We’re completely nude. My mother could walk outside at any second. Hell, someone could pull into the driveway, or the phone could ring again, enticing us back into the real world. Soon enough, we’ll go back there. But right now, I like it right here, against his chest, with the cool breeze on our sticky skin, the low growl of his breath in my ear, and a brand new book unfolding in my head.
Chapter Eight
Brooks
I’m not sure how long we’re on the porch, but it’s long enough that the gray sky turns to black and the heavy rain lightens to a trickle.
“I should probably call Jake back. We need to tell your mom what’s up with the truck.”
“Ugh,” Kelsi stands from my lap and reaches for her nightgown, “do we have to? Maybe we could tell her it was stolen by a team of do-gooders who are planning to use the truck to deliver blankets and food to kids in need.”
“You really did pick a good profession. That was creative.” I grin and grab my jeans off the ground and tug them into place quickly. Her mom has to be up by now. If not, someone should check on her. It’s easily been hours. “We need to tell her the truth. Easy and quick. It’ll be okay. I’m right here next to you.”
“I know it’ll be okay. I just feel bad. She’s so attached to that truck. There’s no way your buddy can make it look like new again. I—”
“It’ll be okay,” I pull her into my orbit and squeeze her close, “I promise. She’ll be sad, but she’ll be glad you’re okay. Trust me.”
She holds her hand over her stomach and stares up at me, kissing my lips gently before pulling open the front door to step inside. Her mom is in the kitchen on the other side of the door.Who knows how long she’s been there? Contrary to earlier, her hair is frazzled and unkept as though she had a solid nap.
“Hey, Mom.” Kelsi sounds about as guilty as I feel, though it’s not about the truck. My guilt comes from the rough way I was just fucking her daughter on their front porch. Post sex clarity tells me I should’ve made different decisions. “How was your nap?”
“Oh, I laid down for a bit, then the sheriff called,” she exhales loudly, “to check on you, actually. He said you had an accident earlier today, and that you wrecked the truck.”
Kelsi steps forward with her arms outstretched. “Mom, I—”
“Why didn’t you tell me, sweetheart? He said the doctor was monitoring you for a concussion, and that’s why Brooks is here. Honey,” her mother reaches toward her, wrapping her in her arms, “why did you lie to me?”
“You’d just had a stroke and… I know how much the truck means to you. I… didn’t want you worrying about me or about anything, especially the truck.”
“Sweetheart,” her mom kisses the top of her head and holds her close, “I think your dad planned this.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I mean think about it. What are the chances that you get into a wreck at the same exact time your ex was driving up the mountain? Not only that, but the sheriff said when he saw the truck he thought you’d be in the hospital. It’s a miracle that you are only dealing with a bump on the head with no real symptoms, right?”
“Right.” Kelsi glances toward me as though she’s worried about her mother’s state of mind.
“I’m serious, honey. I think your dad planned this. He knew you and Brooks needed a dramatic reunion, and he gave you one.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and though I don’t want to take it, it’s the sheriff calling. “Speak of the devil,” I say, trying to shift the focus. “The sheriff, I mean. He’s calling. I’ve gotta take it.”
Kelsi and her mother nod, and as they make their way into the kitchen, I step out onto the porch, my cock throbbing the second I see the railing I’d bent Kelsi over earlier.
“Hey, sheriff. What’s up?”
“We need to look into this Chaos Brothers MC group closer. I’ve gotten some chatter that they’re not your typical group looking to build a bike repair shop. It’s why they are building it so far out on the ridge.”
“Okay…”
“I think it’s a cover for something bigger. I need you to get a few guys on it. The term‘hired guns’is going around town, and people are getting scared.”
“Interesting. Are we thinkin’ something like a paid militia or hitmen?”
“Not sure. We think one of the bikers used to be a local. I need you and the guys to find out everything you can.”
“Understood.”
He drags in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I hear you’re with Kelsi. That’s good news. Glad the accident wasn’t worse.”
