30-REAGAN
“You know, I got a few camera notifications during lunch. I had a visitor.”
“Who?” He kept his pace slow beside me as we walked to his house being built.
“Obviously, Tate. He didn’t do anything, just knocked twice then left.”
“The guy’s relentless.”
“Yeah, I need to get my paperwork started.” The time feels right, and I remember his mugshot. “You want to see your mugshot?”
He chuckles, “Sure.”
I ripped my phone out of my back pocket and opened my gallery, because, of course, I saved it. He looked hot. Faint smile, heavy eyes, and head slightly tilted back. It reminds me of how he looked at me in the cabin. Like he got what he wanted.
Our feet stop, and I tilt the screen to him, and he nods in approval. “Nice.”
“Do you want to see Tate’s? It’s pathetic.” The thought struck me for unknown reasons.
“Yeah, let’s see it.”
I exit and head to my messages. I didn’t save his, but it was tucked away in Miles’ text thread.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait—What was that?” He presses the back button out of Miles’ and my conversation.
“What’s what?”
And then he points, tapping his text thread. “Masked Midnight Daddy? Is that really what you saved me as?”
“Yes.” I exit. “I was going to change it but haven’t gotten—”
“Don’t.” His eyes burn into me. “I like it. The thought of it does something to me.” Vincent casually said. “It’s a shame we don’t have many places to run off to.”
“Patience.” I reminded him, and we turned to finish the walk to his house.
Even then, I’ve been struggling to keep my hands off him.
I needed to be respectful of his mom under her roof and respectful of his grandparents on their property.
I’d follow Vincent’s lead and cues since this wasn’t my place.
He throws an arm around me and repeats, “Masked Midnight Daddy. I kind of like the sound of that.”
I don’t respond. Tate needed to sign the papers.
If he doesn’t, the court will, but that would take longer than just having him sign it.
In the meantime, I have a hard time committing to Vincent when I have this ginormous baggage clawing at me.
It’s unfair to have him tangled up in my mess.
He’s already gone too far by getting arrested.
There was something about Vincent, and it wasn’t his looks, the way he carried himself or how he called me Wildflower. I think it’s because he doesn’t hold back. There’s no question where his heart is or who matters to him. Vincent’s heart is loud, and he’s not ashamed of hiding it.
I really like him. Mom will like him. Miles probably already claimed him after I am done. But I’ll never be done with Vincent. I could already see myself planting my own roots here.
An unknown truck is parked outside as we step up to his unfinished home.
He doesn’t seem to be alerted by it. “Right now, the outside is about done. The inside needs a lot of finishing work.” He guides me up the wraparound porch and into the front door.
We step inside a blank room, and there’s a rhythmic thud coming from upstairs.
The floors are unfinished, and the walls could use some color, but maybe he picked out white.
“The floor guy is upstairs. This will be the living room. There’s a bed and bath down that hall.
” He passed the stairs. “Upstairs are two more bedrooms, bathrooms and a bonus room.”
I nod, not trying to get attached, not trying to force what may never happen. I follow Vincent through the doorway. “This is the kitchen and dining room.”
Somehow, without even knowing me, he designed my dream kitchen.
Double ovens. Pendant lights over a large kitchen island.
Copious amounts of cupboard space. The sink butted up to a wall with a huge window above it, and that window overlooks the pond on the other side of the house.
“I love it. You’re missing countertops, though. ”
“Yeah. I’ve been doing a paycheck house. I’d rather own it outright than pull a loan. Hotshots and The Forewarning have been a huge help with that.”
“Smart. Butcherblock would look best.” I tease and find myself drawn to the back doors.
The view is captivating. I can only imagine the way orange sunbeams bounce off the water during a warm spring night.
The porch would be great with a bench for two.
Something comfortable. But I can’t tell him that.
I can’t wedge myself into his life while mine is in shambles.
An arm wraps around me, and I melt into my daydream a little harder. “Pretty, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” I lean into him.
“I just need someone to share it with.” Vincent gently turns me to him and pulls me into a kiss. His hand weaves through my jacket, and his cold hand nips at the small of my back. My mouth opens wider, accepting more of him as his hand wanders.
My fingers curl around his belt, and the thought of needing him now is cut through by boots on unfinished stairs. Vincent doesn’t sense the urgency as I do and reluctantly pulls my shirt down.
“Hello?” The voice calls out.
“Hey man, it’s just me. I’m just showing my girl the place.”
My girl? My heart tugs like I am getting ready for the world’s biggest heartbreak. A man enters the room, and he looks exactly like what I expected. Rugged blue collar.
“Just thought I heard someone.” His expression says he knew the fire was rising between us, and he had interrupted.
“The place isn’t haunted yet. We were about to leave, just lock up when you go.”
“Can do.” He dips his head before retreating upstairs.
My lips prick from his stubble. “I need to get that restraining order finished and sent off.”
“Yeah, let’s walk back. Grandma is going to expect you to make cookies with her because you mentioned it.”
We step out the front door and finish our walk, slow and steady with my arm linked around his and my other hand in my pocket. “Do you have any miniature horses here?”
“No.” He laughs. “Should we?”
“Yes. I think they’re cute. Can I board my miniature horse here?”
“What would this mini horse’s name be?”
“HipHop, of course.”
“HipHop?”
“It’s how they walk.”
“I’m not quite sure I see it, but if that’s what you want.” After a moment of silence, we reach a fork in the road. “I’ve got to check on a few mares. Do you want to come with me?”
I pause, unsure of what to expect. “No. I’m going to get this paperwork sent off.”
“Right. As much as I would love to keep you here forever, that needs to get done for your safety.” Vincent pulls me in for a parting kiss, and I feel like I am right where I need to be. Nothing about this feels wrong. It hurts that I can’t fully submerge myself because of Tate.