22. Chapter Twenty-Two
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Evie just finished eating the breakfast of champions—Lucky Charms—so it can’t be much later than seven-thirty. It about killed me to give Evie something with basically no nutritional value, but the smile she’s been wearing all morning is worth it.
I have no clue who could be calling so early on a Saturday morning, but I pull my phone out and see it’s a local number. The thought crosses my mind that it could be an emergent patient, so I answer. “Hello?”
“Hi, is this Tyler?” The voice is feminine and sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place who it is.
“Yes,” I say warily, hoping it’s not one of the overzealous women from Kelsey’s newspaper ad that somehow got my new number. “May I ask who’s calling?”
“This is your neighbor, Shayna.”
I sigh in relief. “Is everything all right?” My mind jumps to the worst-case scenarios regarding Kelsey. She’d returned to work a few days after she recovered from the stomach bug, but I’m worried she caught something else or that she’s hurt. I don’t know why else her roommate would be calling me on a Saturday morning.
“I got your number out of Kels’s phone because I think I heard her say once that you’re into classic cars. Is that true?”
Random, but okay. “Yeah, my dad’s a gearhead and taught me everything I know.”
“I have no clue what any of that means, but Kelsey is putting on a classic car show for the residents at Sunrise Springs this morning. The man who was supposed to come in and talk about the cars came down with the flu. I know she’d never ask you herself, but is there any way you’re free to come save the day for her?”
It would be a great precursor to our date tonight. Kelsey agreed to it when she was sick, and she hasn’t backed out yet, so I’m taking that as a good sign. I smile. “As long as you don’t mind watching an adorable five-year-old?”
“Deal. I love spending time with that cutie.”
“Okay, what time does the car show start?”
“Uh, like thirty minutes.”
I grimace, pushing up from the table and setting Evie’s cereal bowl in the sink. “I’ll drop Evie off in a few minutes.”
“You’re really helping Kelsey out. Thanks, Tyler.”
I throw Evie over my shoulder, causing her to erupt in a fit of giggles. “What are you doing, Uncle Ty?”
“We’re going to play a game. You get to pick out your own outfit, and we’re going to see who can get dressed the fastest. Then you’re going to hang out next door with Ms. Shayna.”
Her eyes light up. “I’ll get ready so fast.” She runs into her room before I can respond, and I hear her chanting the words girls' day repeatedly.
I rush to my room, putting on a pair of jeans, a black long-sleeve tee, and a tan jacket. I’m pulling on a pair of socks when Evie bursts into my bedroom.
“I beat you!” She twirls. “I’m wearing all the colors of the rainbow. Do you like it?”
“Wow.” I’m at a loss for words, taking in her pink sweater with green flowers on it, purple leggings, aqua-blue tutu, and orange socks. “What a colorful choice.”
“Exactly.” She smiles wide. “Now, can I see Ms. Shay?”
“Yes, once we get our shoes on.”
With that statement, she sprints down the stairs. I follow after her, pulling on brown shoes while Evie slides on pink boots lined with fur. After dropping her off next door, I run through a local coffee shop’s drive-through, grabbing a coffee for Kelsey the way she likes it—just a small dash of cream.
Once the coffee is secured, I drive to Sunrise Springs, arriving just on time. The parking lot is fuller than usual, but I immediately spot the six classic cars set up near the entrance to the building.
I park in the back of the lot and jog to the front where I find Kelsey pacing and biting her bottom lip.
She looks up from the ground when I stop in front of her. Her brows furrow, but a soft smile covers her lips, a welcome expression rather than the scowl I used to get from her. “What are you doing here?”
“I heard there’s a nasty bug going around. Thought you might need some help with your event.” I hand over the to-go cup. “I also thought you could use some coffee.”
She takes a sip, closes her eyes, and hums. “This is perfect.” Her eyes dart open. “Wait, how do you know how I take my coffee?”
