Chapter Twenty-Two
Colton
After our talk, I’m bracing myself for the inevitable heartbreak that’ll come once Amelia and the kids are gone. Whether they go back to Sugarland Creek or she decides to move elsewhere, I can’t blame her for being cautious. Not just for herself but for the kids too.
Although it’s only been less than a month, it feels longer, in the best, most fulfilling way possible.
My routine completely revolves around having them here and making sure I’m available to cook or help in between work and watching Remy.
He’s still on medication twice a day, and instead of letting him run freely outside, I walk him on a leash so he doesn’t wander off.
Amelia’s been studying and reading for her class while keeping the kids occupied and cared for. My siblings visited between their schedules, and even my parents stopped in to check on everyone.
Since our time here together is likely ending soon, I want to make the most of it and make it as special as I can.
“You busy?” I murmur behind her, caging her against the bathroom counter as my erection pokes through my sweats and into her lower back.
“That depends on what you have in mind.” She grins at my reflection, wiggling her ass.
After the kids fall asleep and we drink our nightly tea, we end up in my bed together. Sometimes we only talk and kiss before passing out, and sometimes it leads to more, but I always sneak out in the mornings so Sam or Lily doesn’t walk in and get confused by us sleeping next to each other.
“As much as I very much want to bend you over and watch you come on my cock, I have other plans for us tonight.”
She’s still torn about seeing her parents or if she’d want me to go with her, so hopefully a night out will help clear her head.
Her face flushes as she licks her lips. “And what would that be?”
“We’re goin’ out to dinner at Summit Views, just the two of us, and it’s gonna be hella romantic.”
She snorts, turning to face me, then wraps her arms around my neck. “I appreciate the sentiment and positive thinkin’, but what ’bout the kids?”
“The twins are on babysittin’ duty. They’ll be here at five with strict orders to guard ’em with their lives.”
Although we’re keeping our relationship a secret, Bodie and Bellamy aren’t dumb enough to think we’re still platonic at this point.
Even if they asked, I wouldn’t confirm or deny and wouldn’t give any details.
But regardless, they’re always willing to come hang out with the kids and Remy for a few hours.
“I don’t really have anythin’ to wear besides jean shorts and leggings.”
“You’d look gorgeous in a paper sack, but since I figured you’d want to dress up, Bellamy’s bringin’ you a dress and shoes.”
She eyes me curiously. “You thought of everythin’, huh?”
I tug her into my chest, then lift her chin so I can brush my lips against hers. “Absolutely. It’s our two-week anniversary of you actin’ like you forgot all ’bout me.”
Her face drops, and she scowls. “I’m sorry, who’re you again?”
“Don’t even think ’bout it.” This time, I flick my tongue piercing and slide it between her lips, stealing a taste. “I’ll spend all night remindin’ you if I have to.”
“Oh no, don’t do that,” she deadpans dramatically. “Would be a real shame if you used your handcuffs on me until my memory returned.”
“Fuck, darlin’…” I bury my face in her neck and suck below her ear. “Gonna plan to do that and more, so you best be ready.”
“Guess I’d better shower and shave…wanna join?”
I groan against her shoulder, eagerly wishing I could. “Yes, but I can’t. I’ve got one more call to make and a few more emails to return. But no usin’ your toy. I want you needy and desperate for me.”
“On one condition.”
“Name it.”Her eyes flare wildly. “We both get off usin’ it tonight.”
“Deal.”
Bellamy arrives early with the dress and shoes for Amelia, so I hang out with Sam and Lily while we wait for Bodie to arrive. I got ready an hour ago, but we haven’t seen much of each other since we talked earlier.
I didn’t want the kids to get confused by the two of us going out to dinner without them, so I told them I was taking her out for an early birthday celebration since they’ll most likely be gone by then.
Luckily, Sam didn’t question it and is mostly looking forward to hanging out with my siblings tonight.
Ever since Raven went home, Bodie’s been moping around, so tonight will be a good distraction for him.
I’m looking forward to getting a couple hours alone with her, where neither of us has to cook or clean up. Since Aunt JoJo manages the restaurant, she secured a private room for us to make it extra special.
