Page 112 of Unstable

“Woman,” oh, he goes straight on the defensive, “there’s a big difference between secrets and surprises. Will you just let me give you some?”

“Are they good surprises?”

“No.” He now looks at me, to give me a condescending, smart ass expression. “They’re terrible, ‘cause you know how I just love springing bad shit on you. Really, Henny? Of course they’re good.”

“Point taken.” I nod curtly and stop circling to stand directly in front of him. “Okay, yes. I’ll be patient and wait for these good surprises of yours. You can breathe now,” I snicker.

He does, a deep one, exhaling slowly through his nose. “Good Lord, I’m gonna have to rent a freaking storage locker in another state to hide your Christmas presents, aren’t I?”

“Maybe.” I hitch a shoulder. “I don’t like surprises, they’re never good. But who knows, you might change my mind. We’ll see.”

“We sure will.” He grabs my waist and tugs me to him. “My money’s on me. I know my girl, you’ll like them.”

He kisses me, a soft sweep of his lips over mine, then asks, “You ready to head to the house for some lunch? One of the top secret stops I made was…” he pauses dramatically, “the grocery store. Just a few things to get us by until we make the final move.”

“Very covert.” I waggle my eyebrows. “Yeah,” now my voice and spirit both lose their gusto, “just, give me a sec.”

I turn back and stand over Bourbon’s grave once more. “I forgot to tell ya, buddy, I’m gonna be moving, but not far. I’ll be right next door, and I’ll come see you. I promise.”

I feel Keaton move in behind me, saying nothing, simply offering silent support.

“I just wish…”

Keaton finishes my whisper. “That Gatlin could’ve said goodbye? Or, you could’ve talked to him about it?”

I spin in his arms, my brows dipped in confusion. “I was gonna say ‘I wish I would’ve been here with him when he died.’ Why would you bring up Gatlin out of nowhere?”

His expression is implacable, one I’ve never seen and can’t read. But his tone is very clearly imploring. “I know you used to find comfort in talking to him, about everything. I just wondered if you wish you had him now, for support.”

I give it serious consideration before I lock eyes with him and take great care to speak with the certainty I want to make sure he hears. “No, it never even crossed my mind. When you need someone to talk to or their support, you go to your best friend. The person who will not only know you well enough to understand and empathize with what you’re feeling, but will selflessly do everything they can to make it better. As best they can, anyway.”

I reach up and cup both his cheeks. “That’s you, Keaton. I don’t need anyone else. You are my best friend and the one I want to share everything with, good or bad. Forever.”

“God, but I love you.” His smile is positively dazzling, the sheer happiness behind it soothing my soul. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.”

“Why don’t you take me home, feed me lunch, and show me?” I lower my lids and slowly lick my lips.

Without warning, I’m hoisted over his shoulder, being carried toward his truck. “Changing up the order, baby,” the gruff sexuality in his voice sends a ripple of desire though me. “Showin’ ya first, maybe twice, then I’ll feed ya.”

Yeah, I’m okay with his plan. Wasn’t that hungry anyway.

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