Miss ~ Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  He slides the ring onto my finger, and I sigh at the weight that’s always been missing there.

  “It fits perfectly,” he murmurs.

  I hold up my hand for inspection. “Did you expect otherwise?”

  Zeke clucks his tongue. “Not from us.”

  His arms loop around my waist, tugging me on top of him. We lie quietly for a moment, reveling in the future before us. His nails trace up and down my back while I draw lazy circles on his bicep.

  He breaks the silence by asking, “Do you wanna hear my backup proposal spiel?”

  I prop my chin on his sternum. “Of course.”

  “Knock, knock,” he starts.

  I giggle. “Was this a real possibility?”

  Zeke pinches my thigh. “Play along.”

  “Who’s there?”

  “Will.”

  “Will who?”

  “Will you marry me, Trippy girl?”

  Butterflies swoop and flutter in my stomach. “Aww, that’s adorable.”

  He winks. “I’m romantic like that.”

  “I would have said yes either way.”

  “That’s what I was banking on.”

  “I’ve been Zeed,” I say in a whimsy lilt as I slink higher up his torso.

  Zeke’s head bobs slightly. “What was that? Are you turning my name into a verb?”

  I wiggle my brows. “Sure did.”

  “What’s the definition? I’ve taken care of you? Bowled you over? Worshiped every inch of your body?” he murmurs into my neck.

  I pretend to think about it. “You’ve checked all my boxes.”

  His tongue peeks out, dragging a line along my jaw. “Hmm, might be my new favorite word.”

  “Mine too.”

  After a few quiet beats, Zeke asks, “Do you have any plans today, or are you all mine?”

  “Oh!” I exclaim and sit up.

  Zeke’s blue eyes expand and he jerks forward. “What’s wrong?”

  I push him down and settle back against him. “I got an idea. We need to have an engagement announcement.”

  He laughs. “Now?”

  I bop his nose. “No, smarty-pants. But how about tonight? Just our nearest and dearest.”

  Zeke licks his lips, and my focus zooms in on his mouth. “Whatever my future wifey wants, she gets.”

  Oh, I definitely love the sound of that.

  BONDS

  Zeke

  “WELL, YOU TWO had quite a whirlwind this week,” Raven comments from across the table.

  Delilah’s eyes sparkle. “It’s ending on an epic high note.”

  She hasn’t stopped smiling all day, and damn, that makes me feel good. I’ve been resisting the very real urge to pound my chest like a barbarian. Even my cheeks are a bit sore from grinning nonstop. Having Delilah agree to spend her life with me has sent me soaring into the starry atmosphere. Not sure I’ll ever come back down to reality.

  Raven and Addison are already going overboard with planning. They’re blabbering about wedding dates and venues while my girl nods, just enjoying the ride. I take a sip of beer and just watch them, more than content to have a front-row seat of her pure joy. Delilah shows off her silver band like it’s a five-carat solitaire from Tiffany’s.

  Yes, I looked. Hell no can I ever afford it.

  Not that I really would’ve gone down that route. My mother’s ring was made to fit Delilah’s finger. This occasion has been in the making since we were twelve. Somehow my momma knew from her place in the clouds. Guess she never stopped guiding me to the right path.

  Trey taps his bottle against mine. “Congrats, Krue. I’m glad you’re making an honest woman outta her.”

  I snort. “Thanks, Sollens. I appreciate that.” And I’m not lying. We’ve managed to form some sort of . . . truce.

  “So, what happens now?”

  I tilt my head and look at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Where are you living?”

  “With Delilah.”

  “What’re you doing for work?”

  I glare at him. “I’m part of the crew building Roosters. We’ve discussed this.”

  Trey waves my words away. “After that.”

  I scratch my scalp. “Uh, there’s at least six months left on the Roosters project. After that? I’ll figure something out.”

  “You glad to be back in Garden Grove?”

  “Extremely,” I say and rub Delilah’s back. She sucks on her bottom lip and bats those extra-long lashes. Damn, I’m sunk.

  Trey clears his throat. “What about your truck? That pile of rust is bound to die soon. I would know.” He smirks, and I cock a brow. Where the hell is he going with this?

