Page 69 of Edged

“Anthony.”

He placed his hand on hers. “I only want you to be safe.”

She sighed. “I know. Now tell me your plan and dreams.” He didn’t remove his hand from hers, and she didn’t move either. She liked his warmth on her skin.

“Well, my dream of being an artist has worked out better than I could have imagined since Dane put my work in his gallery.”

“You deserve it.”

He inclined his head. “There are times I wonder if I do or not. I’ve found that not everyone likes my work.”

“Human nature is fickle.”

“True. But I do have a big dream.” He turned her hand over, and their fingers entwined. “I want you in my life.”

Kaley sucked in a breath.

“It might be too soon, but I wanted you to know that. These past few weeks—the distance between us— have been hell.”

“I’m sorry.” Her fingers tightened around his. “I should—”

The sound of his phone ringing cut her words off.

“Hold the thought.” He picked up his cell from where he’d set it on the dash. “Hello. Yes. Okay, thanks, Max.” He turned to her. “Max invited us to come back to the club and make use of one of the private rooms tonight.”

Kaley stiffened.

“Not to play, but to sleep. It looks like the road is going to be tied up for a while since we haven’t moved an inch.”

“What about Dane and Regina?”

Before Anthony could answer Dane was at the driver’s side. Anthony turned the vehicle on and lowered the window. “Max just called me,” Dane said.

“Me too. Are you heading back?”

“Yes. No sense in spending the night in the car. You two?”

Anthony looked at Kaley.

“Us too.” She gave Anthony’s fingers another squeeze. This was the right thing to do.

“Great. I’ll pull out and make a U-turn—that will give you more room.” Dane walked back to his vehicle.

Within a few minutes, they were on their way back to the club, and Kaley’s stomach knotted with the confession she still needed to make.

Chapter Twenty-Three

“I appreciate you allowing us to stay here,” Anthony said to Max as they walked into the club with Dane and Regina. The lighting was minimal.

“No problem. Most people didn’t make it here due to the accident, those who did have found places to hang out or are willing to just wait in their cars. I’d invite you to the house, but Jordan and Crystal claimed one room already, Lara and Colby the other one. Noah and Bennett are in rooms one and three.”

“It’s fine,” Kaley spoke up. “We appreciate your offer.”

Anthony tightened his arm around her waist. She’d been quiet on the drive back, but held his hand, and when he put his arm around her, she didn’t shy away from him. Maybe the accident had done him a favor.

“We prepared rooms two and four for you. There are extra blankets if you need them. Also, Sierra insisted on having some food and drinks put in each room. If you need anything, give me a call. You can bet Sierra will want all of you to come to breakfast tomorrow.” With a wave, Max was off.

“Which room would you like?” Dane asked.

---