Page 34 of The Wiener Across the Way

I picked Pooh up and wrapped my arm around Kelsey, shielding them both as we made our way to the car. The tension in Kelsey’s body was palpable, a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere we’d just left.

“You good?” I asked, once we were safely inside the vehicle. Chris and Trixie got into another SUV, and Everett and Hayes were going to follow. I’d prepped them that we might need an escort back to Aspen. I’d left nothing to chance with this date.

I needed Kelsey to see that I could take care of her. No one else ever fucking seemed to. No wonder she was exhausted.

She let out a long breath, her smile returning, but this time it was genuine. “Yes, of course, thanks to you. That kind of stuff is just part of the deal. I hope you don’t mind too much. I should have warned you before you signed up for this.”

It stung, hearing her accept continual harassment as part of her everyday life. I wanted to protect her from that, from everything that made her feel less than the amazing person she was. “I knew what I was getting into, babe. I’m here for it.”

I was already thinking of ways to keep her from that kind of frenzy again. She deserved better, and I was going to make sure she got it.

The drive back wasn’t exactly quiet. I didn’t say anything, but Kelsey hummed a tune I didn’t recognize. I wasn’t even sure she knew she was doing it either. Her fingers did this little dance asshe stared out the window, and if I had to guess, she was picking out the tune on an imaginary piano.

The hotel’s valet was deserted when we got there, but we parked in front anyway. This was the kind of hotel that was host to presidents and popstars and they knew how to both be discreet and take care of their guests.

The boys were blocking us in on the driveway, so it wasn’t like anyone would try to steal my rental. Everett and Hayes got out when we did and flanked us like my own personal offensive line until we got to the elevator. A few people in the lobby murmured, and I’m sure a few more pictures were taken too.

“Wow. I think they’re more intimidating than my own security team. Maybe I should hire professional football players in the offseason.”

She wouldn’t need to. Not if I was there with her.

The boys gave us a little salute as we got in the elevator, and Kelsey blew them a little kiss. Hayes caught it. The little shit.

A tension zipped between us as we stood listening to the horrible elevator music. I had the incredible urge to grab Kelsey, push her up against the wall, and kiss the bejeesus out of her. I had to bite the inside of my cheek and wrap my fist into a tight ball at my side not to.

When we reached her floor, Kelsey’s room was the only one. Of course she had the suite all to herself. We stood together in the small foyer area between the elevator and the doors to her room. She turned to face me, her eyes searching mine. There was a vulnerability there that made my heart kick against my ribs.

“Tonight was... it was something else,” she said, her voice a soft murmur.

“It was.” My gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes. I wanted to kiss her, to feel that connection that had been growing between us all night. But I held back, respecting the boundary we hadn’t yet crossed.

Kelsey bit her lip, a small gesture that sent my thoughts spinning. “Declan, I...”

“Whatever you need, Kelsey, I’m here,” I said, my voice low. I reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her skin was warm under my fingers, and she leaned ever so slightly into my touch.

For a long moment, we just stood there, the space between us charged with unspoken words and unacted desires. The urge to close that gap was overwhelming, but I knew this moment was hers to lead.

She exhaled slowly, her breath mingling with mine. “Goodnight, Declan.”

“Goodnight, Kelsey.” I stepped back reluctantly, my hand lingering near hers before I finally let go.

INSTASNAP POST

[Screenshot of the photo of Kelsey Best and Declan Kingman on the front page of the CelebsSightings.com website]

Besties!

Best TEAs!

Kelsey has been spotted coming out of a sports bar in a town near Aspen, CO with none other than Mr. Football Smashie McHotsalot Declan Kingman.

AND THEY ARE HOLDING HANDS.

I’m dead.

I’m alive.

I am living for this.

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