Page 130 of Mountain Daddy

My daughter safe in my house.

My woman safe in my arms.

And I want to keep this.

This feeling.

This sense of peace.

I want to keep it so fucking bad that it breaks my heart.

“Wake up, Baby.”I gently shake Kendra’s shoulder.

She grumbles something but doesn’t move.

“I don’t want to get up either.” I yawn and tighten my hold on her. “But if we don’t go now, then we’re gonna have to lower you from the balcony with tied-together blankets.”

“That only works in the movies.” Kendra tips her head back and cracks an eye open to look at me. “But nice of you to offer. After the chair, I figured you’d just toss me over the railing.”

I grin. “I’d never. And certainly not after you took directions so well.” I flex my fingers against her side. “Who knew you had it in you.”

The hand on my chest shifts, and she tugs on my chest hair.

“Watch it.” I slap my hand down, trapping hers with a tsk. “It’s too early for punishments.”

She huffs.

The alarm on my phone that I snoozed a few minutes ago starts up again.

Groaning, I release her hand and reach over to turn it off.

“What time is it?” Kendra rolls onto her back beside me.

“Little after five.”

“Five?” She says it like it’s the most absurd thing she’s ever heard.

“Uh-huh.”

She groans but starts to sit up. “At least I can go back to sleep when I get home.”

I think about crawling into bed with her at her place… then I remember it’sJoe’s place. And we don’t know what time he’s coming back.

Defeated, we both get up.

With minimal talking, we head into the bathroom and brush our teeth together, finally utilizing my double vanity.

I pull on jeans and a flannel while Kendra stays in her sweatpants. Then we exit my room.

We’re both silent as we walk down the hall. And even though I’m sure she’s sound asleep, I still keep my eyes on Ashley’s closed bedroom door.

The stairs are quiet under our feet, and we make it to the mudroom without incident.

I have to toe Ashley’s shoes out of the way before I can step into my boots. And as I bend down to lace them, I can’t stop the ache in my chest.

It’s early Friday morning, and I’ll get to see Kendra tomorrow afternoon when she comes over for the party. It’ll be here before I know it.

But when she’s here, I won’t get to touch her.