Page 51 of Where You Left Me

I chuckle before lowering my mouth back to her. My tongue flicks against her clit and she moans.

In a matter of seconds, she’s writhing against my mouth and humming my name over and over. And I swear I could live and die this way and be the happiest guy in the world. When she finally stills, I lift my head and find her flushed and grinning.

But her smile is painfully beautiful. It’s a reminder that I don’t get to live and die this way. I’ve only been given the summer.

I tug her underwear back up her legs and help her hop off the counter. “I better let you get back to work.”

She adjusts her skirt. “Are we still on for the bike ride?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

She smiles wide and my heart nearly lurches out of my chest. Are we capable of having a summer fling? AmI?Because at this moment, I want her for the rest of my life.

CHAPTER 14

Mia

Dad is having a good day. Mom has him sitting on the small patio that overlooks Main Street because it’s cooler this afternoon than it’s been in days. That will make my bike ride with Jones a little more comfortable.

Thinking of Jones has me all twisted up inside. There are only about three people in this world who make me feel comfortable and safe and he’s one of them. That thought is scary as hell.

Mom got one of the high school employees to cover the rest of my shift today. That way Jones and I won’t be bike riding at night. But it doesn’t mean she approves of me and Jones spending time together.

I step out onto the patio and Dad turns his head at the sound of the door sliding closed behind me. He smiles when he sees me, though it’s crooked in a way that makes my stomach flip-flop. Dad’s doctor said he’s optimistic he’ll make a full recovery, but for now, he’s got paralysis on the left side of his body. It’s sad and painful to see on such a strong man.

“Hey, sweetie,” he mutters.

“Hi, Dad.” I kiss him on the cheek before sitting in the empty chair on the patio. “How are you feeling today?”

“Good,” he says with a nod, theGsound not fully enunciated.

From the patio, you get a view of Main Street as well as a portion of the mountains. It’s beautiful. As a kid, I never appreciated it. While other kids were living in the bigger homes on the outskirts of downtown Maple Ridge, I was living in this modest apartment above Base Camp Sports. But it helped Jones and Cammie lived nearby. The convenience of our proximity meant we were all practically inseparable.

I gaze out and from here, I can see Martin’s Hardware, Brew Box, and at the corner—The Pines Bar and Grill. Warmth floods my body. Growing up here was amazing, but imagining living here now, near all my friends feels like a dream.

“H-how’s it going?” Dad’s words slur.

“Good. Ellis trained me on the new system. Seems easy enough. The store has been busy this week. You’ve got nothing to worry about,” I try to assure him.

But he looks at me, with a raised brow and a crooked smirk on his face.

I frown. “What’s wrong?”

“I wasn’t referring to the store. I was asking ‘bout you. And Jones.”

And there it is. The man had a stroke and lost some mobility but apparently, his memory is just fine.

“We’re fine.”

“Ha,” he barks out. “Seems to me…better than fine.”

“Dad,” I say. I don’t know what he’s looking for here, but if he wants to know what’s going on with me and Jones, I don’t know either. “We have to spend time together because of Bikes and Beers.”

“Sure,” he drags out the word and flicks his attention to the street below.

“But say we…wantedto spend time together,” I hedge, testing the waters. Mom and Dad never really said what they’ve thought of Jones since we lost the baby. But my assumption has always been they must hate him because he’s the reason I left eight years ago and haven’t returned since. “What would you think about that?”

He turns to look at me. “I’d think, I’m not surprised.” He releases a light laugh. “Jone-s-s-s is a good man. Not perfect,” he’s quick to say, “but g-g-good.” He smiles and returns his gaze back to the street.

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