CHAPTER TWO
What would happen if one conjoined twin were convicted of a crime and had to go to prison? This question came from YOUR brother this morning.
~text from Samson to Kinsley~
Kinsley
I think I got maybe three hours of sleep. I couldn’t stop replaying the whole night in my mind. I mean, he’s like a bona fide stud—those broad shoulders, that smile, the fact that he’s got to be at least six-foot-three. He’s definitely a tree, and one I have to fight the urge to climb.
I still can’t believe he’s interested in me.
I mean, I know I’m not ugly, but I also know I have a tummy, and the amount of junk in my trunk could rival Jennifer Lopez.
I am almost the complete opposite of my mom’s stick-like model figure.
The only bit I got from her was my height and my freckles.
That reminds me, I should call her soon.
Last time I talked to her, she was somewhere in Bali, I think.
As soon as I left for college, Mom sold most of our stuff and told me she was giving up the lease on the house.
She said I was grown now and she was going to go explore the world.
I’ve only seen her once since then. We talk sometimes, but I think she feels like she raised me, and this is her time.
I love her, but I don’t miss her that much.
If my dad took off like that, I would miss him like crazy.
Yes, I am a total daddy’s girl and I fully admit it.
Focus, woman. I change out of my pajamas and into a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie.
I’m not sure where we’re going, but since it’s early morning, I know it will be chilly.
I throw my hair up into a messy bun. I look at myself in the mirror and realize this is what I look like ninety-five percent of the time.
Hell last night the only difference was I had my good jeans on with a nice sweater and some lip gloss.
If he doesn’t like me like this, he’s going to be extremely disappointed.
I grab my phone and my keys and tiptoe out of my room and out of the house.
I know I’m a grown-ass adult, but since I stayed at Dad’s place, I don’t feel like answering questions as to where I’m going before the sun is up.
I get into my SUV, and before I start it, my phone dings with an incoming text. I check it to make sure he’s not canceling on me. I unlock my phone and see he is the one who texted me. I chuckle at the name I gave him in my phone.
Deputy Hottie: Just making sure we’re still on and you didn’t change your mind.
Me: I definitely didn’t change my mind. I just got in my car to head that way.
Deputy Hottie: I’m already on the way, but I pulled into Sooner or Later. I was going to grab us both some caffeine, but I don’t know your coffee order.
Me: I’m a pretty simple girl. Hot vanilla latte please.
Deputy Hottie: That’s easier to remember than my brother’s. He’s all one pump sweet, two pumps something else, ‘cause I never bother to remember. Okay, one hot vanilla latte coming up. See you in a few.
Me: See you there.
About ten minutes later, I pull into the parking lot of the diner. I can see the workers inside getting ready to open for the day. I forgot that Millie’s opens early enough for the loggers to stop in for breakfast.
A big truck pulls in and parks next to me.
I look over and see Emmett in the driver’s seat.
Why am I not surprised that a man of his size has an equally large pickup?
I get out of my trusty SUV and he’s right there just as I close the door.
He leans down and gives me a quick kiss.
It takes Herculean restraint on my part to not grab his neck and pull myself up into his arms. I don’t know what it is about him, but he brings out the animal in me.
The female version of Tarzan—Tarzana, maybe?
Emmett gives me a smile and tells me more of what his plan is for this morning.
“So, I was thinking, if you trust me, we take my truck to a great spot to watch the sunrise together as we enjoy our coffees. After that, we’ll come back here for breakfast to round out our first date.
I know it’s not dinner and a movie but—.
” I stop him with a hand to his chest. “I like this idea way better than dinner and a movie. I like the idea of seeing a good quiet spot you know, and watching the sunrise. It tells me you’ve gone there and watched it before.
I like that.” He doesn’t say anything but leans down and kisses me again.
Before I lose my nerve, I share the rest of my thoughts.
“I’m not someone who likes dressing up all that often.
