Page 73 of Playful Kris

“I know you are upset with me about things that happened in the past, but Kris, you really need to let that go.”

My head snaps toward her so fast, she nearly jumps back. “I need to let things go? Really, Mom? You practically abandoned us just like Dad did. The day he left, you might as well have packed a bag, too.”

Her hand goes to her chest. “Kris, that’s not fair. I was depressed, my life seemed like it was ending. I washeartbroken,” she begs me to understand, but I just can’t.

“Mom,” I laugh, sarcastically, “you had two children at home who loved you more than he ever fucking could have. And you left to work multiple jobs and you were never around. I’m the one who fed Kaleb every night. I’m the one who got him ready for school. I’m the one who made sure he did his homework. I’m the one that did it all.” I lean forward so she has no choice but to stare me in my eyes when I say this last part. “And I made a promise to myself all those years ago, that I would NEVER get married if it meant I’d end up miserable like you.”

Her eyes soften, and her face falls. “Oh, Kristopher. No.” She shakes her head. “You can’t live your life alone just because of what happened with me and your dad.”

I lean back in my chair and run a hand down my face, trying to reel some of my emotions back in. The last thing I want to do today is cause a scene at Kaleb and Ruby’s wedding.

“Mom, it’s done. Stop trying to make things work. It won’t.” I stand from my seat, pushing it back with enough force that a few heads turn to look at me.

When I look down at my mother once more, I’m surprised to see her not embarrassed by my outburst, but broken.

That almost pulls at something in me, but I tamp it down and head in search of Kameron.

All the events for the night are done, other than seeing the two of them off, but I can’t stay here anymore.

I’m turning the corner to where the bathrooms are, and Kameron runs right into my chest.

“Sorry,” she yelps, her gorgeous emerald eyes come to mine and a smile appears. “Oh.” She leans forward then pauses. “What’s wrong?”

My chest feels fuzzy that she knows something is wrong just by looking at me. I’ve become a mask over the years, but never with her. She reads right through it every fucking time.

“You ready?” I ask, and her eyes widen. “I’ve watched you in this fucking dress all night long. I’m ready to get you back to the mountain and in bed.” I lean forward, brushing my lips across her cheek before moving to her ears to whisper, “With nothing but those heels on.”

When I pull back, she studies me for a minute but nods her head. “Let’s go say bye to Ruby and your brother.”

I follow Kameron through the crowd. Some are still dancing the night away as the DJ plays all the popular party songs that get everyone moving. Ruby and Kaleb are near the bar, so we head in their direction.

“Hey, you two.” Ruby smiles and greets us. “It’s been the best day of my life.” She looks over to Kaleb and smiles. “Thank you for being here, Kris. It means a lot to me.”

“No worries.” I let go of Kameron’s hand and give Ruby a hug, before moving to my brother. “I love you, enjoy your honeymoon. Call me when you get back.”

He wants to ask me what’s wrong, I can see it, but instead he leaves it alone and hugs me back, promising to call.

“It was so nice to meet you, Kam. Stay in touch, please,” Ruby tells Kameron as they hug and say their goodbyes.

Once my fingers are tangled with Kameron’s again, some of the anxiety I was feeling earlier settles. With her by my side, it doesn’t even ramp up when we pass my mother’s table.

And that fuzzy feeling is back when she doesn’t acknowledge them either.

30

KAMERON

The drive back to the cabin is once again in silence.

We’ve both been drinking, but not nearly as much as the past few nights. Kris made it clear he was good to drive, that he’d only had the one beer.

The air in the cab isn’t filled with sexual tension this time, it’s more of a calmness. Kris’ arm is draped across the console, his palm resting on my leg as he maneuvers us up the mountain.

I almost laugh to myself, because for someone who can’t do a relationship, he is so damn good at it.

He used to drive just like this when we were in college. One hand on the wheel, the other in my lap, and it’s always been one of the things I loved that he did. Occasionally, my smart mouth would get me a squeeze that tickled so bad, we’d laugh for the longest time over it.

The truck shifts into park, cutting me from my thoughts. I look up at the large cabin, feeling sad that this is our last night here. The place has felt like home in the short few days we’ve been here.

---