Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

DEVIN

I didn’t think it was possible, but we’ve managed to fill my truck to the brim with holiday decorations. There are things I bought that I’ve never heard of before. Something called ting-ting which Joy explained goes on a Christmas tree. To me they were a bunch of swirly sticks sprayed in glitter, but they seemed to make her happy. That’s why I bought all of them.

“Okay, maybe we went a little overboard.” Joy bites her bottom lip as she watches me stuff the last bag in the backseat.

“We?” I tease as I close the door and tip my Stetson up. “I believe this is all your fault.”

“What?” She guffaws in shock as she pokes my chest. “You’re the one that kept buying literally anything I would touch.”

“Hmm.” I pretend to think it over. “You know what, you’re right. I guess you should have been more careful about what you touched. Because now all those things belong to you.” I rub the spot on my chest she just poked. “Well, what do you know? Guess it means I’m yours now too.”

“You’re a pain in my butt.” She rolls her eyes, but I see the grin she’s trying to hide.

“Nah, I’ll go nice and slow when I get in there.”

“Devin!” Joy’s squeals ring out as I pull her to me and tickle her sides. “Stop it, you're going to make me pee on myself.”

“I’m not sure if you peeing on me is a kink or not, but I’m willing to explore it if it’s that important to you.” We’re bent over laughing as I pull her to me and keep tickling her.

“You’re the worst,” she manages to get out between giggles.

The sound of her happiness is consuming, and I never want it to end. All day we’ve been in and out of stores, and every time I introduce myself, I make sure they know Joy belongs to me. After the first couple of huffs of protests, the tension in her eased, and she would laugh. The more I did it, the more she relaxed.

Soon enough, she was enjoying herself, and then it became fun. We played as we picked out decorations and talked about how to decorate the house. I have no clue about decorating anything, but she liked that I was into it, so I made an effort. Even the smallest effort seemed to mean a lot to her, and it made me wonder how she’d been treated in the past.

This is what I love most about being with Joy. The playful teasing mingled with touches is the best part of our time together. I love when she gives it back to me as good as she can take it and that she doesn’t back down.

“That’s fine, bunny,” I say when we straighten. She’s grinning from ear to ear as she catches her breath. “I’ll be the worst.” I pull her to me and touch the lock of hair that’s come free from her bun. I tuck it behind her ear and let my fingers trace along her cheek. “As long as it makes you smile like this, I’ll be anything you want me to be.”

It’s downtown after all the shops have closed, but there are Christmas lights twinkling around us. A few snowflakes land on her lashes as I look into her eyes and my chest tightens. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

“Devin.” She says my name like it’s a secret we share, and my thumb traces her bottom lip.

“I mean it, Joy. I meant everything else I said today too.” I bend down, and this time I don’t stop. My lips brush against hers with a gentle touch, but when she tilts her chin up, I don’t hold back.

This kiss, our first kiss, is the single greatest moment of my life. Everything has led to this moment, and I never want it to end. So when she parts her lips and I taste her sweetness, the moan that escapes me is primal. My fingers tighten on her hips, and I spin her so I can press her against the truck. A small whimper leaves her, but instead of pushing me off, she grips my jacket and holds me close.

We kiss and kiss like we don’t need air or food or water or anything besides our lips touching. Nothing exists around us, and the world goes quiet as our souls meet in the middle and bond into one.

The need to be skin on skin with Joy bears down on me. I’m going through places in my mind where we can quickly be alone and I can get her undressed. The local motel, the parking lot behind the Nutmeg Diner. At this point, I might just put her in the truck and do it right here and now.

“Joy?”

The sound of someone calling her name has both of us going still.

“Joy, is that you?”

We break apart, and I turn to see an older woman on the sidewalk scowling at us.

“Aunt Mary.” Joy clears her throat, and I can feel her entire body tense.

“Kent told me you’d shacked up with some rancher.” The lady scrunches her nose up like she smells something foul. “And now you’re making out in the middle of town for God and everybody to see.”

“Aunty Mary, I can explain.” Joy tries to step away from me, but I hold on to her so she can’t. “Devin, let me talk to her.”

Mary shakes her head and crosses her arms over her chest. “I always knew you were a slut just like your mama.”

“What did you say?” I release Joy so I can fully turn around and stand in front of her.

“This doesn’t concern you, cowboy. This is a family matter.” Mary points behind me, and I realize Joy has moved from my protection. “You let this man threaten my son. Kent is your blood, Joy, and you treated him like garbage.”

“Aunt Mary, I didn’t?—”

“Your mama was the town whore, so I shouldn’t be surprised you’d turn out like this. I just didn’t expect you to turn your back on family too.”

“Wait just a damn minute.” I clench my fists at my sides and remind myself that murder is illegal.

“Devin.” Joy’s voice is empty of emotion as she moves in front of me. “Give me a second. I need to talk to my aunt.”

Every part of me is screaming not to let her go, but I stand there like my feet are stuck in concrete as she walks away.