my back from sitting on red lava rocks.
I peeked around the bush, willing myself to have x-ray vision to see them in the truck, but it wasn’t necessary, because both of their doors opened the moment the truck engine shut off, and Jonah cautiously climbed out carrying a sleeping Tessa.
My shoulders sagged with relief. Of course they took longer getting back, they had to pick up Tessa from Pete and Bonnie’s.
I watched him carry her up the steps, behind Lauren who was now unlocking the door. Jealousy sprung through me. That should have been me carrying Tessa for her, and it shocked me how much I wanted to. Tessa was fun and carefree, and I loved everything about Lauren’s mini-me.
I wanted to be there for both Lauren and Tessa.
They were what my heart had been searching for this whole time.
I itched to go up the steps to them, but I held my ground, knowing how terrible it would look if I jumped out of the bushes.
Not but five minutes after Jonah went inside, he was back on Lauren’s porch.
“Thanks for asking me to bring you home tonight.” He took a step closer to her. “I know you were having a good time with Vance and all.”
“I was, but I knew I needed to clear things up with you.”
I heard him sigh, and held my breath when he put his hands on her waist and brought her to his chest. She let him, hugging him comfortably. I hated it, and I willed myself to believe they weren’t more than friends.
“I don’t want you or Tess to get hurt. I know what Colby’s last words were to you.”
She was quiet for a minute, then pulled back from him. “I know, and I’m prepared for when that day comes, if it even does.”
My under cover mind was reeling. What was she talking about?
“It’s better this way I guess.” Jonah let out a heavy breath. “I’m still going to give you Colby’s cut.”
She laughed. “Not necessary.”
“I’m serious. If anything, put it in a fund for Tessa to go to college. It’s a dream everyone from Harris has but you and I know it rarely comes true.”
She nodded, then hugged him again, but this time it was more. He meant something to her, and I hated how his palms ran up and down her spine, thankfully they stayed overtop the denim jacket and never went lower than her waist.
Jonah groaned and squeezed her, his nose in her hair. “I really wish you weren’t married to my best friend.”
Lauren laughed, but it was for sympathy. “On that note, I think it’s time for bed.”
Jonah shook his head and let her go. “I get it, I get it. Have a good night, Lo.”
She hugged herself and walked to the edge of the deck, watching him get into his truck and leave. She stood there until the roar of Jonah’s diesel engine disappeared, leaving the gentle hum of crickets.
“You can come out now.”
I froze in place, unable to move. Was there someone else there? I clenched my fists and held my breath, waiting for another person to join her on the deck.
She cleared her throat. “Vance, I know you’re by the bushes.”
Shit, my cover was blown.
Finding my feet, I shamefully stepped out. “Umm… hi? I… uh…”
Lauren smirked, her gaze still on the long driveway snaking through the woods. “Vance Everett at a loss for words, a sight I never thought I’d see.”
My hands found my pockets. “I wanted to make sure you made it home okay. How did you know I was here?”
Her gaze found me, her eyebrows crooked. “I saw your truck down the road. I know you better than you think.”
“You’ve got a watchful eye.”
“It’s kind of your move. When I came back from The Shore, I realized it was you parked outside of YaYa’s house all of those nights. I wasn’t sure what you were doing or why you were in some old, beat up car, but now I think I know.”
I climbed the steps to her porch, stopping before reaching the top deck. We were closer to eye level this way. “What do you know?”
“You were protecting me,” she said in awe. “Worried I’d be whisked away into the night.”
My shoulders fell slightly. “Always, Lauren. I was nervous about Jonah. I wanted to make sure you got home okay.”
She kept her arms crossed. “I told you, Jonah’s not a bad guy. At least not to me.”
“I know that now,” I lied, still unsure of what his involvement was in the disappearings, and by her last sentence, it only solidified my suspicion.
“Well, Tessa and I are safe and sound, so you can go home, too.”
I wanted to ignore her request, pick her up and carry her to bed, but I wasn’t going to take the chance. We had such a good time tonight, I was lucky I didn’t creep her out by hiding in her bushes.
“I’ll do that,” I murmured, unable to take my eyes away from the faded red stain on her lips. “Sleep well.”
She uncrossed her arms, and it gave me an opening I couldn’t resist. I tilted my head and met her lips with mine. I was gentle, wanting her to know it was a goodnight kiss.
Her arms slowly tangled around my neck, our bodies becoming flush with one another. Fighting my tongue from licking the seam of her lips, I kept it innocent, well, I did run my hands underneath her jean jacket, loving the feel of her bareback where her dress opened.
She stopped, touching her forehead to mine. “Goodnight, Vance.”
I dropped my hands and removed her arms from my neck. “Goodnight, Lauren.”
Chapter Thirteen
Lauren
Time flew by, and before I knew it, we were in the thick of summer. The arcade had been non-stop busy since school let out in June, and I had been helping Pete and Bonnie as often as I could. Thankfully Tessa was a good sport and found things to do around the arcade when her daycare closed for the day and she had to hang out with me while I worked.
