Page 39 of Love Set Me Free

Kydrick wiped her tears with his thumb and asked, “You cool to spend the night with me?”

Paisley’s eyes popped open. “I don’t have any clothes or?—”

“Stop overthinking,” he asserted. “I just need a yes or a no.”

She’d heard that too many times that night not to take heed. Overthinking was one of her superpowers and weaknesses all at once. At that moment, it was a weakness because it prevented her from living in the moment out of fear for what was to come.

No longer wanting fear to rule her, she exhaled a deep breath and whispered, “Yes.”

Kydrick’s smile, showcasing those deep dimples she’d always loved, made it worth it. He leaned in and kissed her forehead and then her cheek, unable to get enough of her before closing her door, giving Paisley a small moment to herself so she could prepare for the inevitable conversation that was to come.

Prison hadn’t been easy for Kydrick, but the last six months hadn’t been that much better, for many reasons.

Loneliness almost killed him. Correction—Paisley’s absence nearly killed him. He missed her every second of every day, but he’d made a promise to himself. He couldn’t be worthy of her without figuring out his life first. He used his yearning for her and his desire to prove himself worthy of her as motivation.

He’d worked hard over the past year, getting his life together and gaining a sense of self. His graduation signified a lot for him. It was his new beginning and an ode to all his hard work and his dreams finally manifesting.

School wasn’t the only thing he’d been working hard on either. Therapy had been something a counselor at Paisley’s nonprofit suggested to him. He still worked there, but he dropped down to part time when he started school. Not only had it been a good way for him to make a little extra money, but he also got a ton of resources there for himself.

Every time he worked, he felt good about himself because he knew he was helping other people, like himself, put the right foot forward in their lives. When he worked, he always hoped he would catch a glimpse of Paisley, but it was like she steered clear of her own business to avoid him. Then he found out she had traveled most of the time they’d been apart, and that made him happy, but a part of him felt like he was missing out on precious moments with her. Again, he used it all as motivation, and today was the day it would all pay off.

He pulled up to the townhome he purchased six months ago. It wasn’t a mansion, but it was a nice, two story place with a garage and a backyard.

When he turned the car off, he noticed Paisley peering at him curiously. He grinned at her before getting out of the truck and walking around to open her door for her.

When she stepped out, he held her around the waist and said, “Welcome to my home.”

Her eyes brightened with pride. “Oh my God, Kydrick! I was wondering where we were.”

He chuckled, his own pride oozing from him. He loved his two bedroom townhome. It was cozy, brand new, and most importantly, all his. Excitement shot through him because he could finally share it with Paisley.

Grabbing her hand, he walked her to the front door and unlocked it. As soon as they stepped inside, a golden blur of fur ran toward them. Paisley yelped, startled, while Kydrick crouched down to catch the fur ball.

“My bad, Pooh. I should have warned you I got a dog.” He chuckled as he pet the golden retriever, who now laid on his back, belly exposed.

“A dog?” Paisley squealed, crouching down next to him. “You got a dog?”

“Needed someone to keep me company.” His tone held a hint of sadness, causing Paisley to look at him. Her smile faltered.

She looked back down at the dog as she pet his stomach and murmured, “What’s his name?”

“Biscuit.”

Paisley couldn’t help the giggle that fell from her lips. “Because of your mama’s biscuits?”

Kydrick grinned. “You know I miss my mama’s biscuits. She made the best.”

Paisley shook her head and stood. “He’s cute, Kyd. I’m glad you had someone to keep you company.”

Another look of sadness passed her features, and he stood, wrapping her in his arms.

“Let me show you around, and then we can talk, yeah?”

She nodded, and he ushered her further into the house. There wasn’t much for him to show her, but even Paisley had to admit that the space was cozy and decorated well. He had a large king sized bed with a deep red comforter set in the master bedroom. Both the bathrooms had everything they needed, and he turned the spare room into a study with bookshelves and comfortable chairs.

“I love your place,” Paisley admitted as they came back to the living room and made themselves comfortable.

Biscuit curled up at their feet and huffed out a content sigh, causing Paisley to giggle. She’d always wanted a dog, but her parents wouldn’t let her get one. When she became an adult, other things consumed her, preventing her from having the time and attention to give to a dog.

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