Page 73 of Blood

Quick thinking.

I wait with bated breath for Dad’s response.

“That’s very thoughtful of you, son.”

“What are you doing here?” Kaleb asks.

“We brought your car back. Besides, like your father could keep me away any longer.” Mom tuts, rounding the truck.

“You changed the tire?” Kaleb asks Dad.

“I’ve been known to do that from time to time. I do own a trucking business,” Dad sasses. I swear he’s where I get it from. “I don’t know what you went over, but it sliced the tire clean open.”

“I didn’t feel anything.” Kaleb frowns. “Thank you for fixing it.”

I watch as Mom pulls Kaleb into a hug. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. Relaxed.” He smiles as she pats his cheek.

Lowering the window, I poke my head out.

“You missed a bit,” I declare, pointing at a dry patch on the side of the truck.

“Oh, yeah,” Kaleb agrees.

I see the look on his face but don’t have time to react before the hose turns to me. Water hits my face, the spray fans out lighter than when he was aiming for the metal. Through the water I see his thumb covering the hole slightly to soften the blow.

My grin matches his.

“Asshole!”

“Samantha!” Mom and Dad yell.

Leaving me dripping in more ways than one, Kaleb continues to wash the truck.

My heart skips a beat, watching him smirk at our parents.

There’s no way this can end well.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Kaleb

“They already know. There’s nothing to worry about. They love you,” I promise, guiding Sam into Judy’s diner.

The morning dragged on as we waited to meet the others, although our little game of hide-and-seek entertained us.

Sam slows as we approach the booth. “You didn’t show them the photos, did you?”

“Are you joking? No, I actually like having my legs working.”

“Have they threatened you?” Sam rushes. “I’ll kick their asses if they did!”

The love I have for her swells because I know she means it.

“I wish I could kiss you right now,” I whisper in her ear, earning an elbow in the ribs. “I said I want to, not that I would,” I grunt.

Who knew elbows were so sharp?I rub at my new injury.