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DEKE

“You look beautiful.” We made it to my place in time to off load our bags and grab a quick shower, which sucked because keeping my hands to myself while conserving water was bullshit.

If it weren’t for us needing to get there early, I would have taken the time to appreciate just how gorgeous the woman beside me is.

“Thank you. You look mighty handsome yourself, Mr. Hart.” I lick my lips, taking her in. Her hair is pulled back on top of her head, tendrils framing her face here and there, and light makeup is dusting her cheeks, lashes thick with mascara.

“Sunshine, not a damn thing compares to you.” I turn to face her. We’re waiting at the bar, which is standing room only, both of us sipping on a bottle of beer. Kels is in a two-piece dress of some kind, its vibrant color complementing her skin tone, slashes of skin peeping through on the sides.

“Well, I can tell you one thing: I’m a sure thing.” Crazy, wild woman.

“Maybe I’m not,” I tease her. My hand is sliding around her waist, bringing us closer together. In all reality, as soon as we get the past squared away, you won’t find me without Kelsey any day of the week.

“Oh, sure. The heaviness between your legs is telling me a whole other story.” I smile down at her, enjoying our moment together. The noise of the restaurant with all the chaos surrounding us, it all is drowned out.

“It’s just for you, Kelsey.” I bend my head down and press my lips to hers, and that’s when the hostess calls out my name.

“Mr. Hart, party of two?” I pull back, grumbling about losing her lips. She laughs but has no problem snuggling closer to me. My hand wraps around her side as we follow the hostess towards our table.

“I hope you enjoy your dinner.” I pull Kelsey’s chair out, nodding at the hostess as Kels takes her seat before sitting down myself.

“Thank you,” Kelsey replies.

I no sooner take my seat than the waitress approaches our table. It’s like God has some kind of twisted fucking sense of humor.

“My name is Candice, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you started on anything?” My eyes move from hers and to Kelsey’s. The girl from high school isn’t that anymore; she’s the epitome of ridden hard and put up wet, aged beyond her years.

“I’m not sure yet. Deke, do you know what you want?” My hand is in hers; she squeezes mine to get my attention.

“No, not yet.” I shake my head. I’m sure she can sense something is going on.

“How about a suggestion of your choice? This is our first time here, and we’ve yet to look at the menu,” Kelsey states, thankfully, because I’m trying to wrap my head around how my past is colliding with my future.

“I’ll give you guys a few moments instead,” Candice replies.

“Actually, Candice, can we change tables or ask for another waitress?” Kelsey’s eyes bulge out. It’s been weeks since I’ve been short and to the point around her.

“Okay, Deke, I can do that for you. I’m sorry.

” She sounds defeated, but that’s not my problem.

That’s on her. I’m not responding. The only person who matters is the woman in front of me.

Her bright blue eyes are full of questions that deserve the answers I’m willing to give her.

My hand squeezes hers lightly one last time, the other reaching for my beer that’s half full.

I take a few long pulls. Meanwhile, Kelsey is patient, assessing to make sure I’m okay but giving me time all the same.

“Thanks, Kelsey.” She drops my hand, moving away.

I guess there goes her giving me a minute.

She’s out of her chair, and I figure she’s leaving, and she does, in fact, leave.

I’m alone with my thoughts, wracking my brain on how to fix this.

If I’d have told her the truth from the very beginning, this wouldn’t have been a problem.

Fuck, if I had fixed my shit years ago, maybe things would be different.

I take the last few sips of the beer that’s still in my hand, the other feeling numb without Kelsey’s warmth.

“Shit.” I stand up, pull out my wallet, and throw a twenty on the table. At least it’ll help another waitress out. The beers were paid for at the bar. Now it’s time for me to go after Kelsey.

“Hey, let’s go. I just told the hostess we wouldn’t need our table anymore.” Kelsey’s voice skates over my shoulder. A sigh of relief leaves me.

“You sure? We’ll stay. I’m not going to let one person ruin our night,” I say, turning around and cupping her cheek.

“Positive. How about we pick something up instead? We can eat it on the beach, and if you’d like to talk, well, I think it’s time I actually let you.” She wiggles her eyebrows before stating, “Then maybe you’ll give me your cock again. It’s been a lonely few weeks.”

“Yeah, I’ll tell you everything. Then, if you can forgive me, I’m going to end our night with sliding inside of you, not a fucking thing between us,” I respond.

“I’m not sure why you think I haven’t already forgiven you for being a ginormous dickhole, because it’s done and over with. You telling me about your past is more for you and less about me.” She lifts onto her toes, lips touching mine. They’re soft and sweet, so much like Kelsey.

“Let’s get out of here. I’ve got a woman to seduce,” I tease.

“Just who is that woman, Deacon Hart?” I laugh at her joke.

“There’s only woman who’s ever had my heart, and she’s standing right in front of me.” It’s an admission, but it’s also the truth.

“Well, then, I vote we leave this joint in the past. It kind of sucked, plus we’ve got better places to be.” I shake my head, holding in my laughter because only she can make the storm that’s raging all around me stop to a standstill.