Page 40 of Blood (A Killer’s Love #4)

Kaleb

Jogging down the last few steps to the ground floor of the cabin, I pause.

Mom and Sam are plating up the last of the food to take outside.

“Finally!” Mom huffs playfully. “Where did you run off to?”

“I just needed to go fetch something,” I say evasively. My left hand drops to pat the pocket of my slacks, and my heart races as if they can see through the material. “What, a man can’t have a free moment around here?”

“A man probably could.” My girl smirks.

A smile lights up my face.

“Behave, you two. Baby, grab the deviled eggs on your way out, please,” Mom asks, looking at me. “You okay with the salad and tongs?”

“I got it,” Sam reassures.

As soon as Mom is out the door, I trap my girl against the kitchen island. “That wasn’t very nice,” I pout.

Sam laughs, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You like me when I’m not nice.”

My hands slide around her waist, settling on the curve of her ass. “I like you naughty. There’s a difference.”

She smiles against my lips. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Hmmm,” I hum. Stepping back, I take in her blue sundress. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”

“You did.” She nods. “Several times but I could hear it again.”

I slant my lips over hers. “Fucking gorgeous.”

“Remind me why we’re dressed nicely for a family barbecue.”

“I wanted everyone to look nice for my birthday, and you love me.”

My kisses move down the side of her neck. The taste of sunscreen mixes with her unique taste.

“Don’t leave a mark,” she warns.

“Hey, you two lovebirds, knock it off. Shelby just pulled up,” Michael’s voice booms.

I pull back with a groan. “Remind me to tell Lara that it was Michael who broke her Christmas bauble.”

“The glass one?” Sam gasps.

“Yeah.” I release her, making my way around the counter to pick up the platter of eggs. “He knocked it off the tree on accident. He’s commissioned another one from some place in Maine.”

Sam pauses in picking up the salad. “She thinks Rex did it.”

“I know.” I chuckle, following her out.

As if he heard his name, the golden retriever joins us at the kitchen door. Tripping, he misses a step with his back leg. All energy and no grace. Takes after his dad. I laugh.

Seeing her baby get underfoot, Lara calls out to him.

“Rexy!”

The eager pup sprints away.

I take a second to watch my family.

My family. Two words I never thought I’d get to say.

People who taught me what unconditional love truly feels like.

My heart swells.

Reaching down, I pat the small square box in my pocket again.

Best Fourth of July ever.

The End.