  “And that is any of your concern because . . . ?”

  He shrugs, and his rapid-fire questioning come to a pause. Apparently, he’s collected all the necessary intel. Did Raven put him up to this? Trey couldn’t give a shit about my career objectives.

  We all order another round when the server stops by. I relax on my stool and glance around the table. Our usual five gathered at Dagos to celebrate. It’s still setting in that I’m part of the equation. Delilah’s parents should be here shortly too. I invited Ryan, and he’s stopping by after work. We’ll make an impressive bunch. Crazy to say, right?

  I squint at the far-end corner. There’s a new guy joining us tonight. Apparently, Shane works with Trey and is the source of Addison’s recent mood swings. That’s what Delilah told me anyway. I’m no expert, but they seem to be getting along fine. Shane’s arm is resting on the back of Addy’s chair, and she laughs far too loudly when he makes a joke. She’s telling him something about cockroaches in New York City. But it’s none of my business.

  The scent of popcorn permeates the air, and my stomach grumbles. Delilah smirks at me. “Should I get us some?”

  “What did I do to deserve you?” I question in all seriousness.

  She shuffles over until her ass is balancing on both of our seats. “I could ask the exact same thing.”

  “Pretty sure we both know which way the scale is tipping when it comes to our balance.”

  Delilah shakes her head. “Don’t point out my downfalls at our engagement party. It’s not super nice.”

  “Right, that’s exactly what would happen.”

  She winks and shifts to get up until Raven sets a heaping bowl of buttery goodness in front of us. This bar makes the best popcorn. I grab a handful and get munching.

  “Thanks, Raven,” I say around another mouthful.

  Delilah sends her an air-kiss. “You’re the bestest.”

  She slashes the air with her palm. “Please. You two have barely come up for air. The least I could do is provide sustenance.”

  “I’m surprised you detached from Trey’s mouth long enough to notice,” Delilah says.

  “Good comeback,” Raven spouts and returns to her seat.

  I toss a kernel in Delilah’s waiting mouth, and she pays back the favor. We go back and forth before realizing everyone is staring at us.

  “What?” she asks the group between chews.

  “Wow, you guys are just . . . so adorable.” Addison is the one to pipe up.

  “Uh-huh,” Raven replies. “Save some romance for the honeymoon. Jeez.”

  I push some stray hairs away from Delilah’s face. My thumb traces from her temple to chin, and she shivers. “We’re just getting started,” I murmur to her, but everyone hears me.

  They share a collective sigh, like I’ve given them the solution for finding happily ever after. Maybe I have. I certainly know that’s what Delilah is for me. I grip her knee and squeeze gently, hitting her ticklish spot. She laughs and pushes at me, preparing to counterattack. I block her and lace our fingers together.

  Delilah winks at me and says, “You win this round.”

  She rests her head on my shoulder and blows out a long exhale. I look around at all the smiling faces. Everyone seems so giddy. Clinking glasses in toasts, sharing exuberant stories, and whipping up fre
sh ideas for whatever comes next. Only joy and happiness exist in this realm. The bliss is so thick that it bubbles over and spreads to the tables around us. It’s intoxicating. Overwhelming too. I’ve never had a place to truly call home. But this feels an awful lot like that . . .

  I scrunch my forehead. This is my life?

  The stirrings of doubt creep in, muttering filth and spewing hate. I don’t deserve to be here. I’m an imposter trying to fit in, but no one seems to notice. It’s temporary—this disguise won’t last. I gulp, my throat bobbing with the effort. Mended pieces of my confidence threaten to break apart and spill all over the floor.

  I glance at Delilah, desperately needing an anchor, and she’s right there, beaming at me. Slowly, the toxins evaporate as if the poison was never there.

  This is my life.

  And this time, there’s no question about it.

  NEXT

  Zeke

  DELILAH’S HEELS CLICK on the sidewalk as we stroll toward Roosters. A cool breeze picks up, and she burrows against my chest, snuggling closer to block the wind. It’s been an unseasonably warm spring, but there’s a bite in the air this afternoon. My arm tightens around her, and we hustle to the entrance. I yank on the heavy door and usher Delilah forward.

