38. Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Betty
“ Y ou should be resting.” I know he’s going to ignore my advice, like he has all day. Laredo lifts a fifty-pound carton filled with canned beans from the back of the truck, ignoring the handcart three feet to his left, and carries it into the warehouse.
This is the third delivery to the pantry today. Once word spread about what happened to Miss Irene, nearly every business in town set up collection bins outside their stores. I suspect half of them filled their bins with items directly from their shelves.
I love Seaside. While tourists flood the area for five months annually, the year-round residents have established a strong bond, always ready to support one another. It gives me hope that the brothers’ crazy plan may work.
Olivia told me this morning nearly every act that can stay in town after tonight’s concert is showing up at the studio to perform Adam’s song. Laredo played a private concert for me this morning. The song “Better Together” speaks to everything the world needs to hear right now.
“I’ll rest when the pantry’s balance sheet is back to where it belongs.” He gives me attitude, the type I love. He is not going to stop until the food bank is back on firm footing. Damn, I’ll never tire of his intoxicating confidence—it’s an attraction that gets my blood pumping every time.
And he’s not the only one going above and beyond. A ten-thousand-dollar check landed in the new food pantry bank account this morning. The notification sent me spiraling with fear that the new pantry account, even with the additional security protocols, had been compromised. It wasn’t. The note on the check clarified everything for payroll this week—people deserve to be paid for their work—especially my daughter.
Mom.
Margo and her friends have staked out the carnival area along the boardwalk, asking for thirteen-cent donations from every person that passes. Her friend Allie sent me a meme of Margo breaking out her irresistible Puss in Boots eyes at strangers and people dropping in ten times the ask.
Everyone is pitching in to save the pantry.
Now, it’s my turn.
“You need to rest so you have enough extra energy to perform with Ariel and her band for ninety minutes under the lights tonight?” He nods. “And enough in the tank to then play lead guitar along with over three dozen artists all night long?” The challenge in front of Laredo is ridiculous, but he remains unfazed.
I look over his shoulder as the truck pulls away from the pantry loading dock. “The next delivery isn’t for another two hours. Can I get your help with something in the office?” Confidently, I saunter in front of him, fully aware that he will follow my lead.
Miss Irene’s office is at the back of the building. With no windows and tucked far from the loading dock, this room is as hushed as a secret. In addition to its functionality, the couch has the ability to flip down and become a cozy futon. A much-needed indulgence that soon turned into an essential requirement due to the extended work hours.
I enter the office and walk directly over to the couch. I fist the bottom of my T-shirt, tugging it up over my head. “What are you…” I don’t have to turn to know Laredo’s already figured out what I’m up to.
“The door.” The words are barely out of my mouth before I hear the click of the lock. I toss my T-shirt across the room and step to the couch. As I release the latch, the couch effortlessly transforms into a comfortable bed.
“Are you sure?” His question is filled with concern, and it takes a moment for me to even remember why. This isn’t last summer.
We’re not rushing headfirst into things without thought of a future.
“Positive,” I whisper. “If you have the stamina,” I kid him, knowing he’s up for the challenge.
His eyes narrow, locking onto me with unwavering focus. My joke is already forgotten. His gaze remains locked on my eyes, even though I’m standing in front of him in nothing but my bra.
“Do you want to talk about it? After what you went through…”
I lift a finger to stop him. I’m touched by his concern. A year ago, we barely talked, our minds filled with lust, the chemistry between us too intense to ignore. I point to my bra. “Is this an ‘I want to talk’ outfit?”
I want him. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I know that now. “I’m on the pill.” I address his concern.
He taps his back pocket. “I’m carrying protection. Might even double up. Belts and suspenders.” A radiant smile tugs at my lips, filling me with warmth. We’ve come far in a season.
We’re no longer the reckless duo without a thought about our future. We’re here, trusting one another. Building something great.
Together.
He reaches for me, his fingers finding my lower back. Those magical fingers play a melody I love. He presses his lips to mine, and I close my eyes. His arms wrap around my waist, and I lean back.
I’m free-falling without a worry in my head. Laredo is no longer reckless. He is my safety. He is my shelter. He is my comfort.
Lowering me onto the futon, he confidently positions himself on top, his body pressing against mine. With his arms around me, he peppers a trail of kisses from my collarbone all the way up to my temple. My entire body tingles with anticipation.
I don’t need him to be gentle. That time will come. But right now, I want him to take me the way he knows I love. Wild, passionate, without abandon.
He returns my kiss, a callback intensity that I had buried deep into my dreams. It’s exactly what I want, what we need.
Our foreheads meet, and the sound of our heavy breathing reverberates through the cramped office. “Better?” he asks.
I lean in and give him a playful peck on the tip of his nose, feeling the softness of his skin beneath my lips. To mimic his alluring smirk, I do my best to replicate it, confident he won’t expose my unsuccessful imitation.
“Better together.”