Page 125

DEKE

Instead of standing on Kelsey’s front porch like the loser I was yesterday, this time, I try the handle, not expecting it to be unlocked, and yet open it does.

“Motherfucker.” I’m assaulted with music, something rich and soulful, nothing like you’d hear on the radio with today’s hits.

It’s something older, reminiscent of a different era.

How I didn’t hear it when I pulled up to her place, I have no idea, but I clearly should have, with the front door unlocked, windows open, and back doors leading to her back porch.

Kels is nowhere in sight, though. I set the food down on the counter.

I ordered way more than what she asked for, partially because there’s nothing bad from the Pink Pony, and if there are leftovers, I figure it’ll keep her fed for the next day.

“Sunshine!” I call out, moving out to the back deck, but not seeing her anywhere.

Her place is really fucking nice. Kelsey may have complimented my condo in Florida, but it doesn’t hold a candle to her place.

It might be small and on the older side, but the view and the ability to walk through sand dunes and then be at the beach make more than up for its age.

I don’t see her anywhere, and I highly doubt she’d be out walking along the shore knowing I’d be here, so I’ll save that idea if she’s not in one of the bedrooms or in the shower.

Fuck me, the thought of Kelsey in the shower has my cock already hard and aching.

It never seems to be enough when it comes to her.

“Honey, I’m home, Kels,” I announce my presence as I walk through the hall, not finding her in the spare bathroom or either of the bedrooms. One is used for what looks like storage.

Boxes upon boxes are stacked. There’s enough room to walk around, grab the one you’re looking for, and carry it out.

I put two and two together and realize this must be the overflow from her boutique in town.

Makes sense, really; it’s not like the storefronts are very big to have storage for anything extra.

“I’m in here,” Kelsey responds. The other door is closed. No telling what’s in that room. Probably a bed, some furniture to house a guest or two.

“Shit, woman, you leave your house open and unlocked for just anyone to walk in?” I ask, not say, without any pleasantries once my eyes land on hers.

“Deke, it’s not like everyone knows where I live.

This place is off the beaten path, and I knew it was you when I heard your car door shut.

You’re as noisy as a stampede of elephants.

Hi, by the way. Sorry, I was trying to get this last order in for Beach Babe.

” Kelsey is sitting on the floor, back to the foot of the bed, legs crossed in front of her, typing away on her laptop.

“Hey.” I walk further in, bend down. I was going to kiss the crown of her head, seeing how she’s in work mode.

That changes when Kels’ head tips up and our lips meet instead.

I’m not complaining, though, enjoying the feel of her soft pliable lips.

I suck on her upper lip before pulling away.

“I’ll go get dinner plated. Will that give you enough time?

” I can see the dazed look in her eyes when I pull away, not sure if it’s from the kiss or me trying to do more after being an absolute bastard.

“Um, yeah. Help yourself to whatever. There should be beer in the fridge for us to have with dinner. Thanks for picking it up, by the way. I’ll pay you back as soon as this is done.” I’m already shaking my head at that bullshit.

“I’m not broke, sunshine. I think I can afford to pick us up dinner and not go Dutch.

” I’m clearly going to need a lot more help when it comes to making shit plain as day that I want more than the fake relationship we pretended to have, or this friends-who-give-each-other-orgasms arrangement.

Asa wasn’t much help besides telling me to do better.

That leaves either talking to my other brothers, Leena, or my mom.

There’s only one problem with that: none of them know Kelsey came with me as a favor, and the ration of shit I’d get from my mom alone…

Yeah, I’m not prepared for that. Though, there is my father.

He might understand it more than anyone. Maybe I’ll give him a call tomorrow.

“Fine. Next time, it’s on me.” I don’t reply.

Over my dead fucking body will I let that happen.

I walk out of her room and make my way to the kitchen, where I take the to-go containers out of the bags, figuring instead of dirtying dishes, we’ll just eat out of them.

I grab a couple of beers out of the fridge and slide the key lime pie inside before rummaging through the drawers until I land on silverware, scooping up some knives and forks.

It doesn’t take long for me to find everything we need and make my way towards the back patio.

Operation “Make Kelsey Mine” is underway, and I won’t stop working until she is.