  Her steps falter on the shiny stone floor. “Oooh,” she whistles. “This is super fancy. But I think you did too good, Zee.”

  I chuckle. “What’s that mean?”

  Delilah rubs the chill from her bare arms. “I feel like we’re in a swanky, big city restaurant. Did we leave Garden Grove without me realizing it?”

  “A vacation without leaving the comfort of your town,” I say. “That can be another selling point.”

  “Yeah, I like the thought of that.”

  I glance around, taking stock of the new and improved Roosters. The interior is old news to me considering this is where I’ve been spending over forty hours each week. But from a fresh perspective, comparing this to the before version must be a shock. The tables and high-tops are a mixture of different color wood, creating a pattern around the room. Black chairs and stools give people a spot to sit. Exposed beams show off the industrial-style ceiling. Numerous chrome lamps dangle from black cables, lighting up the joint just right. There are minimal decorations adorning the walls, just a few pieces from local artists. Natural brick pillars add to the understated-yet-upscale appeal.

  But none of that steals the show.

  I follow Delilah’s line of sight, noticing what holds her attention. “The bar is beautiful . . . and seriously massive. What is it made out of?”

  With a palm to her lower back, I steer us that way. “It’s a concrete composite that’s been buffed until it’s silky smooth. All these,”—I drift my fingers along the side—“are hand-placed mosaic tiles and rocks. That took almost a month, I swear. I’ll keep coming here just to appreciate all my hard work on this beast.”

  Delilah mirrors my movements. “Well, it’s stunning. The entire set up is amazing. Mary Sue and Bob must be pleased.”

  The beaming owners wave from across the room, and I return the gesture. “I’d like to think so.”

  Not to brag, but we surpassed their expectations by a thousand miles. They told us so. To make matters even better, we finished ahead of schedule. That gives them extra time to fuss over minor details and ensure absolute perfection. It’s been a pleasure building their dream, and they’re all about showing gratitude. The happy couple invited the crew for this little gathering as a token of their appreciation. We’re celebrating the end of construction together before everyone moves on.

  Mary Sue and Bob will be plenty busy running Roosters.

  Devon and the guys are leaving tomorrow, off to the next site.

  And I’m exactly where I want to be.

  Aside from being jobless, that is. My chest gets tight when the telltale dread takes shape. How will I support myself and this gorgeous girl next to me? I’ll run into a few snags when my savings dry up for sure. Delilah shifts into me, wrapping herself around my torso, and my worry fades away. I’ll figure work shit out later.

  “How’s my favorite foreman?” Devon booms behind me.

  I turn to face him. “You looking in a mirror?”

  He laughs. “Always so humble. Never lose that humor.”

  “Lewis will fill in the gaps.”

  Devon snorts. “Unlikely, but he’ll have to do. Glad your better half is here. Maybe she’ll keep you in line,” he says and gives Delilah a wink.

  She giggles and elbows me. “He’s got a mind of his own.”

  “Ah, cute. You two are ganging up on me.”

  Devon jabs my arm. “I’ll be gone by morning. There’s only precious hours left to ruffle those pretty feathers of yours.”

  I roll my eyes. He’s always been supportive but enjoys tossing out plenty of barbs. Especially since I’ve become more . . . civil. I can take a joke and roll with the punches far easier these days.

  “Are you going far?” Delilah asks.

  He nods. “Two hundred miles south. You won’t see me around these parts for a while.”

  I jut my chin at him. “What’s the gig?”

  Devon raises his brow. “Interested? You can bring a plus-one.”

  “Maybe next time,” I tell him.

  “I’m gonna miss you on the crew, Zeke. You’re a good worker. Whatever you decide to do, I’m confident you’ll succeed.”

  My head lifts a little higher, and I can breathe a tad easier. “Thanks, boss. I appreciate that.”

  “Ah, not your boss anymore. You’re a free agent.”

  I chuckle. “Guess so. That doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe I’ll do my own thing. Be a solo contractor.”

