“HERE’S THE DEAL. I NEED some clothes.”
“No you don’t.”
“Walker. Yes, I do.”
I give her a little squeeze, settling deeper into the cushions of the couch. “No.”
“Fine. Then I’ll have to go home tonight to get some clothes so I have them for work tomorrow.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you threatening to leave tonight if I don’t take you to Polly’s to get some clothes?”
“Yes.”
“And how do you think you’re going to get there?”
She sits up, her elbow against the back of the cushion so she can look me in the eye. “I’ll steal your pickup. You already know I’m not above petty thievery.”
My lip quirks and my hand slides down her backside, cupping one of her ass cheeks before rubbing the soft skin. “I’d already decided we’re skipping work tomorrow anyway.”
“No you did not. You’re such a liar. You forget I work for you and know your schedule.”
“Right. Well, as your boss, I’m telling you that we aren’t moving from this spot.”
“What if I promise to bring Fred with me?”
My hand stills.
She looks at me with a grin that tells me she knows she won.
In ten minutes, I’m speeding down the highway to get to Miss Polly’s. As much as I love her, I really hope that she lets us make this trip quick. I’m not ready to share any part of Ellie yet. Especially the fun parts.
Not being able to go without touching her, I rest an arm on the back of her neck, playing with her hair. She smiles my way, leaning into my touch.
“You were so worth the wait,” I say, taking my eyes off the road for only a second to glance at her.
Her breath catches and eyes well up in tears.
“All the crap I went through to get here makes sense now.”
“Here as in…”
“With you.”
“Love you, babe.”
“I love you, too.”
We pull into Miss Polly’s driveway and I look at her car, “Don’t even think about it.”
“Afraid I’ll escape if I have my own ride?”
“Damn right.”
“No faith.”
“Nah. I’m just selfish and want to cover my bases.”
She rolls her eyes but I can tell it doesn’t bother her one bit for me to tell her that.