Chapter 3
Kelsey
“Woo-hooo!!!!!” Kelsey screamed at the top of her lungs, tipping her head back and taking in the star-filled sky that screamed past them in streaks.
She could feel Sev’s chest rumbling in laughter from where her arms were latched tightly around him.
She hadn’t experienced anything better in her entire life than riding on the back of a motorcycle.
The speed!
The ultimate freedom.
She was pretty sure she could fly.
Turning her head and laying her helmet between Sev’s shoulder blades, she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to explore this new experience without her sense of sight.
There was the rumbling of the bike all around her, vibrating up through her legs and into her torso.
There was Sev’s warm body in front of her, a heater of sorts that felt beyond cozy.
And despite only having met him a few hours ago, they had developed a sense of trust between them.
She was perfectly aware of the ulterior motives that nice-looking men could have when it came to vulnerable women, but she sensed none of that when it came to Sev.
She couldn’t explain why, but she knew with certainty he was going to drive her home safely, just as he promised.
As the bike made its final turn onto the road that brought them into The Point, a small peninsula in Harbor’s Head, Kelsey took in the scene with fresh, new eyes.
The homes decorated for the holidays.
The wreaths on the doors, and the lit-up Christmas trees.
The electric candles adorning windows, plus the lights that lined the rooftops, and the cheerful inflatables that seemed to welcome her home.
She realized, even though she’d been here for a little over a week now, it was the first time since she’d arrived that she felt the spirit of Christmas really touch her soul.
Seeing the light brown home with the peaked roof off in the distance, Kelsey tapped Sev’s arm, pointing to the driveway. He nodded in understanding, immediately slowing down to turn into the driveway.
She sighed to herself, taking in their big, warm home for the holidays. Just like Sev had said, this wasn’t the end, but a fresh new start.
When he finally brought the beast to rest, turning off the bike and releasing the kickstand, Kelsey nearly leapt into the air and spun around for how much fun she’d had.
“That. Was. Amazing!” she cried out as she tried to get her helmet off. She hadn’t snapped herself into it, so she struggled, her fingers flying to the strap and trying to find the clasp.
Of course, by that time, Sev had already dismounted, pulled his own helmet off, and was already on the approach, shaking his head at her and chuckling to himself. “C’mere, giggles.”
Realizing she was bouncing on the balls of her feet, she stopped as Sev’s fingers grazed her neck, and she openly tipped her head back, giving him the room he needed to work.
When she heard the snick of the buckle releasing, a wave of sadness washed over her.
Their time together was officially at an end.
“Thank you,” she said breathlessly as he slipped the helmet off.
She knew her hair was probably sticking in a thousand different directions, but she knew Sev didn’t care if she looked unkept, and she wanted to drink that experience right up with him.
It had been so long since she’d been around someone who truly liked her for her that she was having a hard time letting go.
“I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun. ”
“Yeah, I thought you might like it,” he said, giving her a half grin as he set her helmet back in the saddle bag. “I love the feeling of freedom when I ride.”
“Yes!” she agreed, back on the balls of her toes as she grabbed for his arm, completely blown away that he felt the same as she did. “That’s exactly the feeling! Like I could take off at any moment.”
“So it won’t be your last time on a bike, then?”
“Definitely not,” she said, her head turning when the front porch light snapped on. “I might need to get one myself. I’m sure it’d come in handy in New York City.”
“Without a doubt,” he said, chuckling as a rather broad-shouldered shadow crossed the glass of the front window. When the door opened, Kelsey took in the perplexed look of her father as he slowly made his way down the stairs to them.
“Sir!” Sev suddenly called out, stiffening his posture so quickly that Kelsey’s hand fell away from him. The change was so sudden that she could be convinced the man had turned to stone as a result of her father looking at him.
“At ease,” he immediately responded with a tone that expected Sev’s response. He got that a lot, even when he was in his civilian clothes.
Sev relaxed slightly, but not a whole lot.
“Kiki,” he said cautiously, glancing at her mystery man. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Kelsey burst out in laughter at what her father must have thought. This afternoon, she’d left the house primly in an emerald green sweater, black pants, and a set of pearls to see how they would pair with her dress.
