Page 16 of Out of the Dark

I nodded, and fished out my phone again to text my mother back.

Jillian:I’m fine, Mom. Sorry I didn’t text. Spent the night at a friend’s.

I looked back up at Hutch. “See, all good.” My phone immediately dinged back.

Mom:Would this friend happened to be named Hutch Kelly?

My sister was dead to me.RIP, Josephine. I texted her next. I was now an only child.

Jillian:You are dead to me, Jo!!*skull emoji*

Jo:Whatever do you mean? Tell me he’s hung like a horse though.

Jillian:Ew, gross. He’s your future brother-in-law.

Jo:You didn’t see his dick. I thought I raised you better.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket, blushing. “All good.” I grinned at Hutch as he watched me. “My sister asked if I saw your penis.”

Hutch nearly spit coffee from his nose. “What?” He coughed, placing his cup on the counter. “That’s kind of awkward. You two talk about stuff like that? Does she talk about Pat’s, er, penis?” He blushed and ducked his head.

I giggled. “When they first started dating, she did, but I finally told her I didn’t want to hear about it anymore because it was weird to me.” I moved to wrap my arms around Hutch’s waist. “If and when we ever have sex, I can assure you I won’t gossip about it.”

Hutch yanked me against his chest. “Not even if I have a giant wang?” he teased. “Like ten inches or whatever?”

“Do you?”

“Maybe.”

Hutch pressed his lips to mine. “You want some coffee?” His voice dripped with heat. “Or you want to stand here talking about my dick a little longer?”

“It’s so hard to decide. Coffee, dick, coffee, dick. Can we do both?” I laughed when he tickled my ribs until I could hardly breathe, begging him to stop, but secretly praying he didn’t. It wasn’t until I saw the worried look on his face that I realized something was bothering him. “Hutch?”

He cupped my face in his big hands. “You’re really here, Jills? I mean, this isn’t some dream that I’m having, only to wake up and find I’m alone?” His browns searched my face worriedly.

“I’m here.” I gripped his wrists tightly, and felt him relax in my hold.

He slowly broke into a smile that lighted his entire face. “Are you hungry? I could cook us some breakfast,” he offered, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m sure the Egg is packed this morning unless you want to go there instead?”

“Breakfast in sounds perfect.” I couldn’t imagine anything better.