Page 46 of Only Temporary

It’s black and sparkly and hits just above the knee. She’ll no doubt turn heads, though I’m not sure if Rae really wants that much attention. Kellan pays, and we all walk out to the parking lot together. I see a pretzel place and suggest it. To my surprise, there’s no eye roll from Raegan as she agrees, and I lead them both in that direction.

We sit down with pretzels and lemonade, but there’s no conversation between the two siblings. So I start one up. “So how did you meet this boy?”

Now, there’s an eye roll. “I’ve seen him in the hall since I started school. He came over and asked me out. I said yes. That’s all there is to it.”

“And it doesn’t worry you that he’s older?” I try to seem indifferent, but she’s not falling for it.

“It’s two years. It’s not a big deal.” She glares at Kellan and then looks at me. “I know he told you to ask that.”

“It’s funny you think I wouldn’t worry about that. Two years in teen years are a lot. He probably has his driver’s license.”

I see Kellan tensing, probably not having thought about it, but that’s my job. To overthink.

“He does, but why does that matter?”

“Because there’s no fucking way you’re going in a car with a teenage dumbass behind the wheel where you can wind up anywhere.”

Okay, so Kellan’s approach is a little harsher than I’d have gone with, but yes. “It’s just more to think about,” I say to Raegan carefully. “Being alone with a guy you don’t know well when you’re young. Just want to make sure you’re safe. And well, teenagers...”

“Is this a sex talk?” Raegan asks, and poor Kellan spits his lemonade all over the table. “Gross,” she scolds him, and I hand him a napkin.

“Let’s not give your brother a heart attack, okay? And not exactly, but you’re too young to have sex. You know that.”

Yeah, poor Kellan isn’t going to make it. I can see the vein in his neck poking out. Please don’t let him die. I’m not finished with him—though I suspect I won’t ever be. “I’m not an idiot,” she says haughtily. “I don’t want to have sex.”

“Thank fuck,” Kellan manages as he wipes at his face and then the table.

I smile in his direction, trying not to laugh at the relief I see on his face. I look back at Raegan. “Good. That’s very good. But things happen, and people get caught up in the moment...” Kellan is glaring at me now, but I focus on Raegan. “It’s important to know you can say no and expect him to stop right away.”

“Duh.” She rolls her eyes at me.

I see Kellan rubbing his temples. “He’s not driving you.”

“Kellan,” she snaps, but I interrupt.

“That’s up to Kellan. He’s your guardian, and if he’s not comfortable with someone else driving you, then he’s not.”

“Great. I’ll have my big brother take me to the dance.” She’s getting huffier. “Maybe have Tatum come too. Threaten to break his legs.”

“That’s a good idea.” Kellan looks intrigued, and I shake my head at him, making his face drop. “Just me. And I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Whatever.” She sips at her lemonade, and I’m going to call this one a win. She’s following his rules, and he’s compromising.

Can’t ask for better, really.

* * *

When it’s actuallytime for the dance, though, I think I might be more nervous than Kellan. It’s a Friday night, and I’m finished with work, but it was decided I’d be here to help Raegan get ready for the dance—and be a buffer between Kellan and her.

I’ve barely seen them this week. Work has been a beast. I did manage to pick Raegan up from art club Tuesday and Thursday, but I couldn’t stay. I’ve been dying to at least get a late night call in with Kellan, but between my grueling work schedule, his, and taking care of the kids, we’ve both been far too tired to even pick up the phone, let alone jerk off.

Maybe soon, but I knew this thing with him wasn’t going to be easy, though I think he was right—that it’s worth it.

When I got here today after work, I made a quick dinner and then helped her with her hair and makeup before joining Kellan, Cason, Tatum, Braylen, and Kieran in the living room to wait for her. To say that Cason is not thrilled about her going to homecoming with a boy from his class and the same dance he’s going to tonight would be an understatement.

“This is bullshit.”See?

“It’s just a school dance. It’s not a big deal,” Kellan tries to placate Cason, but that’s not happening. He’s wearing nice jeans and a button-down I think he might have borrowed from Kellan. His hair is styled nicely, and even though he said he doesn’t have a date, he looks like he put some effort into getting ready for it.

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