And now? She was buttoned up in a black puffer coat, some guy’s snow pants, a wedding gown, and a fabulous pair of patent leather taupe heels.
Well, at least she still had the pearls.
But she really should give him his pants back.
“Sorry, Dad,” she said, bringing herself back to earth as she gave him a big grin. “This is Sev.”
“Stewart Severance, sir,” he said, even his language snapping-to in the presence of a superior officer. Kelsey took in the interaction between them as she began to step out of the loaned pants.
Her father nodded his head, holding out his hand for the young man to shake. Sev seemed to hesitate only for a moment before cautiously raising his own to clasp.
“Thank you for getting her home safely, Stewart Severance,” he said, cupping Sev’s shoulder with his hand and giving him a pat on the back. “I heard there was some trouble at a bar in town?”
“There wasn’t any trouble until Chip decided to show up,” Kelsey lamented. “Wait, how did you hear about that?”
“Chip’s mother called,” he said matter-of-factly, making Kelsey’s stomach queasy. But she knew she would have to deal with this aftermath.
“Ugh,” she said, groaning. “I’ll have to fill you in on the full story. I guarantee it’s not as bad as they’re making it out to be.”
“I’ve no doubt,” he said, once again with an impassive look on his face as he turned to go back into the house. “I’m going to order dinner. Severance, will you be joining us?”
“Thank you, sir, but not tonight,” Sev responded. “My family’s expecting me. I’m shipping out in a few days.”
Kelsey’s father looked back at Sev, a world of experience flashing in his eyes. “Then you take care of yourself.”
Sev nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Kelsey watched him make his way back up the stairs, glad that he was on her side. She could only imagine what Chip and his family were saying about her now.
But she had better things to deal with at the moment.
“Here,” she said, holding out Sev’s snow pants to him. He didn’t notice straight away, watching her father like a starstruck teen.
“Thanks… Kiki.” Sev’s face broke into an amused grin.
“Hey,” she said, feigning offense and smacking his shoulder. He yelped dramatically as they dissolved into laughter just like they had at dinner. “It’s a name only my dad calls me. Besides, you’re one for secrets, Stewart.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked, shaking his head at his moniker. “I was named after my great-grandfather. I sound a thousand years old.”
“You do not,” she said, struggling to hold in a laugh around him. She marveled at the idea that this incredibly fun guy was standing here, spending his free time with her. Which got her thinking. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize I was taking you away from your family tonight.”
“No worries,” he said, casting his glance around them. “They don’t live far from here, and we’ve still got tonight and tomorrow morning to celebrate together.”
“Still, you didn’t expect to have to babysit a runaway bride tonight,” she insisted.
But to her surprise, his face turned serious as he took steps towards her. Sliding his hands on her hips, just under her puffer coat hemline, and directly on the wedding dress she’d never be married in.
“I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
Kelsey closed her eyes, sliding her hands to his barely stubbly cheeks as she felt his forehead touch hers. “That’s seriously the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
“That factors into our date evaluation, you know,” he said, pulling another smile out of her. “So, moment of truth. How would you rate it?”
Kelsey knew when she opened her eyes, she was going to be met with a grin that mirrored her own. “Five stars. Would absolutely recommend.”
“Good,” he said, his face relaxing just slightly into a gorgeous smile, just for her. “Glad we were able to turn this night into something other than the day you came to your senses and left Chip in the dust.”
“We absolutely did,” she confirmed, sliding her hands to his upper arms and sighing. “I don’t know what I would have done without you tonight. Thanks for being there.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” he said, making Kelsey’s heart drop just slightly.
“I wish it didn’t have to end,” she said. She wasn’t sure why she said it, except that it was in her heart.
“I know,” he said, stroking an errant hair from her face, one that had undoubtedly tumbled down from her once pristine updo. “Me too.”
Kelsey closed her eyes, turned her head, and snuggled into his chest. She felt his arms come up around her just as she wrapped hers around his middle. Just like they’d been on the bike, but in a hug this time.
“But there are all the reasons in the world why that’s a bad idea,” he said with a thread of sadness in his voice. “I’m deploying in two days, and I’ve got no idea when I’ll be back. It could be weeks, it could be months. Trust me, that kind of life does not foster a healthy relationship.”