“And the next time you whatever me will be your last.”
He flashes me a smile. “Where are we going?”
“For a drive.”
He’s back in less than a minute and flies out the door with his shoes untied. Once we’re in the car, Tessa steps on the porch with her arms crossed. From the driver’s door, I stare at her for a long minute with the question in my eyes, and she hesitates before she slowly nods in reply.
Trust and permission.
My love for her only grows, and I swear then and there that I’ll do whatever it takes to show her how much I need her, to continue to never make her pay for choosing me, or the life we have. But it all comes down to decisions.
But for now, I still have a part to play.
Dom bristles at my side as I pull out onto the abandoned road and turn on the radio. I drive for endless miles before he begins to stare at the side of my head.
“Dad, we can go for a drive anytime,” he reminds me as I try to hold my smile.
“It’s a decision.”
“What is?”
“To drive right now. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I can sense his deepening frown in my peripheral vision. “I guess.”
“There you go.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
“It makes perfect sense.”
“Shit,” he sighs, slumping in his seat. “You go driving with a loaded pistol at night? This is the big secret? Pretty anticlimactic.”
“I was your age when it started.”
“That’s some epic tale, Dad.”
“That mouth of yours,” I glance his way, giving him a look reserved for few, “can you keep it shut?”
When he remains quiet for several minutes, I pull over and put the car in park. We idle on the side of the road, gazing on at the black outline of the mountains in the night sky. I turn toward him in the seat. “I guess what I’m really asking is, can you keep a secret?”
THE END
Listen to The Ravenhood Duet playlist
First and foremost, I would like to thank every reader, whether this is your first book by me, or you’ve read my library, for taking a chance on this duet. This duet was most definitely a product of my wayward imagination, and I so enjoyed penning it, so thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart for reading.
Thank you to my incredible group, The Asskickers, for roughing this year out with me. It’s been one hell of a ride, and without you, it wouldn’t have been bearable. I tell you every chance I get, but I’ll never miss the opportunity to put it in print. I love you. I love you. Thank you.
Thank you to my incredible friends and author homies, who have supported me along the way, you know who you are, and I love you dearly.
For my editors—
Grey—Just the right amount of words structured in the best way could never, ever, convey my gratitude to you for the last five solid months of support. You’ve inspired me, lifted me, helped me so much in allowing myself to think outside the box. Not only that, our conversations and friendship grew, and I love the place we’re in. You are, by far, one of the most selfless, most hard-working gals, and let me be clear. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU. Thank you for being the inspiring friend I needed and the expert in polishing the thoughts I couldn’t. I love you.
Donna—You came into my life as the most positive person I’ve ever met. You continue to surprise me with your consistency in being the most amazing listener, the perfect sounding board, and with your knack of knowing exactly what words I need to hear and what words I’m missing. You are, by far, the most spirited, most beautiful of humans, and without you, I would be completely lost. Four thousand and forty-one miles separate us, and yet we are never apart. I live for our conversations. Your friendship means everything to me. Thank you for being there, without fail, every day. Your beauty is endless, and I’m so incredibly lucky to know you. This duet WOULD NOT be what is without you pushing me the way you always do, because you know I can do better. Thank you, thank you, I love you. I constantly pray I’m the friend you deserve, though I’m sure I’ll never measure up.
For my team—
Thank you to my beautiful French bestie, Maïwenn, for handling all of the translations. For taking pain staking