Page 7 of Wolfish Desire
“But there are some important rules. It’s okay to drive around town, but please don’t take it onto the highway or any remote back roads. We had to order you a new starter, and it’ll take a few days to come in. I don’t want you to get stranded, you know?”
“Got it. Just go back and forth to town. I’ll always make sure my phone is with me and charged, too.”
“That’s the ticket. Safety first.” He chuckles warmly. “Your brakes weren’t in the greatest condition, so I went ahead and tuned those up, and installed new brake pads. Griffin and I will drop it off at your place late this afternoon and leave the keys in the mailbox.”
“Thank you. You can leave the bill in there as well.”
There’s a slight snort. “Sure. Have a great day, Sierra.”
I love the way he talks to me as if he already knows me. Maybe it’s a small-town thing, but it makes me feel cared for.
It’s pretty obvious that Walker will be sending the bill to Kingston, not me. Well, I tried. Kingston doesn’t know I can easily afford it. Maybe he thinks that since it’s his town, it’s his responsibility? Or…maybe he wants to show me how he feels already?
My lips start to tingle again from the memory of last night’s kisses, then I jump with a start when the phone rings again. “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Kingston. Do you have plans for lunch?”
Even over the phone, his rich voice is incredibly sexy. “No. What’s up?”
“I have a three-minute errand to run in a beautiful part of the forest that would be just the place for a lunchtime picnic. Can I pick you up at eleven-thirty?”
“Sure. Um…jeans and hiking shoes, I guess?”
“And sunscreen.” A slight pause. “And please don’t forget those perfect, kissable lips. We’re going to be in another romantic spot. See you soon, gorgeous.”
I end the call and head for the shower, my head spinning. How can someone say something so cute and saucy, yet be so casual about it?
A few hours later, my sides ache from laughing. Kingston and I are sprawled on a huge blanket at the edge of a meadow. He had to check one of their “bird-listening” stations nearby: examine it, wipe its sensors, and make a note on his phone. Now we’ve stuffed ourselves with sandwiches and pastries and have been swapping silly stories about our siblings. I particularly enjoyed telling him how my sisters manage to find fault with every hotel they ever stay in.
“Travelling so much, what do your sisters actually do?” Kingston asks.
“My two older sisters are…” I hold up my hands to make air quotes.‘Successful in fashion’. Chloe fancies herself an interior designer and influencer, and Brigette is a ‘designer’s muse’.”
His lips twitch as if he’s holding back a smirk. “Designer’s muse? What does that even mean?”
I can’t suppress my unladylike snort. “She swans around in his clothing, sleeps with him, and gets a new European car everysix months.” My hand claps over my mouth. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I’m not usually so catty.”
Kingston bursts out laughing. “No sweat, I get it. I wouldn’t have told anyone else but you that story of Kane and the chicken salad. What are siblings for, if not to laugh at them?”
“I dunno. It sounds like your brothers are a handful but are ultimately good guys. Plus, they have real jobs, which counts for a lot.”
He laughs. “Which sister are you making the forest arrangements for?”
“Chloe. She calls herself as an interior designer, but really she just rearranges her friends’ homes a bit.”
“So was it your mother who taught you the artsy stuff?”
My smile drops, and I freeze. Should I keep the happy mask in place, or be honest?
It’s an easy decision.
“Mom kind of…checked out when I was twelve,” I say softly. “She decided that we were raised well enough and took off.”
A furrow creases his forehead. “Where did she go?”
“Wheredidn’tshe go? She decided to spend the rest of her life travelling. We get maybe ten emails a year with a few photos attached.” I swallow heavily before adding, “It’s a group list with her friends. I honestly don’t know if she meant to add her daughters or not.”
Two huge arms go around me as Kingston pulls me to him. After stroking my back for a moment he murmurs, “I’m sorry that your mom sucks. Is your dad at least a good guy?”
