Page 58 of Only Temporary

“I’m going to kill him.” And I see that murderous glint in his eyes—one I felt myself. But I’m not so sure Cason won’t act on it.

“You’re old enough that they’d try you as an adult.”

I think he’s going to tell me to fuck off or get angry, but he actually smirks with a quick scoff. “So you’re saying it’ll have to be Kieran who does it?”

“Or Braylen,” I say with a quick answering smile.

“Is she really okay?”

I nod my head slowly. “I think so. She’s shaken up, but she’s okay. I’m glad you were here.”

“I didn’t do anything. I wish I knew what happened before that fucker slid out of here.”

“If you weren’t here, we probably never would have known about it. And you were there for Raegan. That’s all that matters. Guys like him, he’ll get what’s coming to him. You can’t do anything, Cason. You really could get into trouble.”

I see the conflict on his face, and I know what he wants to do. But I’m grateful when he seemingly relents.

I make a quick dinner and let the kids eat wherever they want. But when it’s bedtime, I ask Tatum to come over, just in case they need something, and I make my way to Phillip’s place.

When he opens the door, I just rush into him, my arms wrapping around him. He holds me, confused and worried, but not pushing me to talk just yet. We move to his couch, and he just holds me. “Are the kids okay?”

I nod my head, but don’t let him go for a little bit longer. Finally, I tell him everything that happened, and he listens quietly, a look of horror and anger on his face, strangely combined with the sort of serene calm I’m getting used to from him.

“Do you think Cason will listen to you?”

I lean my head on his shoulder, which should probably feel odd, given our size difference, but it doesn’t. He strokes my hair, and I close my eyes, leaning into him. “I hope so. I want to beat the shit out of the kid, but I know we can’t. Cason knows too.”

“I’m sorry, Kellan. That’s so traumatic for all of you.”

“I just need her to be okay. Do you think I should have pushed for her to tell the cops?” I’ll be honest, my first thought is never to call the cops—never has been. My mom was a junkie, raising us around a bunch of other junkies, so when the cops came, it usually wasn’t to help us. It sent our lives into more chaos every time.

Mom would get locked up, and we’d go into foster care. Over and over.

“I think you need to trust Rae but also keep an eye on her. If she starts spiraling downward, you’ll need to get her some help.”

I nod. Therapy. Oh joy. But if he thinks it will help and Raegan needs it, I’ll make sure she gets the help she needs.

“It’s going to be okay,” he says against my ear and then kisses my cheek. I turn my head and capture his mouth with mine, sweeping us both into a soul-stealing kiss that will have to tide me over for a few days before he comes over again.

I need to get back home to the kids, but I’m grateful for the quiet reprieve he provides.

I needed it. I need him. I don’t think I could ever do this on my own. But I also know I don’t want to.

TWENTY-SIX

I stare at our intertwined fingers and can’t help the smile on my face. His are a little bigger, with clean fingernails, even though he just came from the shop, and they’re a little rougher than mine.

It’s been a week since the incident with Raegan, and I’ve been making sure to check in with her, here and there, but so far, she seems like she’s doing okay. And she said Blake has been avoiding her. I bet he has, the coward.

Cason and Kellan aren’t the only ones who wanted to make Blake cry. I hate what he did to Raegan, and I know she still must be afraid, even though she doesn’t want to admit it. It would shake anyone.

I’ve been careful around Kellan when we’re at the house, but I’ve let myself relax a little too. Still, with him staying at home this weekend and me working a lot this last week, I haven’t gotten to touch him.

So I suggested we meet up on our lunch break today, and I was surprised he came to my apartment with no hesitation. Thankfully, it’s not too far away from the shop, and Tatum will cover for him if he’s a little late.

After quick blowjobs and heated kissing, I’m spent but not totally sated. I just want to stay here with him. I drag my hand up his arm and cuddle further into his side. “You really aren’t freaked-out about being with a man?”

He snorts a laugh at me and then meets my gaze. “No. I’m not. I love everything about being with you.”

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