Chapter 3
KELLAN
“Do you ever get used to the forest?” Jenna asks as we start to drive back to Old Hemlock Valley. “It’s beautiful.”
“Maybe some people do. I don't. I’ll never take it for granted, either.”
I reach over to give her knee a gentle squeeze, and her right hand rests over mine for a moment, just long enough to continue this amazing connection we've been experiencing.
On the surface, this has been a casual lunch date while running a birthday errand. No tension, just laughing and life stories and frequent breaks for Jenna to take photos of my hands on various things.
Which of course makes me think where I would really like to be putting my hands...all over her inviting curves.
The heat of that kiss back on the patio was completely over the top for a first date. It tells me what I've suspected from the moment our eyes first met: Jenna and I have a real connection.
Jenna’s head jerks up as we pass a sign. "I hate to ask, but would it be much of a detour to check out a town called Pinesley?"
"Not much of a detour at all, but why would you want to go there?"
"Apparently there's an abandoned church there that’s supposed to be beautiful. And one of the requests on my photo list was for old churches."
My foot eases off the gas, slowing down considerably to take a bumpy turn from the highway onto a smaller road.
"Sure, we can swing by and still make it back before four. But please don’t ever go there alone.
The town has some…problems. Several years ago, a whole bunch of people lost their jobs at once and a rough crowd moved in. "
We hit a pothole hard, and my hand lashes out to press against the top of Jenna’s shoulders so she doesn't fly forward. "I'm so sorry. That one’s new. The shadow of that tree was right across it, so I didn't notice it."
"Yeah, what's with the roads around here?"
"Temperatures shift really fast here due to the wind around the mountain. Asphalt doesn't last as long as it would in a city."
"Makes sense," Jenna shrugs. "But shouldn't the town be looking into it?"
"Yeah, I guess. Maybe—" I stare off into space, thinking.
Jenna taps my knee. "You okay? You blanked out there for a sec."
"Oh, I’m fine. I just realized… We are the town." I'm already smiling. "What's the address of this church? While you're busy shooting, I have an idea."
We arrive at our destination about ten minutes later, after sharing stories of our favorite TV shows and childhood books.
I notice that Jenna doesn't talk much about her family.
She mentions her mother, and that her father left when she was ten, then changes the subject back to photography.
I don't press the issue, though of course I’m curious.
I do a quick survey of the church to make sure it's safe, then give Jenna some space to take her photos. Pulling out my phone, I send a message to the group chat between my brothers.
I know I’m not the only one sick of these potholes all over this area of the mountain. We’re looking for problems to throw money at. Why don't we fix them? We don't want anyone going off the road this winter, right?
I quickly begin researching asphalt curing temperatures, then send another note.
Looks like we probably only have about three weeks before the temperature becomes too unstable.
Kaden: Damn – why didn't I think of that?
Kingston: Yeah, seriously. Why didn't we think of that months ago?
Kai: We were all busy getting girlfriends and being super distracted. Kellan is the only one left with his eye on the ball.
It doesn't feel like the right time to tell them I've met an incredible woman.
I look over to see Jenna crouching by the steps, zooming in on a section of old brick. Then she swings her camera up to shoot the spire and stained glass with the brilliant blue sky above. I can't wait to see her photos. I can already tell that she's talented.
Kane: So do we ask permission from the various towns or just inform them this is being taken care of?
As long as the work is done correctly and is 100% free, I'm sure they'll be fine with it.
Kingston: Everyone will be MORE than fine with it. People complain constantly.
Kaden: Apparently hot asphalt repair will last the longest. It'll take some trucks and supplies, but the actual labor is straightforward. We just need to map out where all the holes are.
What if we made an app? Everyone in the area could drop a pin wherever there’s a pothole or the edge of the road is getting ragged. After a few days, we can just drive any roads that haven't been covered.
Kingston: That's a great idea. Maybe not having a girlfriend does make men sharper, LOL.
Kaden: I'll start organizing the supplies. Kingston and Kane, can you start working on the app itself? Bare bones, obviously, then we can refine it together.
Kingston: Sure.
Kane: On it.
Kai: I'll look for training videos so we can put a workforce together and get everyone up to speed.
I'll start finding the workers themselves.
Kaden: Perfect. Go team!
Kai: LOL!
My chin jerks up as I hear Jenna come over. "I think that's enough for today."
I close the chat and glance at the time on my phone. "Perfect. If we go now, I'll get you home a bit early."
