Forever After All - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,18

need to feel them again. Closing the distance, I do exactly that and kiss her. I take my time, tracing her lip with my tongue, before pulling back. “Let’s get you home to visit with your grandparents.” I try like hell not to lean in and devour her. Dropping my hands, I wait for her to move so I can open the door for her. Not another word is spoken as she climbs in, and I shut the door. I don’t need her words. I saw the heat in her eyes, and the rapid rise and fall of her chest. She’s just as affected by that kiss as I am.

Taking my time walking around the back of the truck, I adjust my cock in my jeans. I meant what I told her. I don’t know if I’m good enough. To be honest, I’m not sure there is a man out there who is, but I want to be. I know she and I need to talk. I need to tell her what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling, but that opens the opportunity for her to push me away. Right now, she’s letting me kiss her and hold her. I need to take this slow. At least I need to try to until we talk.

“Thanks for the ride,” she says once I’m settled behind the wheel.

“You’re welcome. Any special requests for the lake?”

“No, not really. Whatever is fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, just the thought of being there and relaxing is enough.”

“I’m proud of you,” I tell her. “We’ve missed you.” I’ve missed you. “But I’m so fucking proud of you for chasing your dreams.”

“Thanks.” Her reply is softly spoken. “I can’t wait to be done with the bar exam. I feel as though I’ve lived with my nose stuck in a book my entire life. This was always the goal, to finish law school and come home to work with Gramps. I’m so close I can taste it.”

“You’re going to nail it, Kenna,” I say, pulling into her grandparents’ driveway. “You’re badass like that.” I put the truck in Park. “They’re proud of you, and I know they’re glad to have you home,” I say, pointing at the house.

“Yeah, Gramps keeps telling me he’s ready to retire. He’s keeping the practice open for me. I really hope that I get a little time for us to work together.”

“I know he’s been looking forward to this as well. I’m sure he’s going to slowly make his transition.” In fact, I know he is. I keep an eye on Harold and Agnes and have dinner at their place at least once a week. McKenna is the light of their life.

“I know. They saved me.” She looks over at me. “Gramps fought the courts for me, and that’s why I want to be a lawyer. I want to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

“You’re amazing.” I lean in and press my lips to hers. “Now, go say hi to Harold and Agnes for me. Call me or text me when you’re ready for me to pick you up.”

“I can—” I hold my index finger to her lips to stop her.

“Call me, Kenna. I’m not going to the lake without you.” I wouldn’t be much fun watching the clock, wondering when she was going to get there anyway.

Her shoulders relax. “Okay. Thank you again. For everything.”

“My pleasure, beautiful.”

Her cheeks instantly turn a light shade of pink as she reaches for the handle and climbs out of the truck. I should have opened the door for her and walked her to the door, but I know me. I know I would never leave. Not unless she made me. I crave her. Sleeping with her in my arms, waking up the same way, I want that every day and every night. I should never have let it get that far because now, she’s all I can think about.

Pulling out of her grandparents’ driveway, I point my truck toward town. Mentally I’m making a list of the things I know she loves. At least, I hope she still loves them. My girl wants a relaxing day, and that’s what she’s going to get. Making sure to buy her favorite things will show her that I pay attention. She’s not just my sister’s best friend, and it’s time I let her see that.

We’re going to have to have that talk, and soon.

I know she’s stressed about passing the bar. I’ll hold off until she takes the exam, but after