Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,147

her ear. “Time to wake up, beautiful.” That’s the second time tonight the endearment has fallen from my lips, and I can only hope she’s too sleepy for it to register.

Finally, her eyes leisurely open. I pull my lips away from her ear, which brings my mouth closer to hers. “Hey.” Her voice is raspy and laced with sleep.

“Hey.” I tuck a loose hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry to wake you.” If she only knew how true that statement is.

“It’s fine. Sorry I fell asleep on you.”

I’m not. “You were tired.” I want to kiss her.

“Yeah, I guess I was. Thank you for driving.” She makes no effort to move from the car.

“Aaron will be back soon,” I say. I know he will be wondering what the hell I’ve been doing, sitting outside with her for so long. Reluctantly, I back away and remove her keys from the ignition. “Let’s get you inside.”

Kinley meets me at the front of her Durango and surprises me when she places her arm through mine and leans against me. She has no idea how hard she’s making it for me to leave her.

We reach the door without her losing her grip on my arm, and I manage to get it unlocked. Looking down, I see she’s staring up at me. “Sweet dreams.” I kiss her forehead and step back. She releases her arm from mine and walks inside. “Lock up,” I say just as the door shuts, securing her safely behind it.

Locked away from me.

Chapter 16

McKinley

Looking at my watch, I see it’s after six; no wonder I’m starving. I’ve been in the studio since nine and have gone non-stop until just a few minutes ago. I had five sessions today and most of them ended up taking more time than they should have. Explosive diapers, tantrums, late clients—you name it, it happened. I need to set a firm line with being late, but it was three kids, ages: sixteen, nineteen, and twenty-one. Their mom is sick and they wanted to give her a picture of all three of them. It’s something she’s been begging them to agree to for years. These boys came in wearing their heart on their sleeves and I couldn’t turn them away.

Deciding I’ve had enough for the day, I pack up my camera and turn off the lights. Once in the house, I see my phone sitting on the kitchen table. I’ve been so busy today I didn’t even realize I’d left it. I grab a cold slice of pizza, left over from last night. Aaron, Evan, and I had ordered in. Mom and Dad are at a show in Tennessee, so it was just the three of us. After I pour myself a glass of tea, I balance my drink, my cold pizza, and my phone as I settle into the couch.

It feels good to finally sit.

I take a huge bite of pizza and swipe the screen of my phone. I see I’ve missed multiple calls from Aaron and Evan. I assume it’s just because they couldn’t get a hold of me, neither are too keen on the idea. I roll my eyes as I look at my missed text messages. Olivia was supposed to text me about going to the outlet malls this weekend.

I have a text from Mom, Olivia, Aaron, and Evan. I open Mom’s first; she’s just checking in. It’s like they forgotten I’ve lived on my own for four years while in college. I open Olivia’s next. She’s good to go with our shopping expedition on Saturday. I type a quick reply that I’ll be at her place at eight to pick her up. I open Aaron’s message next.

Aaron: Where are you?

Aaron: Call me as soon as you get this.

Aaron: MCKINLEY!

Something’s wrong. My hands are shaking as I try to tap the screen to read Evan’s texts.

Evan: Call me

Evan: Where are you? Call me as soon as you get this.

Evan: I need you.

Reading his last text slays me. With hands shaking even worse than before, I pull up my favorites list and hit Evan’s name. When I bring the phone to my ear, I feel the tears I was unaware were falling. The shrill ring of his phone and then the sound of his voicemail picking up—“This is Evan. Leave a message.”—causes a sob to break from my chest.

Hitting end, I tap Aaron’s name and hold my breath, waiting for him to answer.

“Kinley.” His voice is gruff.

“What’s wrong?”

“Where are you?” he asks.

“I’m at home.