“Uncle Bodie!” Sam squeals as soon as he walks through the door. “Look what I can do!”
Sam proceeds to do a cartwheel, except his legs don’t go straight up, and they knock over one of the breakfast barstools.
“Oops.” Sam quickly picks it up and puts it upright. “I think I need more room.”
“We’ll move the table and chairs outta the way so you can practice,” Bodie tells him.
“Awesome!”
I can’t even be mad at them for rearranging my furniture, because he’s so excited to learn and get better.
“Just no breakin’ any limbs. You don’t wanna go back to school in a cast,” I remind him.
Sam frowns. “I don’t want summer to end.”
I wrap an arm around his shoulders and give him a little squeeze. “Me neither, buddy. I love havin’ y’all here.”
He still has a month before school starts, but to a kid, summer is never long enough.
“You do?”
“Absolutely! Remy does, too.”
His gaze lowers to the floor. “I’m gonna miss him.”
“We’ll come visit, don’t worry.”
“Really?” He peeks up at me.
“Yep. It’ll be nice to see my cousins, too.”
“Where will you sleep?”
“I can crash on the couch.”
“It’s not very comfortable. But maybe when we get a bigger house, we’ll have an extra room for you and Remy!” He beams at the idea.
“I’d love that,” I say truthfully, although my chest aches at the thought of not being with them every day.
As soon as Amelia walks into the living room, all the air escapes my lungs, and my fingers itch to touch her. The floral, blue dress fits snug around her curves and reaches down the full length of her body to the white ankle boots on her feet.
“Wow…” I clear my throat, trying to find my voice, but she’s left me speechless. “You look phenomenal. Truly beautiful.”
Her hair’s pulled up with some loose strands around her face and the rest curled down her back.
“I do good work.” Bellamy brushes off her hands proudly as if Amelia isn’t already drop-dead gorgeous.
Bodie snorts. “Then what’s your excuse for lookin’ like a wet rat all the time?”
Bellamy rushes over and sucker punches him in the shoulder. “Look who’s talkin’, Mr. I Haven’t Showered In Four Days ’Cause I’m Lonely And Depressed.”
He scowls, rolling his eyes. “I did this mornin’, dumb-ass.”
“Bad word!” Sam shouts, breaking the tension between them. “You owe me ten dollars.”
“Ten?” Bodie gasps. “I thought it was five.”
“Inflation.” Sam shrugs, holding out his little palm.
Everyone laughs as Bodie digs out his wallet.
“Where did you learn that word?” Amelia asks, grabbing her purse from the table.
“I heard Colt say it on the phone.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “You’re gonna be a businessman, huh?”
“Maybe!”
Amelia picks up Lily, hugging and kissing her goodbye. Then she gives Sam the behave and listen talk before hugging him next.
Before leaving, I lean into Bodie and lower my voice so the kids don’t overhear me. “Make sure you lock up after us, okay? I double-checked all the windows earlier, but just in case. Secure the deadbolt.”
“Don’t worry, I got it. Plus, I know where you keep the bat.”
I huff a laugh. “Thanks again for watchin’ ’em. Shouldn’t be too late.”
He waggles his brows. “Take your time.”
Bellamy’s already in the kitchen getting their dinner ready, so I shout my thanks and goodbye to her before taking Amelia’s hand and walking out.
As soon as we’re by the truck, I cage her against the passenger side door and crush my mouth to hers.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” I murmur.
Her heated gaze lowers down my black slacks and white button-up. “You’re lookin’ quite handsome yourself.”
“It was torture not being able to kiss you in there.”
“You had to wait all of ten minutes,” she quips.
“Longest ten minutes of my life.” I kiss her again, and she grins against my lips.
The restaurant isn’t far, but I keep her hand in mine on the drive over and when we walk inside. I didn’t tell Aunt JoJo about us, but she’s smart enough to put two and two together, especially once I asked her to make us a reservation.
“It’s stunnin’ in here,” Amelia mutters once I take my seat across from her. “I’ve never been to a restaurant this fancy before.”
