Page 82 of I Knew He Was Trouble
I hope this isn’t a fleeting moment. A one-time thing never to be repeated. Because I could spend a lifetime trying to find another woman who drives me so insane but also makes me laugh andfeelmore than I ever thought possible. As Evie would probably say, Kelsey is my unicorn.
When I finally pull back, I’m struck with the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Kelsey is smiling up at me with her swollen, thoroughly kissed lips and her flushed cheeks, looking like I just told her she just won the lottery. Being this close to her, I notice the dusting of freckles on the bridge of her nose and cheekbones. I trace my fingers along them, hoping I’m given the chance to memorize them.
I want to know everything about her. The beautiful things, the hard things, and everything in between. I can only hope this moment didn’t scare her away because I would like to repeat what just happened. Every day for the rest of my life, if I’m so lucky.
“That was…” She trails off.
“Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck, one hand resting on her thigh.
We laugh as I lift her off the counter.
“How do you make that look so easy?”
“Lifting you?” I smirk, and she nods. “You’re light as a feather.”
“I’m really not.”
“Then it must be all those early morning workouts of mine I know you’re so fond of.”
She shrugs. “I guess you can keep doing them as long as you use your headphones. You know, so you can lift me anytime you want.”
“I’ll carry you anywhere you want,” I tease, pressing a kiss to her temple and pulling her into my chest. “You also just quoted one of my favorite movies.”
Kelsey pulls back, looking unconvinced. “Sweet Home Alabamais one of your favorite movies?”
“I told you I was born and raised in Alabama, and now I have a beautiful woman quoting it to me. How could I not love it?” She smiles at the compliment, and I gesture to the door. “As much as I’d love to stay, I should probably get home to Evie. I have a hot date later to get ready for.”
Kelsey shakes her head. “Right, of course.” She moves past me, opens the door, and we nearly run right into my great-aunt.
Darla lets her hands fall to her sides dramatically like a toddler throwing a tantrum. “Why do I always get to the closet right after people finish necking? I always miss the show.” She pouts.
I press my lips together, too embarrassed to say anything. And by the fact that my great-aunt just called itnecking.
“Do people, um,neckoften in this closet?” Kelsey’s face is as red as a tomato, but I can’t tell if it’s from embarrassment or trying to hold back her laughter.
“Oh, yes. It’s the hottest spot for couples in the building. The other one is the gazebo by the pond.”
And now I’m thinking about how many people have touched the counter in that closet. I grimace, a shiver overtaking my body—and not the good kind.
What if Aunt D has taken her turn in there? Nope, not going there.
Laughter squeaks out of Kelsey’s mouth. “Have youvisited the closetwith Ed yet?”
My head whips between her and my great-aunt. “Ed? Who’s Ed?” They join together in uproarious laughter while I stand here trying not to gag at the thought of my aunt and whoever this Ed guy is doing what Kelsey and I just did in that closet.
Once they’ve calmed down, I ask, “Do I need to have a talk with thisEd?”
My new question sends them back into a howling fit of laughter. It’s a wonder I even try. I hold up my hands, metaphorically waving a white flag. “You know what, forget I asked. I’m going home, but I’ll pick you up at five?”
Kelsey looks at me with a heated gaze, like she’s ready for round two tonight on our date. I know I sure am. “I’ll be ready.”
“You’re going on another date?” Darla croaks, clutching Kelsey’s arm. “Y’all have been holding out on me.”
I skedaddle out of there before Darla ropes me into telling her all the details of the past week.
Besides, I have a date tonight, and I want to ensure everything is perfect.
I’mnervous.Palmssweaty.Weak knees.
