Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Leonard
My fingers twitch with the need to hold Shelby’s hand. My skin tingles with the knowledge of her being within touching distance.
Over a year. That’s how long it’s been since I had my hands on her. Checking on her at the Cromwell cabin a few days ago doesn’t count. I didn’t get to caress her, fuck her, fill her. Instead, I’d been on the verge of a heart attack.
It had taken everything in me not to yell at her. Why did she stay with Kaleb? Why didn’t she come to me to keep her safe? Why didn’t she make herself available to me?
I’d gone to her on Halloween as I have for years, but the house had been empty. The glass of apple juice was still on her bedside table where I’d left it.
Shelby is right about two things. Our relationship is complicated, and tonight is a new Halloween. A redo of the night we missed earlier this week.
My heart stutters when we stop in front of my driveway. Tonight was a success in every way. Riley got a huge haul of candy, and Shelby was more open than ever before. I just need her to see me as more than a doctor and her older neighbor.
Riley opens her candy bag, offering the contents to Shelby. “I picked a Mounds bar out for you.” My sweet girl smiles.
“You did?” Shelby asks in surprise, her right hand moving to rest over her heart. “Muffin, you didn’t have to do that.”
Riley shrugs. “You said they were your favorite.”
Shelby stares at my daughter for a second before stepping forward and encasing her sweet face between her hands.
“They are. My dad used to buy me one every Halloween because no one really gives out coconut candy.” Shelby blinks quickly. “Thank you, muffin.”
My heart lurches at the sadness in her voice.
Together, they root through the colorful candy wrappers until they find the one they want. Holding it up like a trophy, Shelby thanks Riley again with a tight hug.
Releasing my daughter, she turns to envelop me too.
“Thank you for letting me tag along. It was fun, and I really needed this.”
Her body pulls away from mine far too quickly, but given the movement in my pants, it’s probably for the best.
As I watch her disappear into her home, my cock stays awake. Stirring at what is to come. After tonight, this year will be different. I’m not waiting another year to touch her again.
I want her. In my home, in my bed, in my life.
After tonight, everything changes.
Happy Halloween, baby.