Page 114 of Trusting Skulls

“It was such a good day,” I tell him.

“I’m glad.” He leads me to the table. “Elizabeth saved you some supper.”

“Oh, she didn’t have to …”

I stop myself at the look on his face. “She headed over to Rachel’s with Jesse. They’re finalizing their plans for Willow’s baby shower.”

He sets the food in front of me and then sits down to join me with a cup of coffee. His gaze silently evaluates me as I scarf down my dinner.

“So, tell me about your day.”

“Oh my gosh. It was a long one, but good news … I got a job!”

He listens as I tell him about everything. Well, everything but the tiny house.

“Is that it?” he asks.

I chew on my bottom lip. “Yeah,” I lie.

JD laughs before ruffling my hair. “I already know. I stopped over at the farm to check on you, and Willow told me you guys were checking out your new place.”

My shoulders fall. “I’m sorry.”

“You never have to lie to me, Lex. While I’m thrilled you’re here, I know you’re eventually going to leave, and that’s okay as long as you understand that I’ll always be here for you. Elizabeth too.”

“It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to show you guys, but … I will always think of this place as home. I’ll come raid your cupboards and steal your toilet paper, just like a real daughter would.”

He throws his head back and laughs. “As long as you don’t steal my damn Pop Tarts. Those are my one weakness.”

I draw a cross over my chest.

“I’m real happy for you, Lex.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Lexie

"JD,” I whisper, shaking him lightly so not to wake Elizabeth.

He sits up straight, grabbing my arm. “Is your ankle hurting?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I just need to talk to you.”

I went to the doctor today, and they finally freed me from that stupid boot. He said it healed beautifully. I attribute it to Ash taking such good care of me on the mountain after I broke it.

But my newfound freedom has made me antsy. Especially after the news I got today. I’ve been called to testify against my dad’s boss. I guess I should have seen it coming, but I can’t sleep, and I … well, I just really need Ash.

“I’ll be out in a minute.” He rubs his eyes sleepily, and I feel bad for waking him, but I couldn’t leave without letting him know. Last time I left the house without telling him, his dad got in, and I’ll never forgive myself for that.

I wait nervously on the couch, my leg bouncing. I’m not sure how JD’s going to react to me wanting to go out.

After a few minutes, he sits down beside me.

“I’m sorry for waking you, but I can’t sleep, so I’m going to go over and see Ash. He doesn’t have to work tomorrow.” I bite the inside of my cheek and turn away from him. He probably thinks I’m such a whore, going over to the warehouse for a late-night booty call.

“Lexie, look at me.”

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