Forever After All - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,17
“Don’t you have to study?”
“Yeah, but uh… Rip talked me into taking the day off.”
My sister winks at McKenna, then looks past her to me. “The lake. Today is the perfect day to soak up some sun.”
“Kenna?”
“Sure, I’m good with that.”
“You sure?” I only want to do what will make her happy. She deserves the break.
“I’m sure,” she says, leaning toward me just a little. “I need to check in with Grams and Gramps, just out of courtesy.”
“I’ll drive you over. You text me when you’re ready to head to the lake.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I can walk. And you don’t have to wait for me. I can meet you there.”
“I’ll drive you,” I counter. I don’t even address that she can meet us there. The others can do what they want. I’m going to wait for her.
“Rip,” she sighs, and my cock twitches. I love the sound of my name falling from her lips.
“Kenna, I’ll drive you over. It’s not a big deal. I’ll head into town and grab some ice for the cooler and some stuff for the lake. It’s on the way.” I know she lives just across the field, but it’s at least a fifteen-minute walk, if not more, and it’s hot as hell out today. It’s supposed to be pushing the high nineties. Besides, that’s all the more time I have to spend with her.
“You know he’s stubborn,” Laramie chimes in.
“Fine. Thank you.”
“I’m ready when you are.” I stand and grab her plate and mine and place them in the dishwasher.
“What about my plate?” Corbin asks, smirking.
“Are your legs broken?”
“Nope,” he says, popping the p. Then he turns his gaze to McKenna with her long legs in those short-ass shorts. “Mac’s aren’t either,” he says. I can’t see his face because he’s looking at her, but I know he’s kidding. At least I think he is. As one of my best friends, he knows I’ve had a thing for McKenna since before she left for college. He would never try to swoop in and claim her as his. I know that, but it doesn’t stop the growl in my voice.
“James,” I say, calling him by his last name. It’s a warning, and everyone here knows it.
“Watch out, bro,” Colby tells him. “You’re about to wake the beast.”
Corbin throws his head back and laughs. “Stop, my head can’t take it,” he says, pressing his fingertips against his temple.
It serves him right. “That’s what you get,” I tell him. Walking back around the island, I place my hand on McKenna’s back as she stands. I want to slide my hand under her tank top to feel her soft skin. “Ready?” I leave my hand above her clothing.
“Yeah, I just need to run upstairs and get my clothes,” she says, her face flushed.
“I’ll throw them in the wash with mine and give them back to you.”
“Really, that’s not necessary.”
“I’ll wash them,” I say, guiding her to the front door. “I’m heading into town. Any requests?” I toss over my shoulder on my way to the front door.
“Get stuff for sandwiches, and I’ll make them up when you get back,” Laramie answers.
I throw my hand in the air in a wave, not bothering to look back. Once we reach the front door, I grab my keys from the bowl that sits on a small table in the entryway. “After you,” I say, pulling the door open.
“Thanks,” McKenna says softly.
Once the door is shut, my hand goes back to the small of her back, and I guide her to the passenger side of my truck. When I reach for the door handle, she stops me with her hand on my arm.
“You don’t have to open doors for me, Rip.”
I smile down at her. “If a man isn’t opening doors for you, Kenna, he’s not worth your time.”
“Are you saying that you’re worth my time?” She seems shocked at her own question.
Letting go of the handle, I lean in until her back is pressed against the door of my truck. I brace my arms above her head, my palms flat resting on the window. “I don’t know,” I say, staring down into her big brown eyes. “I want to be.”
Her intake of breath tells me that she’s surprised.
I want to kiss her. It wouldn’t take much for me to lean in just a little further and press my lips to hers. I already know what her lips feel like, pressed firmly against mine. That doesn’t mean I don’t