Page 119

DEKE

“That fucking woman.” I look down at my phone for what’s probably the eighteenth time in the last two hours after dropping Kelsey off.

I think I’ve finally met my match. I don’t want all these thoughts running through my head, wondering if she’s okay, if she made it safely home, or God fucking forbid Phillip came snooping around her.

I’ve prided myself on not getting attached, so feeling the need to pick up the phone and call Kels is driving me insane.

The place I have here in Gulf Shores is sufficient enough, yet not what I would buy if I were to live here full-time, which is looking more and more like what I’ll be doing in the near future.

This location here in Alabama is thriving with new construction as well as remodels.

I’d be stupid to quit taking the work on.

The crew has no problem working, which I’m sure has a lot to do with overtime for the time being.

And if Leena can handle the administration side, Montana the plans, we’re solid.

I’d hate to have to be stuck inside the trailer all day, working on the shit Tanner does.

It’s not for me. Half the time I don’t think it’s for him either, but he makes it work.

An alert on my phone pings. I’ve already told myself that I’m not answering it.

I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks or might say.

There’s no way I’ll be looking at my phone, not right away at least. I veer off into the hallway, shaking my head.

That dark-haired beauty is sucking me into her vortex, one that I want no part of.

She’s fiercely independent, can hang out with the best of them, and I bet if I asked for a repeat performance of this morning, she’d be game.

Hell, with the way Kelsey acted this morning, she’d be leaving just as quickly as she came.

My phone goes off again. I figure it’s just a reminder alert for the previous text.

Since I’m still wired from the drive home, plus the weekend, I figured I’d go over some paperwork, projects that need to get started this week.

Better than grabbing a shower, jacking off to images of Kelsey that are permanently ingrained into my memory, then going to bed, where I probably won’t get a wink of freaking sleep.

Another ping comes from my phone. I swear it’s like the world is out to get me tonight. I’ve barely sat down in my office and started up my computer when it’s like a rapid-fire succession in text alerts.

“Son of a bitch.” My first thought is it might be the never-ending family group chat.

No matter how much you want to put them on silent, you know the minute you do, an emergency will come up.

I stand up, the chair screeching across the floor.

That’s what I get for buying cheap for the time being, unsure if I’d need to plant some roots.

A folding table and kitchen chair is what I’m currently using.

Clearly, things are on the up and up, which means I’ll need to find a more permanent place than the rental I snatched up that allows me to pay month to month.

I pick up my phone, seeing that there’s more than a handful of text notifications.

Mom: I like Kelsey. She’s always welcome.

Keller: Mom is planning the wedding now. Might want to just elope. It seems to work for the rest of the siblings.

Leena: I’m so bummed I missed getting to know her. Don’t screw it up, brother bear. The Harts need more estrogen.

Tanner: I wonder which sibling will end up pregnant.

Mom: You boys always gang up on me.

Asa: I’m willing to bet Leena’s next in the baby department, which means you’re up with the wedding bells, Deacon the beacon.

Me: Alright, you’ve all had your fun. Shouldn’t the elders be sleeping anyhow? And, Leena, go enjoy your honeymoon. I’m sure Kels will be around again.

“Shit, shit, shit.” I run my hands through my hair, backing out of the family text. There still isn’t anything from Kelsey, and the shitstorm I just created could mean I’ll need her around for another family event. A war goes on inside of me—should or shouldn’t I?

“Fuck it.” I pull up Kels’ number and fire off a text.

Me: You make it home okay?

It’s short and to the point. I see the bubble appear telling me she’s replying, then it disappears. I keep my phone out and open, not letting it go into sleep mode, hoping like hell she’s at home and not still at the store.

Kelsey: Yep. Lying in bed. Miss me already?

Me: Good, and if by missing you mean you coming all over my cock, the answer is yes.

Kelsey: Well, if you weren’t such a dick on the way home, maybe you’d be in bed with me right now and I’d have no problem making us both come again.

This woman. No matter how much distance I put between us, there’s still a pull, one that I’m not willing to figure out, but if she’s willing to share her body with me, well, I’d be a fool to say no.

Me: How about you let me apologize with my head between your thighs?

It doesn’t take her long to respond, and when she does, I should have seen it coming.

Kelsey: Not tonight, big guy. If let you make me come twice in one day, you’ll be addicted to this P.

Me: Fuck, I’m never prepared for the shit that comes out of your mouth. I’ll be at your place tomorrow after work. Be ready not to get any sleep.

I don’t wait to see her response and put the phone down. A shower is in my future, and my imagination is running wild with just how many ways I’m going to make Kelsey come.