There’s a fireplace in the middle of the dining area, candles on each table, and dimmed lights throughout.
“It’s Mom and Aunt JoJo’s pride and joy. They decorate it for each season and holiday. The guests seem to love comin’ here.”
“I can see why. It’s cozy and intimate.”
She continues looking around, brows furrowed as if she’s on alert.
“You’re safe here,” I remind her, reaching across the table and grabbing her hand. “There’s a dozen servers and cooks, plus me. No one besides my family knows we’re here, and the kids are secure at the house.”
She subtly nods. “It just feels weird after being surrounded by the same walls for so long. When Bellamy took us to the strip club, there were mostly women inside, and it was the middle of the day.”
I hate hearing the nerves in her voice and knowing there’s nothing I can do about it. Even once this motherfucker is found that fear won’t magically disappear.
“They’re gonna catch him soon,” I reassure.
And if Sheriff Wagner can’t find him, Wilder and Maddox will hunt him down.
She reads over the menu once our server drops off our drinks and a breadbasket. Soft music plays from the speakers above us, but the private setting makes it nice and quiet.
“Pick out whatever you want, darlin’. Everything’s good.”
“I’m not sure what half of these options are.”
“You can’t go wrong with the steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta…it’s all delicious and comes in large portions.”
Once we order and eat some of our bread, we talk more about her childhood and growing up with her brother.
I tell her about growing up on the ranch with my siblings, and we spend most of dinner laughing and cracking jokes.
It’s the most freeing and comfortable I’ve ever felt on a first date.
Even though we’ve spent every day together since I’ve been here, it’s still the first time we’ve been out alone.
“Do you wanna dance?”
She takes my waiting hand, then I lead her around the table to the open space.
“This song reminds me of the first time we danced together,” I say, pulling her in closer.
“Who knew that one night would lead us here all these months later?”
“I hoped to see you again, but I took you bailin’ on me the next mornin’ as a sign you didn’t want that.”
She sighs with a knowing grin. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see you again, it’s that it made no logical sense to even try when I had so much else goin’ on, and we lived two hours apart.”
“What if we didn’t?”
“Didn’t what?”
“Live two hours apart. If I were a local, would that have changed anythin’ for you?”
“I dunno, maybe.” She tightens her arms around my neck. “Doesn’t change that I’m a single mom of two, work full-time, and take online classes. Datin’ wasn’t a priority for me at the time.”
“Since you don’t want to uproot the kids or be dependent on a man, I could move closer to you. I wouldn’t mind movin’ to Sugarland Creek. Or even Stonehaven Falls. That’s only an hour away.”
“What would you do for work?”
“Maddox’s family owns a bed and breakfast on their ranch. I’m sure they’d gimme a job if I asked or even Wilder would at his family’s ranch. I could still do some remote work for the resort and hire out for the other stuff I’m not available to do.”
“And how would that work long-term? You’d be okay movin’ away from your family?”
“Amelia, it’s only a couple hours. Drivin’ back and forth isn’t a deal breaker for me. Remy loves ridin’ in the truck too.”
“Sorry for questionin’ you. It’s just hard for me to accept that someone would go through so much trouble just to be with me.
Packin’ up and movin’ away from the only home you’ve ever known and changin’ jobs—that puts a lot of pressure on me to make sure it works so you don’t end up resentin’ me if it doesn’t. ”
I lift her chin, forcing her eyes to meet mine.
“It would be a pleasure to do those things for you, baby. For us. I want to find a way to make this work if you’d let me.
I’d never resent you for givin’ us a chance ’cause I’d rather we try and see what happens instead of givin’ up entirely and wonderin’ what-if the rest of my life. ”
“I’m not sayin’ I don’t want to be together and explore this more, but it’s hard for me to say without knowin’ what’s gonna happen. If I have to uproot the kids, it’d be for their safety, not for a relationship.”
“Okay, but let’s take that concern out of the equation. I’m askin’ if everything’s resolved and there’s no threat. What would you want?”
She bites her lower lip, and I worry I’m being too pushy or needy, but she smiles genuinely. “I’d want you.”