Chapter Six

Carson

I’ve knocked on the hotel room door until security asked me to leave. I know this isn’t what Sky wants. She doesn’t need to say it. Her true answer is in the way we were with each other last night. It’s the way we’ve been with each other for years. It’s in the part where she says she’s thought of me like I’ve thought about her.

How do I pretend those words weren’t said?

I pull in a deep breath and type out a text.

Me: Last call. If you want to go home, I’ll take you home.

There’s a delay between the time she reads my text and when she answers, which makes me think she’s debating her response.

Sky: Kelly is already on her way.

Me: You could call her and tell her to turn around.

Sky: I could, but this is best. I’m sorry.

I don’t know how to respond, so I don’t. What the fuck can I do? She doesn’t want me. If she wants to live her life in denial, that’s her choice… for now.

I climb up into the truck and break down when I see her snacks, her blanket, her water jug, the Pop-Tart from yesterday, all still sitting there, waiting for her. I’ve fucked around for so many years. For so many fucking years I’ve wanted her, needed her, fantasized about touching her. Hell, if I’d have told her how I felt years ago, maybe she’d be pregnant with my baby right now. Either way, going on now without her, after what happened last night, isn’t possible.

She’s mine.

I dial my brother, and he answers on the second ring, sounding miserable as always. “Gentry here.”

“Hey, bro. I need a favor.”

“What’s that?” He’s never been big on favors. He’ll help you out if you really need the help, otherwise, his firm stance is ‘ deal with your own shit.’

He says it enough that the guys tell him he should have it inked on his arm.

“This guy up in Cheyenne. I need you to send someone up there for me.”

“Aren’t you getting paid to do that?”

“I am, but… there’s a change in plans.”

“Is the change in plans that you’re fucking the girl you’re supposed to be protecting?” His tone is gruff.

I glance to the side and pinch my lips together gently. “What?”

“You’re in love with Sky. I mean… you don’t hide it well.”

I’m a little confused, because as far as I know, I’ve been hiding it really fucking well. “Huh?”

He laughs. “You just gonna play dumb or can we progress this conversation?” He’s so blunt, that at times, it’s a little off-putting.

“We haven’t told anyone yet.”

“We? So, you’re a thing now? Get her shit then and come home.”

Jesus Christ. “No, bro. We’re not a thing and I need help. So, can you send someone up to Cheyenne? You have the address in the computer.”

He laughs. “No, I can’t, man. Your job. You finish it.”

“I can’t leave her here.”

“Why would you?”

Clearly, this isn’t going to go as planned.

“You really are a pain in the fucking ass, aren’t you?”

“No.” I can see him holding his arms in frustration from hundreds of miles away. “You said you’d do a job, so I figured you’d do it. And if I can be honest with you, I think you’re making a huge mistake.”

“How the fuck am I making a mistake?”

“She’s so much younger than you, bro, and she’s your best friend’s sister. You’re supposed to have more class than that.”

“Oh, fuck off. Who the hell are you to give advice? You spend all your time alone.”

He groans under his breath. “Take care of your shit and enjoy your ride home, little brother.” The line disconnects and I sigh. I should’ve known better than to call Gentry, especially regarding something like this. The dude has been jaded for God knows how long, all because he’s hung up over someone he couldn’t have.

For a moment, I look into the future. Maybe it’s not bad that I called him. Maybe it’s good. Maybe I needed to call so I could realize that letting this end right now only leads to a life of disgruntled misery.

I can’t do that, not when I know without a doubt that my little bug wants it too. She wanted it, and no one can take care of her like I can. There’s no doubt in my mind. The thought of her even falling into someone else’s arms with that baby makes my skin crawl. I couldn’t handle seeing it.

Pulling my phone out, I text her again.

Me: Tell Kelly to turn around.

I don’t wait for a response. I hop down from the truck and stalk back into the hotel. Security doesn’t see me. Thankfully the place is small. I think there might only be one guard patrolling.

My phone beeps but I ignore it. It doesn’t matter how she tries to push me away anymore. I’m not stopping myself from making this happen. She’s mine. Even when she wasn’t mine, she was mine. And this time, I’m not walking away empty-handed.

I stalk down the hallway studying each number on the doors.

Fifteen.

Sixteen.

My stomach knots. She could keep the door locked and never decide to let me in. She could call for security or the police.

Seventeen.

Then again, she could let me in, and we could make things better.

Eighteen.

I knock on the door. “Open it or I’m knocking it down.” I hadn’t expected those words to come from my mouth, but here they are, spilling out like I have no brain in my head.

“Leave,” she shouts, “or I’m calling security again!”

“Call them. I’m not moving.”

“You’re psychotic! I’m not opening the door.”

“Tell me you never wanted this,” I growl. “Tell me you don’t love me and I’ll walk away. I’ll walk away for good.”

She doesn’t speak, but the lock unlatches, and the door opens a crack.

Tears stream down her face. “You’re losing it. Do you know that?”

“Actually,” I swallow hard, “I think I might finally be making sense.”

The door opens a bit more, and she stands with her arms at her side. She hasn’t invited me in, but she’s given me the space to enter.

I don’t hesitate. I step through the doorway, hold her against my chest, and lean into her lips, brushing them ever so gently, savoring the moment. My eyes close and her small, smooth hands brush against my arms as our bodies do what they’ve known as right all along.