Page 36 of Reckless

11

Gage

Waking in Kelly’s bed with Kelly’s naked back curled into my chest wasn’t where I’d expected to find myself in the morning.

I had a “no sleepover” rule, which I’d always found easy to keep since I was usually on the road. But I definitely didn’t hate breaking it. My cock pulsed to prove it.

I knew she would be sore, so I held back. But the warmth of her body was a sensation I didn’t want to give up just yet.

“Morning.” She stretched and turned, snuggling her head in the crook of my shoulder.

“Good morning, beautiful.” I kissed the top of her head. “How are you feeling?”

“Mmm, good, but like I don’t want to move at all. I wish I didn’t have to go to work.”

“Don’t then. It’d be nice to just block the world out for a while.”

“Have to,” she groaned and shifted.

The moment we began to let the real world in, it’d get complex. And Kelly and I couldn’t get away with pretending even to ourselves that this was a hookup, there were far too many intense feelings between us for that.

“I should get up too. Mom will be waiting for me.”

“Yeah, I have to pop in and see my mom before work. She’ll send out the cavalry if I don’t.”

“Why, is that something you do every day?” She nodded against my chest. “Oh wow. You’re dedicated.”

“She needs me.” There was something almost defensive about Kelly’s tone. “She hasn’t coped well since the accident. She’s come a long way but just isn’t as independent anymore, loses track and forgets to do things like go to the grocery store, so I do a lot of that kind of stuff for her.”

The idea that Mrs. Cavendish hadn’t recovered from her grief settled over me like a weight. How would I react when the time actually came? Would I always find it hard without my mom around anymore? Kelly’s mother had spent the last seven years of her life without her loved ones. It was a prospect I didn’t look forward to.

“I better get in the shower…” Kelly’s arm flopped down on the bed, bringing me back into the here and now.

But I didn’t let her climb out of the sheets just yet. I dragged her in for a morning kiss before real life resumed. I didn’t know whatthiswas, if it was even anything, but right now, I liked it. “I’m only going to let you go if it isn’t for long.”

“Why? Do you miss me already?”

I chuckled and pressed my lips against hers one last time. “Yeah, something like that.”

“You could…always come to my mom’s with me? Say hi. It’s been a while, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Yeah,” I said, though my stomach wanted to tie itself up in a knot. “I could do that. That would be nice.”

The wonderfully bright smile I got in return was worth any awkwardness the reunion might bring. Maybe it wouldn’t be uncomfortable though. Or maybe she hated me for abandoning her daughter at a time when heartbreak had already consumed her world.

“Terrific.” Kelly rolled from the bed, and I reluctantly let her go. “I’m headed to the shower, you can have one after if you like.”

“I’d best, if I’m going to see your mom.”

“You look nervous.” She squeezed my bicep playfully.

“I just…I don’t know if she’ll want to see me…”

“I doubt it’ll be like that. It’s not like we’re dating and I’m taking you home to meet her for the first time. Sheknowsyou.” She gave me a slow wink. “Or at least the person you were before you got all bigheaded and famous.”

“Bigheaded?”

Her grin took over her face. “Mr. Rock Star, taking over the world one city at a time.” I loved the giggle that burst from her throat as I grabbed for her, but she was fast, sprinting for the bathroom. “I really need to get in the shower.”