15. Kat

15

Kat

I stretched and opened my eyes, smiling because, finally, I was where I belonged. I wanted to scream my love for River, but I knew that would scare him, so I kept it to myself. I showered and dressed and dug through my bag for my phone.

“Yes,” I said out loud, pulling out my phone and plugging it in. Then I walked Sissy outside to use the bathroom.

I wish Myrtle and Jack hadn’t become so attached to Penny, but as Jack said, they feel safer with her in the house because she barks when she hears something. I called Sissy, and we walked back inside. River stood there with Penny in his arms.

“How did you get them to give her up?”

“I convinced them they needed a smaller dog who wouldn’t chew everything up. I went back to the shelter and got them a Chihuahua. And they loved her. They said it would be easier for her to go places with them.”

“River Channing, I swear you better be careful, or I’ll fall in love with you.” He tilted his head back and laughed.

I cuddled Penny close, not realizing that tears rolled down my cheeks. River pulled me to him and kissed me. I will do anything for you if it makes you happy.”

“Why are you home so early? You always leave work at six like I always do.”

“That’s because you were there. Only men are there, asking me a million questions about you. So tomorrow, you can return to work, so they’ll leave me alone.”

“Good, I miss work.”

“I brought Mexican food. Are you hungry?”

“Yes. I’m glad you’re home early. What’s going on at work?”

“Gideon and Cyclone are going to Africa. Have you ever met Matt Grey? He’s with the Army Rangers Special Ops?”

“Yes, I met him when we were in Maine, and that girl was kidnapped. Matt Grey came by where we were and took Farron with him.”

“He’s over there; he said the kids are being used as sex slaves, and some American politicians are involved. He can’t prove it, but we know he’s right.”

“That angers me so much; I can’t believe people would do that. How can they use children like that? Bastards! Fuckers! Sorry.” I saw him looking at me, and I looked down and smiled; I was wearing his shirt. I could smell his scent on it, so I put it on.

“Do you want to take it off me?” I asked, already breathless.

“Hell yeah,” his hands went under the shirt, and he now knew I didn’t have panties on. He picked me up and carried me to the bedroom.