I look like this almost all the time. I would rather grab a couple of sandwiches or coffees like this and find someplace beautiful to enjoy the scenery and the company. Fancy stuff is lost on me.”
Emmett takes my hand and pulls me toward the passenger door of his truck.
Without saying a word, he opens the door.
I move to get in when I’m suddenly in the air and set down onto the seat.
I look at him, and his eyes have an intensity I’m not sure what to make of.
“I’m gonna close this door and get us going to that spot I want to show you.
” He bites his lower lip for a second and lets out what I could swear is a growl.
He continues speaking. “What you just said is music to my ears. I’m not a fancy guy.
I wear my uniform, or I’m in jeans, a t-shirt and a flannel.
I’m more about home cooking and spending time with family, friends, and my son, rather than going to the city and dressing up.
I own one fancy outfit because my mom taught me to always have one just in case, but I haven’t worn it in at least three years, and it likely doesn’t fit anymore, anyway.
I’m really glad you like this idea because it means something to me.
” He looks me in the eyes again, and there’s a heat there that has me squirming in my seat.
He gives me a sexy-as-sin grin. “Buckle up, baby.” He shuts the truck door, and I realize I could be in some serious trouble.
Could he really be a book boyfriend come to life?
I feel like I have that one bald character from Devil Wears Prada in my ear, telling me to gird my loins.
This might be the kind of trouble I want… maybe.
Emmett
I had to get her in the truck and give myself a moment because what she just told me was not only music to my ears, it did something inside me that went straight to my cock.
She may think she was saying all that to let me down, but it had the opposite effect.
I can tell she doesn’t see it, but I most definitely do.
She’s so damn beautiful, it doesn’t matter what she’s wearing.
When she stepped out of her SUV in her hoodie, jeans, and messy hair, I knew my initial reaction to her was right.
She could be wearing a potato sack, and she would still be the most beautiful woman in the room.
The thought that she’s not gonna want to get all dolled up that often and go to a snooty restaurant is music to my ears, though I have a feeling if that changes, I would find myself doing that for her.
I give myself a little talking to before I hop in the truck to head out.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You want something real.
Don’t go getting her naked right away, man.
My restraint is usually one of my strengths, but I think Kinsley is going to be the biggest test, and I’m not sure I want to pass it.
We drive for about twenty-five minutes or so until we get to Spirit Lake.
I take the forest service road that I’ve been on countless times with my dad and brothers.
I enjoy that we can ride and enjoy our coffees, without needing to talk every moment of the ride.
It’s not silent, but neither of us seems to feel the need to fill every second with conversation.
We’ve been on the service road for maybe five minutes when Kinsley speaks up.
“Are we going to the back side of the lake?” I nod.
“Yeah, it’s a spot my dad has taken us to all our lives.
It’s not really a good fishing spot, but it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.
It’s been his thinkin’ spot since before we were born.
He has been a logger out here since he was sixteen.
Said he found this place right before he met my mom. ”
I sneak a glance at Kinsley, and she’s got a slight smile on her face.
“I always wanted to check out the far side, but never actually have. My dad and brothers have come up here fishing for as long as I can remember. When I was at my dad’s, I always got to come with them.
I loved spending time up here. Rain or shine, this place has a peacefulness about it that makes everything else in life pause for just a little bit and lets you just be.
Be with nature, the views, be with yourself.
” She shakes her head and continues, “I’m probably not making sense, but—” I reach over and take her hand in mine and squeeze it.
“No, you actually make perfect sense. This place does that. It’s where I go when I need to get out of my head.
It’s where I come when I need clarity about something.
” I take a turn onto the path from the road and know it’s about three minutes till we’re there.
“Honestly, I’ve kept this place to myself and only brought Booker here this past summer.
Hell, my ex-wife has never been here.” I just realized that I never even thought about bringing anyone here, to the spot, but I didn’t give it a second thought to invite Kinsley. Yeah, I’m in trouble.