“Here. In Shadows Landing. She and Karri belong here. She’s tougher than she looks, but she also feels more deeply than she shows. I wasted so much time when I got together with Harp because I thought it was the wrong time for a relationship. Don’t make that mistake. That woman is in it for the long haul. Bro, she came to knitting club!” Dare said as if that explained it all. “Also”—Dare reached behind him and pulled out a 9mm— “take this. You see an alien getting too close, shoot him.”
Trent took the gun and slapped Dare on the shoulder. He was a good man. “Thanks. How did you know I needed the gun and the advice?”
“That’s what friends are for. Call me if you need anything. I’m good at undercover work.” Dare winked at him and then left. He waved to Miss Winnie and Skye before driving off.
Trent looked around and opened the narrow entry table drawer to hide the gun. By the time he made it outside, Skye had already thanked Miss Winnie and was waving at the taillights headed back down the drive.
It was so natural to wrap his arms around Skye and pull her to him. He leaned back just enough to look into her face. “How are you?”
“I take it they told you about the alien?”
“Yes. We have a game plan on how to make it appear that nothing is out of the normal. Hopefully, he’ll see I’m alone at home during the day and then leave us alone.”
“Just let Miss Ruby show him the alien penis she knitted for him and he’ll go running back to L.A. or wherever he came from.”
“Alien penis? What kind of knitting class was that?” Trent asked with laughter as he led Skye inside.
“This month’s theme was erotic knitting. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun. Also, when this is over, I’m totally taking Miss Mitzy and her grandson to a movie premiere. Her mean daughter-in-law can suck it.”
Trent burst out laughing. Dare was right. Skye fit—fit in his life, in his family, in his town, and in his heart.
“So, I’m your girlfriend, huh?” Skye looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. “Does that mean we’re going steady? I already feel as if we’re sneaking around. What if someone catches us making out under the bleachers?”
Trent tamped down his smile and played along. “I had my class ring all ready to give you, but if you don’t want it,” Trent shrugged. “And I wouldn’t have made out with you under the bleachers. I was thinking of the bedroom where I’d slowly strip each article of clothing from your body. With each newly exposed area, I was going to kiss, lick, suck, and maybe if you’re a good girl, nibble my way across every inch of your body.”
Trent saw her chest rising and falling quicker as her eyes dilated with desire. “However, I’m a gentleman and would never dream of doing that to someone I wasn’t involved in a relationship with. I’d only do that thing with my tongue and my fingers.” Skye gasped and her cheeks flushed. She remembered the move he was talking about. “As I was saying, I’d only do that with my girlfriend who I hoped to have in my life for a very long time. So, let me show you to the guest room.”
Trent made it two steps before he felt Skye leap on his back. He caught her instantly and hooked her legs with his arms. “What I’m hearing is not only do you want to go steady, but I might be promise-ring material.”
Trent chuckled as he carried her inside and used his foot to close the door. “I’m saying you’re already promise-ring material, but what am I to you?”
He felt Skye’s head lower to rest against the side of his head. He felt her warm breath on his neck and the way her arms tightened over his chest. “You’re the kind of guy a girl dreams about marrying. Does that scare you?” Her voice was a whisper over his skin. The thought of marriage used to have him running. Any mention of it felt oppressive. However, it felt entirely different when she said it. He felt excited for a future with her in it.
“Not with you,” he answered with raw honesty.
Trent carried her upstairs. He felt too exposed to say another word until he set her on the bed. He turned to gaze