Most of the time, she’d watch Vance. He had worked twice as hard as Pete imagined, sprucing up the arcade and really making the outside look beautiful. He even had started on the go-kart track in the back by the picnic tables. Tessa would bring him water and snacks, and of course, she’d offer her critical eye. He was beyond patient with her, and it melted my heart.
We’d hung out when we could, and our relationship was blossoming slowly. I secretly loved it, and I was learning to trust him again. Tessa was even beginning to expect his presence.
“Vance is taking me to the carnival tonight,” Tessa announced over the glass counter and opening the swinging door to join me.
I glanced out at him through the window, watching him wipe the sweat from his head with the back of his forearm. He was so sexy. He’d been pushing dirt around the last three days to prep for the go-kart track’s concrete pour.
“He also needs a water. He said to—”
“Put it on his tab,” I interrupted. “We’re all going to the carnival, you, me, Aunt Marcy and Uncle Colt.”
She took the water bottle from the cooler for Vance and a Popsicle for her. “He said we could go look at the horses when he was done. Can I?”
Helping herself to the scissors, she cut open the tube of red-colored ice and bit down. “Honey, the stables will be closed before I’m done in here. We’ll have to go during the day tomorrow.”
She scowled at me, her cheeks hollowing to suck out some ice
. “You don’t have to come. Vance gets done before you do.”
I lifted my eyebrows at her. “Oh, so I’m not invited?”
She shrugged, taking another bite of the Popsicle and running back outside toward Vance with the water bottle.
I shook my head, a huge grin on my face. I wasn’t the only one smitten with Vance.
I doubted he asked Tessa to see the animals for the 4H teams. Most likely she put the idea in his head.
“Hey, can I get some more quarters?” a teenager asked, stepping in front of my view of Tessa. I smiled and reached into my apron, getting back to work.
After a few hours, Vance came inside with Tessa. She was carrying a small, orange construction flag. She must have been helping him map out the track. Vance watched Tessa skip ahead of him, a smile on his face when she jumped into my arms. I lifted her and spun.
“Track is all ready!” She cheered. “Vance let me put the flags in the ground!”
“That was nice of him.”
“Huge help for me. That way I didn’t have to bend down every few feet.” Vance shrugged, walking around and helping himself to another bottle of water. “She’s ready to be poured. Jonah is working on a few go-karts I found that needed some engine repair. I’d say we’ll be ready in a few weeks.”
“I’m impressed. You’ve done so much around here.”
“I’m glad Pete likes it all. I kind of went off on my own, and I figured since he stopped hovering, he trusts me now.”
I rolled my eyes. “He doesn’t stop boasting about you.”
“If only someone else I knew would do that…” he teased, throwing me a smile. “Tessa asked if I could take her across the street to see the barn animals before going on the rides. Do you mind?”
“Please, Momma?”
I blinked, then set Tessa back down. “Baby, why don’t you go wash your hands and face?”
She frowned, but did as I asked.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,” Vance apologized once Tessa was out of earshot.
I looked around to see if anyone was paying attention, but all of the teenagers and tweens had their noses stuck on video screens. “Was it your idea, or Tessa’s?” I asked.
He bobbed his head to the side. “I offered. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” His voice trailed when I looped my finger around his belt buckle, pulling him so our bodies were touching.
His eyebrow lifted in surprise.
I tilted my chin, and he instinctively dipped his down. Our mouths were inches apart. “That’s so sexy to me,” I purred, wanting more than anything to kiss him, but refrained in case Tessa emerged from the bathroom early.
The tension in Vance’s shoulders relaxed, “It is, huh?”
I nodded, biting my bottom lip, causing him to smirk. “If I take her to get ice cream, will that mean I get to come inside tonight when I drop you off at home?”
A throb pulsed between my legs. We hadn’t done more than kiss in the past few months, and he had never asked to come inside, had never let his hands wander. It was hot in a weird way, but I was ready for the assertive Vance Everett I knew back at The Shore.
“Do I get ice cream, too?” I flirted.
“Sweetheart, I’ll give you whatever you want.”
“Excuse me,” Tessa interrupted, tapping on my leg. I instantly dropped my hand, but not as fast as Vance. I loved how he was attentive to my needs, and he knew I wasn’t ready for Tessa to see us interact in more than a friendly manor.
She was pouting, her arms crossed. “I don’t get to go with Vance, do I?”
Vance mimicked Tessa expression, and I laughed. “Yes, you can go with him.”
Tessa threw her hands in the air. “Yes!”
Taking me by surprise, I saw her reach for his hand. Vance wasn’t expecting it either.
“Don’t let go of his hand until you’re by the barn,” I instructed. “And don’t run off, stay close by him, do you understand?”
She nodded. “Let’s go!”
“I’ll keep her close by,” Vance promised, opening the door for them to leave. He sent me a wink and added, “I doubt I’ll get invited inside if I lose her.”
I shook my head, but secretly loved his amusement.