I shrug, shoving my hands in my front pockets. “I just pay attention.”
Kelsey blushes. “Thanks.” Her mouth pulls to the side. “As for helping with the event…unless you know information about Chevys and Fords, then I’m not sure—”
“Oh, like the ’63 Split Window?” I point behind her. “And that ’72 Mustang over there? Yeah, I think I’ve got you covered.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I know you told me your dad was a classic car fanatic, but I didn’t realize you knew so much.”
“Looks like we’ll have lots to talk about tonight on our date.” I shoot her what I hope is a flirty grin. She blushes, so I don’t think I bungled it too badly. Her reaction fills me with confidence, making me stand taller. “For now, put me to work, boss.”
“If you could just walk around the cars and answer the residents’ questions, that would be amazing.”
I nod and step aside as the residents slowly make their way from the building to the parking lot.
“Welcome to the first annual Sunrise Springs Classic Car Show,” Kelsey greets them.
“Now, we’re talkin’,” Hank grumbles.
Kelsey smiles. “I had a hunch you’d like this event.”
“Much better than the dancin’ and flower classes.”
I walk over to a lady standing near the Mustang.
“Didn’t Mary Sue say she drove a pony like this one?” she asks.
I slide my hands into my pockets. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know a Mary Sue, ma’am.”
The woman harrumphs and walks away. I press my lips into a firm line. This is off to a great start.
I join a man at the next car in the lineup. “A ’53 Five-Window Chevrolet?” He stares at it in awe. “I drove one on my pap’s farm—little six-cylinder would pull harder than a fit-and-fiddle ox.” He laughs before turning to me. “I can’t remember. Do those have a straight axle or leaf springs?”
“The one-tons had leaf springs in addition to the straight axle to handle the additional weight.”
He clucks his tongue. “Man, what I wouldn’t give to take one of these for a spin again.”
“I’ll have to check with Sunrise Springs and the car’s owner, but I’ll see if I can make it happen for you.”
The man’s mouth pulls up into a giant grin. “That’s mighty nice of you.”
I dip my chin in a nod and continue walking between all the cars.
A woman stops me with a hand on my arm. “Is this a Business Coupe?”
I sigh, grateful for a real question from one of the women. “Yes, it’s a ’46 Ford Business Coupe. Did you own one?”
“My daddy did. He was caught doing funny business in the backseat with his secretary in the office parking lot, if you know what I mean.”
So much for a serious question. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“My mama wrung him out for everything he was worth, so it wasn’t so bad.”
I don’t know what to say to that. Thankfully, one of the men approaches and runs his hand along the hood. “Do these things still run on leaded gasoline?”
I shake my head. “They don’t sell leaded fuel for on-road vehicles anymore. Automobiles stopped being manufactured for leaded gas five decades ago.”
“That long ago already?” The man rubs his mostly bald head. “Time flies, son. Don’t let it pass you by.”
I find Kelsey in the crowd and smile as I watch her interact with a few residents. Even from a glance, it’s obvious they love her. Kelsey is the definition of a hard worker; she puts her all into everything she does, and it shows. Whether it’s working here, with the dogs she walks, or with Evie, she’s good at it all.
“Yoohoo, excuse me.” A high-pitched feminine voice reaches my ears. I turn until I find a woman standing by a Triumph, gesturing me over.
“What’s this called? A crumble seat?”
“No, a rumble seat. It’s also sometimes called a dickey seat or mother-in-law seat.”
She snickers. “Now, with a name like that, they’re just begging for people to make jokes.”
“I’d love to have my mother-in-law sit there during the middle of a downpour.” Aunt D’s laughter floats through the air. “Too bad she’s long gone.”
“Why are they called that?” Hank mutters.
I rub my hand along the rumble seat. “They got the term from horse-drawn carriages where servants or guards would typically occupy that seat. But once car ownership extended to more of the general population, they moved the extra seats to the car’s interior for comfort.”