  “I’d hire you,” Delilah cuts in from beside me.

  I glance down into her honest eyes. “Yeah?”

  She squeezes me, nuzzling into my neck. “I’d be crazy not to. I bet a lot of people would take you up on it.”

  I shrug. “That might be a possibility.”

  “You keep prodding at The Mossy Den’s owners. When they’re ready to renovate, call me. I’ll slap you back on my payroll in a heartbeat. I’ll cut you in on a higher commission,” Devon offers.

  “Don’t mind that one bit,” I reply.

  Devon salutes Bob and Mary Sue, signaling he’ll be over in a moment. “We can be partners from afar. Take care of yourself, Zeke. And your lady.” He holds a hand out to me, and we shake on it.

  “Thanks, Devon. Same to you. I’m sure we’ll see you around.”

  “We appreciate everything,” Delilah says.

  He waves us off. “Enjoy the honeymoon, love birds.”

  After he ambles off, I scoop Delilah up and plop her on the bar. She makes room for me between her thighs. Her fingers wander up and down my side, tracing the ink hidden there. I’m not sure my girl realizes how often her touch settles on this spot. Not that I’m complaining.

  I love Delilah’s hands on me all the damn time. It’s a feeling that intensifies with each passing second. And the fact she loves her mark on my skin? That drives me absolutely wild. I shift closer so her palm presses harder into my ribs. Delilah bites her lip, sending me a knowing look.

  “You’re so sexy,” I tell her.

  Her tongue peeks out. “Have I told you this tattoo is a serious turn-on?”

  I groan and bump my hips into her legs. “Not nearly enough.”

  Delilah leans in and kisses along my jaw. “I get so hot thinking about our names intersecting and blending together. I’ll never get enough.”

  My mouth waters, and I’m suddenly starving. “You wanna see it, baby?”

  Her hair tickles when she shifts against me. “Remember what happened last time you showed it to me in public?”

  “I haven’t showed you the bathrooms yet. They’re real spacious,” I say.

  She shivers. “Is that so?”

  I begin tugging at the hem of my shirt, but she stops me. I lift a brow in question.

  “I�
�m capable of waiting until this party is over,” Delilah teases.

  “What if I’m not?”

  “I lavished that spot with extra attention not even two hours ago.”

  I spread her thighs and rock forward. “Doesn’t matter, Trip. I’m always ready for more.”

  Delilah moans quietly and shakes her head. “Pretty sure Mary Sue and Bob weren’t expecting their bar to get christened tonight.”

  I chuckle and back off. “It’d make a great story, though.”

  “No doubt about that. Let’s give it a few more minutes.” She winks, and her focus flickers away.

  Delilah is watching something over my shoulder, and I follow her gaze. She’s focusing on one of the many high-def flat screens mounted to the far wall.

  “They’re showing barrel racing. Dagos rarely broadcasts this channel,” she explains.

  A laugh rumbles from my chest. “You’d make a sexy cowgirl, wrapped in all that country. I’ll take you to a rodeo, wifey.”

  She playfully bumps into me. “A real one? Or will you be starring as the bucking bronco, hubby?”

  “Why not both?” I moan into her ear, and Delilah smiles against my cheek. We got hitched two weeks ago in the sand of our secluded beach spot. The ceremony was small and intimate, exactly how we imagined it. I’m still floating in the clouds. I can still feel the freezing spring water lapping at my ankles while we promised each other forever. It was the perfect day, just like each one I spend with her.

  She toys with the band on my finger, an exact match to hers. “Always everything.”

  “I love you, Trip.”

  “And I love you, Zee.”

  I hum softly, never tiring of those words. “Wanna check out the patio?”

  Delilah pulls away and squints at me. “In this weather?”

  “I’ll keep you warm, baby.”

  “That sounds promising.”

  “And there’s a few hidden corners, close to the massive firepit.”

  She scoots to the counter’s edge. “Well, in that case, we have a deal. Lead the way, Mister Kruegan.”

  I spin around, offering her my back. “Your chariot awaits, Missus Kruegan. Now boarding for a happily ever after.”