Chapter Fourteen
Vance
Tessa kept her hand locked with mine as we crossed the street. She pointed at all of the venders with different merchandise, laughed at the man walking by on stilts, and leaned into me when we passed by a group of young adults with tattoos and piercings.
“We’re almost there. Which animals do you want to look at first?”
“The horses!” she exclaimed. Once we saw the barn of animals, she began skipping, and I had to pick up my step to keep up with her. Walking through the barn, her eyes were wide with excitement, She’d try to read the names of each horse, and surprisingly did pretty well, only needing my help some of the time.
A girl not much older than Tessa walked passed us holding a horse by its harness.
Tessa stopped in her tracks, watching them intently. Her sparkly blue eyes met mine. “Vance, do you think Mommy would buy me a horse?”
“I don’t know, Tess.”
Her lip jutted, and I about melted. Hell, now I wanted to buy her a horse.
As we continued through the barns filled with animals, my head was reeling with a way to get her one. I even concocted a spot on Lauren’s property where we could build a stable, and I wondered how much acreage she had to work with, and if there was a way to get more.
Tessa perked up when we found the small animal barn. She led the way, holding my hand and making sure I saw every single bunny, hamster, and duck.
If someone would have asked me if I wanted kids, I would have told them hell no before I met Tessa. Her excitement was infections, and the wonder in her eyes was awe-worthy. She was so freaking cute, and I’d do anything to protect her. Knowing she came from the woman I loved made my feelings concrete. I wanted to be a part of this little girl’s life.
After getting her a Push-Pop from the 4H stand, we sat down on a bench that overlooked the competition ring. “Hey, Tessa, I’ve got a question for you.”
She ate her Push-Pop, looking up at me with a squint in her eyes.
She was adorable and brought a smile to my face. “Do you think your Mom would want to go on a date with me? Maybe to one of the concerts this week?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know what a date is?”
“It can be a lot of things, but normally involves dinner and some other activity, like a movie or a concert. Do you think your Mom would like that?”
Tessa nodded. “Yeah.”
“Do you think she would like it if I took her?”
Tessa scowled at me. “How else would she get there?”
I laughed and rested my arm on the back of the bench. “Good point. I’ll ask her tonight.”
“Can I go?”
A discomfort washed over me. I wouldn’t mind if Tessa tagged along. Hell, every time I hung out with Lauren, she was there. It was normal. But, I wanted some alone time with Lauren, and besides, I wasn’t sure if Lauren would feel comfortable bringing Tessa to a concert at the ripe age of six.
“That might be up to your mom.” My answer was a cop out, but it was true.
Tessa sucked in her cheeks while she thought, then threw her hand in the air. “Maybe I’ll stay with Uncle Colt and Aunt Marcy.” She came up on her knees and leaned into me, cupping her hand around her mouth while she whispered in my ear. “Uncle Colt lets me stay up late and watch TV, and he always lets me put as much chocolate on my ice cream as I want!”
I laughed, not surprised Colt spoiled her. I was going to have the same issue, especially since I told Lauren I’d take both of them for ice cream tonight, although I’d already given Tessa with one now.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Riley. Tessa sat back down on her bottom and continued eating her Push-Pop. I debated not answering it because she was sitting here, but I wouldn
’t be long.
“Tessa, I need to answer this quick, okay?”
She nodded, and I brought the phone to my ear. “Hey.”
“Are you on a vacation?”
I scowled. “What?”
“Why the hell haven’t you called me?” He reprimanded. “Another girl was reported missing this morning.”
“I’m working on it. I have an idea on a location, I’m just having trouble figuring out how to get there without being noticed.”
“Figure it out,” he snapped. “Don’t make me regret putting you on this case.”
“You won’t. I’ll give you an update tonight,” I promised. One of Tessa’s blonde locks fell in front of her face, dangerously close to her Push-Pop. I instinctively moved it away and tucked it behind her ear. “It’s a bit more complicated this time around, that’s all.”
“It’s only complicated because you’re thinking with the wrong head,” he grumbled.
Tessa tucked her arm underneath mine, hugging it to her chest.
“It’s not either of my heads that I’m thinking with,” I mumbled.
Riley sighed dramatically. “That’s even worse. Look, get the job done, then you can play house, okay? Let’s not forget your job attracts danger to those around you.”
“I know,” I muttered, gazing down at Tessa. “I’ve got a plan if I need it.”
“You always do.” The tone in his voice was grouchy, but I knew he was smiling. “Figure it out and call me.”
He hung up before I could respond.
“Was that your Dad?” Tessa asked, her head still tucked to my bicep.
“No, just a friend.”
“I miss my Dad.”
I frowned, not sure how to respond.
“He told me he’d see me again someday, but it’s been a really long time.”
I nudged her so she’d look at me. “What was something that you and your Dad did together?”
Tessa thought for a moment, then a broad smile spread across her face. “He would take me in his truck and drive through the mud. Mommy would always be mad when we’d get home all dirty, but Daddy would whisper in her ear and she’d smile.”