“Huh.” He grunts, his mouth pulling into a frown. “There’s too much orange peel on this paint. Whoever did this paint job must’ve been blind as a bat.”
I’ve been thinking the same thing, though I’d never say as much out loud. You can always trust the elderly and children to tell you how it really is.
The rest of the car show goes smoothly, except for the fact that I learned Aunt Darla had her first kiss in a Corvette that looked just like the one present today. I could’ve gone my whole life without knowing that information and been just fine. But it was nice to talk about the different engines with some of the residents.
I talk to the owner of the ’53 Five-Window Chevrolet when he comes to take his car home. Once I’ve told him about the man who’d love to ride in one again, he immediately agrees to take him on a joy ride as long as Sunrise Springs okays it.
I search for Kelsey once all the residents are back inside and find her in the lobby. After she finishes talking with the man that I assume is her boss, she waves me over.
“You didn’t have to stick around this long.” She doesn’t sound mad, exactly, just confused. Like the very thought of someone actually being there for her when she needs it most is a mind-boggling concept. “I feel bad that I’ve taken up a good chunk of your day when you could’ve been spending time with Evie.”
“That’s what happens when people care about you.” I hesitantly step toward her like she’s a stray dog that will bolt if I move too quickly.
Kelsey takes my hand in hers, intertwining our fingers. “I don’t know what to say.” She looks both ways down the hall. When she deems the coast is clear, she opens the door closest to us and yanks me into the room with her.
I stumble into the space, my breath stuck in my throat. Kelsey presses up against me as she flicks the light switch on, coating the tiny space in a warm glow.
“Why are we in a—” I look around us, laughing as I take in the shelves of cleaning supplies. Something stabs me in the back, and I wince. Thank you, Mr. Wooden Broomstick, for letting me know you’re there. “Broom closet?”
“You told me if you kissed me, it would be because it’s real.” She tilts her head back. Her pupils are dilated, and her gaze is fixated on my lips. “Did you mean that?”
“You should know that I’m a gentleman. I don’t typically kiss ladies in broom closets in independent and assisted living communities.” I fist her olive-green sweater at her hips, pulling her flush against me. Kelsey gasps, and my lips twitch in a satisfied smile. “But I guess I can make an exception today.”
I offer a beat of hesitation for her to push me away. Tell me this isn’t what she wants.
She arches into my touch and whispers my name. “Tyler.”
It’s only two simple syllables, but I’ve never heard my name said that way—filled with want and need. Like she might explode if I don’t kiss her right this minute. I want to hear her say my name that way over and over again, but for now, there’s a much more pressing want coursing through my body. The sound of my name spoken softly from her lips is the green light I need.
My lips crash into hers. A soft moan escapes her, and I swallow it up with another kiss. Her lips are just as soft as I imagined and warm despite all the time we spent outside in the fall air.
While Kelsey isn’t short by any means, she’s tiny in comparison to me. If I’m going to kiss her like I want to—like I’ve been waiting weeks for—I need a better angle. I move my hands from her lower back down to her thighs, scooping her up.
Kelsey gasps, breathless. “What are you doing?”
I carry her a few feet back and set her on the countertop that I assume is some kind of cleaning cabinet. Right now, it’s the perfect spot to thoroughly kiss the woman I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. “Getting a better position so I can kiss you like you deserve.”
Kelsey’s cheeks flush strawberry pink, and I brush a soft kiss on each spot before covering her lips with mine again. Each press of my lips is desperate, wanting to explore every bit of her. Never wanting this moment to end.
She tastes as sweet as her maple latte, and I can’t get enough of her. My hands explore her lower back while hers run along my arms and shoulders, up to my neck. This is the kind of feeling I’ve been chasing my whole life. We just click. There surely isn’t a shortage of chemistry between us. And the way we move together, it just feels…right.