We pass through downtown Pinesley so I can take the other highway home and Jenna can see a different section of the forest. I look over and squeeze her hand as we pass a parking lot filled with men just standing around.
"I can't tell if that's a drug deal going down or they just have nowhere else to go," she sighs. "It really looks like a ton of people around here need work."
"You're right."
We've already turned out of town and are heading home when it clicks. "We can hire them!"
Jenna turns to look at me. "Hire who for what?"
"Sorry, I was just chatting with my brothers. We’re going to put together a couple of work crews to repair the roads all over this section of the mountain before it gets too cold, which gives us about three weeks.”
I look over to see her beautiful green eyes staring hard, confused. "You mean you're going to ask the town council to help?"
"No. We’re going to buy the equipment and supplies and pay the workers ourselves."
Her expression is still kind of frozen, so I pull over and stop the truck before I turn and take her hands in mine. "Look, I wasn't going to bring this up quite yet, but if you look up my company online, you'll find out soon enough."
I thread our fingers together, smiling gently.
"Wolfe Security has accidentally become a global encryption powerhouse. We’re making a fortune, like, a truly ridiculous amount of money.
My extended family has always supported businesses in towns around here, but since the company exploded, we’ve really been looking to spend as much as possible.
We’re finishing up a school expansion. Kai has started work on an RV park to bring in tourists.
And now we're going to fix all the roads.
I mean, it needs to be done, right? So…"
Jenna's shock seems to be wearing off as we both lean closer. "When I first laid eyes on you, I assumed you were a lumberjack. Then you tell me you're some super tech guy. Now you’ve basically told me you're Robin Hood?" She smiles, quirking up an eyebrow. "Which of those is closest to the truth?"
"Put those three in a blender," I chuckle, "then blitz it up with a dash of boring homebody."
"Sounds delicious," she murmurs as I lean in to kiss her gently. This time it feels different. Like we're truly bonding. My fingers slip into the back of her hair, and as the kiss deepens, I hear a faint hum or a moan.
Knowing that Jenna feels this electricity too sends a surge through me as prickles dance across my shoulder blades. I realize with embarrassment that my cock is already thickening, and it takes a moment of concentration to get myself back under control.
"You're so beautiful," I whisper, pulling away. “Trust me – I need to kiss you for at least an hour or three. But I promised I'd get you home on time."
"Right."
We straighten up and start driving, then I shoot her a sideways glance. “I still don't know what you mean by feeding a monster."
"I'm staying with my aunt and taking care of her cat. His name is Monster. He’s on a very specific schedule. If he's not fed at four pretty much on the dot, he's been known to tear the place apart. It’s her one rule for staying there."
"Then rough roads or not, I'll get you there."
We arrive at five to four, which gives me just enough time to walk Jenna to the door. “Is your aunt around now?” I ask, as we lean against the big wooden post on the front porch.
“No. I’m house sitting for the week.”
“Any nosy neighbors to worry about?” My hand slides slowly around Jenna’s waist, holding her close. The sweet fragrance of her hair is already arousing me. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
She smiles. “No, I think most people are still at work.”
I pull the jewelry box from my back pocket and slip it into her purse. Then I dip my head to kiss lightly along her cheekbone. “I had an amazing time with you today.”
“Yeah, it was fun.” She looks up at me through her long lashes. “Thank you for a wonderful lunch and the gorgeous necklace.”
As I stare into her stunning eyes, my breath becomes unsteady. “So beautiful,” I whisper, leaning in to kiss her softly.
The taste of her skin on mine sends my mind spiraling. I’ve never wanted anyone or anything as much as I want this precious girl. The way she kisses me back sends fire surging through my veins.
Before I know it, I’ve backed Jenna up against the siding, our bodies pressed together as her fingers trail into the back of my hair.
A deep shudder runs through me when I picture what’s going to happen soon: my gorgeous girl naked and spread out for me while I worship every delicious inch of her. It’s just a matter of time.
Speaking of which…
After one more frantic, breathless kiss, I step back. “Go feed your floof monster, beautiful. We don’t any kitty freakouts. I’ll text you tomorrow.”
“Okay. See you.”
When she opens the door, there’s an accusatory yowl from inside. Jenna shoots me an adorable grin, then disappears.
I stride back to the truck with a spring in my step I’ve never had before.
I have an amazing girlfriend.
It’s too soon to use that label, but I dare anyone but Jenna to stop me.