“Girl, you’d better throw on that black bodysuit we bought together and go get another orgasm.”
Chapter 14
Michael
“Boo.”
Mom startles in her office chair, her hand flying to her chest. “Michael Jensen Montgomery.”
“Ooh, I got all three names this time.”
Mom glares at me, her bright blue eyes turning from shock to annoyance. But then her lips twitch, giving away her amusement. “You’re such a turd. What are you doing here?”
I move across Mom’s office to sit on her loveseat. Bookshelves packed with everything from the classics to baby books line the walls. It was one of my favorite places to be when I was little. Mom would work at her desk, looking out over the backyard, while I curled up on the couch, reading. I always loved the way the sun shone on her blonde hair. It made her look like an angel, and despite the decades since, she still looks exactly the same to me.
“I came to borrow the camping stuff.”
Mom waves her hand in the air. “You know you don’t need to ask. It’s in the garage where it always is. Although I think your dad tucked the single tent toward the back of the shelf when he was organizing the other day.”
I should’ve known she’d assume I was taking the smaller tent. I’ve never had a reason to use the bigger one. Fuck, I was hoping she wouldn’t make me say it. “Uh…I was actually going to use the bigger one. As well as the air mattress, if that’s okay.”
Mom’s eyebrows wing up her forehead. “Of course it is.”
“Thank you.”
“Why the sudden need for extra space?” Her innocent expression isn’t fooling anyone.
“You know exactly why. I’m not giving you any details.”
“Please?” Her pouty lip makes her look silly, and I have to bite mine to keep from laughing.
“No. I’ll share when I’m ready.”
“So there’s stuff to share?”
“Yes, but you’re sworn to secrecy. Don’t tell any of the rest of the family.”
“Oh,” Mom gasps. “Is it Ad?—”
“Don’t.”
Mom’s teeth clack shut when I interrupt her.
“I’m not saying a word, and neither are you. You know nothing.”
She mimes zipping her lips. “You weren’t even here. I had no clue you borrowed the camping stuff.”
I soften, my insides melting a little at her constant support of me. She’s the mom I always wished I had before I was removed from my house. I couldn’t believe my luck when it finally sank in that she had chosen me to be her son.
I stand to press a kiss to the top of her head. “Thanks, Mama.”
She holds her hand out, just as she used to when I was a kid and needed comfort. I wrap my fingers around her small palm and give it a gentle squeeze before striding out of her office. I clear my throat to remove the tightness that had been building and head to the garage to gather the camping stuff.
I’ve got a woman to woo.
After a quick stopat the grocery store, I drive to the lookout and park my truck. This field has become a well-kept secret in our family. About fifteen years ago, my parents bought it outright, and now we all come out here when we need a little space from the small-town busybodies. How none of us has ever run into each other is a minor miracle. I’ve camped out here many times as a way to decompress.
Making quick work of the tent, I get everything else set up and in its place. I light several torches to minimize the bugs and then start a small fire in the pre-dug pit. While the fire catches, I send a text to Addie, telling her to meet me out here.