Our movements turn frenzied, like we’re unsure if we’ll get to experience this again beyond this moment, so we’re enjoying it while it lasts. I kiss her until we’re breathing as one, until I can’t tell which breaths are mine or hers.
All the years of frustration and misunderstanding between us melt away in the roaring inferno our heated kiss nurtured to life —the sparks that had been patiently waiting all along ignited by the fuel of passion.
Whatever held us back or stood between us before is long forgotten amid our embrace.
I hope this isn’t a fleeting moment. A one-time thing never to be repeated. Because I could spend a lifetime trying to find another woman who drives me so insane but also makes me laugh and feel more than I ever thought possible. As Evie would probably say, Kelsey is my unicorn.
When I finally pull back, I’m struck with the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Kelsey is smiling up at me with her swollen, thoroughly kissed lips and her flushed cheeks, looking like I just told her she just won the lottery. Being this close to her, I notice the dusting of freckles on the bridge of her nose and cheekbones. I trace my fingers along them, hoping I’m given the chance to memorize them.
I want to know everything about her. The beautiful things, the hard things, and everything in between. I can only hope this moment didn’t scare her away because I would like to repeat what just happened. Every day for the rest of my life, if I’m so lucky.
“That was…” She trails off.
“Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck, one hand resting on her thigh.
We laugh as I lift her off the counter.
“How do you make that look so easy?”
“Lifting you?” I smirk, and she nods. “You’re light as a feather.”
“I’m really not.”
“Then it must be all those early morning workouts of mine I know you’re so fond of.”
She shrugs. “I guess you can keep doing them as long as you use your headphones. You know, so you can lift me anytime you want.”
“I’ll carry you anywhere you want,” I tease, pressing a kiss to her temple and pulling her into my chest. “You also just quoted one of my favorite movies.”
Kelsey pulls back, looking unconvinced. “ Sweet Home Alabama is one of your favorite movies?”
“I told you I was born and raised in Alabama, and now I have a beautiful woman quoting it to me. How could I not love it?” She smiles at the compliment, and I gesture to the door. “As much as I’d love to stay, I should probably get home to Evie. I have a hot date later to get ready for.”
Kelsey shakes her head. “Right, of course.” She moves past me, opens the door, and we nearly run right into my great-aunt.
Darla lets her hands fall to her sides dramatically like a toddler throwing a tantrum. “Why do I always get to the closet right after people finish necking? I always miss the show.” She pouts.
I press my lips together, too embarrassed to say anything. And by the fact that my great-aunt just called it necking .
“Do people, um, neck often in this closet?” Kelsey’s face is as red as a tomato, but I can’t tell if it’s from embarrassment or trying to hold back her laughter.
“Oh, yes. It’s the hottest spot for couples in the building. The other one is the gazebo by the pond.”
And now I’m thinking about how many people have touched the counter in that closet. I grimace, a shiver overtaking my body—and not the good kind.
What if Aunt D has taken her turn in there? Nope, not going there.
Laughter squeaks out of Kelsey’s mouth. “Have you visited the closet with Ed yet?”
My head whips between her and my great-aunt. “Ed? Who’s Ed?” They join together in uproarious laughter while I stand here trying not to gag at the thought of my aunt and whoever this Ed guy is doing what Kelsey and I just did in that closet.
Once they’ve calmed down, I ask, “Do I need to have a talk with this Ed ?”
My new question sends them back into a howling fit of laughter. It’s a wonder I even try. I hold up my hands, metaphorically waving a white flag. “You know what, forget I asked. I’m going home, but I’ll pick you up at five?”
Kelsey looks at me with a heated gaze, like she’s ready for round two tonight on our date. I know I sure am. “I’ll be ready.”
“You’re going on another date?” Darla croaks, clutching Kelsey’s arm. “Y’all have been holding out on me.”
I skedaddle out of there before Darla ropes me into telling her all the details of the past week.
Besides, I have a date tonight, and I want to ensure everything is perfect.