20. McKinley
“This feels so creepy.”
I scoff. “Are you kidding? This is fun. It’s like a stakeout.”
Chance rolls his eyes. “We’re sitting in an elementary school parking lot essentially stalking one of the teachers.”
“You always make everything so negative. You’re such a grump.”
If looks could kill, pretty sure I’d be dead with the way Chance glares at me. “Yeah, that’s me. I ruin everything. How could I forget?”
Guilt slices through me like a knife. “I was just kidding. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yeah, you did.” He sits back against the passenger seat, and shifts his gaze out the windshield. “And you meant it when you said the same thing four years ago.”
“Look, I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry I said what I said. I didn’t mean it. I was just hurting, and I took it out on you.” I pause, trying to choose my words carefully so this doesn’t escalate into a fight. “I was angry at you for pushing me away, and not fighting for us.”
“Presley left us. How was I supposed to fight for someone who didn’t care enough to say goodbye, or let us in on what was going on?”
“I get that, but you didn’t fight for us either.”
His jaw works under his skin. “You were better off without me. I would’ve only dragged you down. You were right to say what you said.”
I tip my chin. “And now...?”
His eyes flick back to mine. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know, yet you’re here.” I take a chance and reach for him over the console, brushing my fingertips against his. “With me.”
Chance’s chest rises and falls with his shallow breaths as his eyes bounce between mine.
“You know what you want, you’re just afraid,” I whisper, lacing our fingers together. “Admit it.”
His gaze drops to my mouth. “I’m terrified.” His voice comes out like a hushed confession, and it hangs between us, igniting the energy around us.
I lean forward, and grip the back of his neck with my free hand, pulling him closer to me. “It’ll be different this time around.”
Chance’s head dips, and he rests his forehead against mine. “How can you be sure?”
“No one is ever sure of anything.” I close the gap between us and brush my lips against his. “You just have to have a little faith.”
He nips at my bottom lip. “I’ve missed you so much. Being apart from you was the worst torture I’ve ever had to endure.”
My heart swells. “You don’t ever have to be away from me again. I—oh, look!” A flash of white goes past my car as a white SUV pulls into the parking lot. “That’s her.”
Chance adjusts the seat of his pants. “You’re gonna have to give me a minute.”
I toss my head back and laugh. “Okay, I’ll give it to you; popping a boner in an elementary school parking lot is definitely creepy.”
Are we stalking Dominique? Technically.
But is it for a good reason? Absolutely .
Presley has taken on two kids and a new life all on her own for the last four years. She deserves a break every once in a while, and what better way than to rekindle her love for her two ex-boyfriends?
Her two, super attractive, muscular, fine-as-fuck, soon-to-be- current boyfriends.
As Dominique parks a few spots down, we get out of the car and walk over to her.
“Why do teachers always carry so many bags?” I ask.
She spins around, a purse and two totes on her shoulders. “Jesus, you scared the shit out of me.”
Chance jerks his thumb in my direction. “He has that effect on people.”
I flip him off, and then quickly hide my hand behind my back. “Shit, we’re near a school.”
Dominique chuckles. “Nobody’s here yet. Wait, what are you two doing here? Is Presley okay?”
“Presley is fine.” Chance slips his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie. “We were hoping you could help us set up a nice kid-free night for her this weekend.”
Dominique’s brown eyes light up. “Oh, fuck yes. What do you need me to do?”
“Can you take the kids for a sleepover at any point this weekend?”
She nods. “We’re free Friday night.”
“Perfect.” I rub my palms together as the plan forms in my mind. “Don’t tell her we spoke though. I know you chicks have girl code and all that, but?—”
“Fuck girl code.” Dominique lifts her chin. “Our girl needs to get laid.”
Yes, she does.
“Don’t you worry about that.” I shoot her a wink. “We’re going to take good care of her.”